A STUDY has revealed an Oxford University student's social background does not determine their career outcome.

Analysis of nearly 3,000 undergraduate leavers suggests a degree from the University 'levels the playing field' and indicates a subject choice does not limit career options.

However, results do show differences in certain areas, including higher average starting salaries for students from Black and Minority Ethnicity (BME) backgrounds, which researchers say is 'probably as a result of chosen industry sectors'.

Jonathan Black, Director of Oxford University's Careers Service, who led the research said: '"At open days, careers staff will often be asked questions such as 'What am I going to do with this subject?' – particularly by applicants who would be identified as widening participation candidates under Oxford's flagging system or are perhaps the first in their family to apply to university.

"This research should provide reassurance not only that social background has no bearing on an Oxford student's career prospects, but that course choice is also unlikely to limit a student's options when they graduate.'"

The study examined data from 2,791 Oxford leavers who responded to the 2014/15 Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education survey. A host of socio-demographic measures were then added to these data, including levels of educational and financial advantage, school type, sex and ethnicity.

The study found no statistically significant difference in employment rate or mean starting salary between Oxford students flagged for measures such as financial or educational disadvantage.