QQI Data Series - Trends in numbers graduating with bachelors or masters degrees

A new QQI analysis of graduation trends at NFQ levels 8 and 9 from 2015–2024 highlights shifts in the numbers completing honours bachelor degrees (HBDs) and masters degrees across both public and private/independent higher education institutions. Together, these awards represent roughly three‑quarters of all NFQ level 8 and 9 qualifications, with the private sector awarding a slightly larger share of masters degrees.

The report identifies four major findings:

1. Growth in masters degrees relative to HBD, particularly within the private sector.
2. Demographic patterns, outlining differences between HBD and masters degrees graduate profiles.
3. Variation in fields of study, with notable differences between sectors.
4. Insights on provider distribution.

The analysis draws on QQI certification data and HEA data and provides a contextualisation of these trends, showing similarities with developments in the EU, the UK, and the USA.