Graduates get foot up on job ladder - graduate jobs

A North East university has pledged £200,000 to help graduates land their dream career in an ever-decreasing job market.

Durham University has pledged £200,000 to help its graduates compete for jobs more effectively in a tougher economic climate.

More than 100 of Durham University's top graduates will be able to apply for a new £2,000 scholarship on a one-year taught postgraduate course, to begin October 2009.

The new scheme is aimed at teaching graduates a range of enhanced transferable skills in order to give them an advantage when competing for the very best jobs.

To get on to the course, the 102 successful candidates must demonstrate strong academic achievement and potential on an application which will be assessed by a team of senior Durham academics.

Professor Anthony Forster, pro-vice-chancellor for teaching and learning, said: "We've launched this scholarship because we recognise that, even for the most academically able and talented graduates, it's a tough economic environment in which to seek employment.

"We want to give our graduates an extra incentive to build on their skills, ensuring they are in the very best position to get a firm foot on the career ladder."