Today

A third of graduates believe they studied the wrong course at university, a British survey has discovered.

And nearly a quarter of these said they wished they had chosen something more scientific or technical.

More than a fifth would choose a business-based course or a professional qualification if they had the choice again.

According to the survey, many graduates feel the costs and related debts associated with university are stopping them from buying a house, starting a family and saving for retirement.

The survey, carried out by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, questioned 876 former students who graduated in either 2000 or 2005.

The average starting salary for a graduate in 2005 was £19,451, compared with £18,016 in 2000.

The survey found that a third of those who graduated in 2005 are failing to contribute to a pensions saving scheme.

The gender pay gap has doubled since 2001, the study found. Men graduating in 2005 earn a starting salary that is 14 per cent more than the average female graduate.

And just 57 per cent of women graduating in 2005 contribute to a pension scheme, compared to 70 per cent of men.

The survey also found that two-thirds of those questioned felt their university could have offered better career advice.

However, 90 per cent of respondents said they would go to university if they had their time again.

Victoria Winkler, CIPD training adviser, said: "A combination of fierce competition for graduate jobs and graduates taking longer to find work appears to be having an impact on their views about their choice of degree.

"The findings show that with reflection many graduates would study a subject that relates directly to business or that will better equip them with skills that are transferable into the workplace.

"However most graduates value their time at university, and would still go to university if they had their time again.

"These findings suggest that the government needs to work alongside employers to find out what skills are needed in the workplace.

"This information then needs to be fed into schools and colleges so that school leavers have the information needed to make a more informed decision about the course they choose to study and their future career."