Physiology graduates contribute £22.6 billion to the UK economy every year

Professor Damian Bailey

A new report launching in Parliament today and featuring a case study from University of South Wales (USW) shows that physiology graduates contribute £22.6 billion to the UK economy ever year. This is equal to supporting 777,200 jobs.

In the first independent analysis of its kind to quantify the impact of physiology education on the UK economy, it was found that every £1 invested by a student in their physiology education yields them £4.40 in higher future wages.

Approximately 97% of students who study physiology related courses stay in the UK after graduating, contributing a staggering £35.6 billion to society and the public purse through higher earnings and added tax revenue. Plus, they will save £825.9 million in social costs across healthcare, unemployment benefits and crime.

The analysis, carried out by independent economy agency Emsi Burning Glass for The Physiological Society and Academy for Healthcare Science, demonstrates the importance and need for physiology to be at the heart of university courses, public health, and clinical care.

The report will be launched in Parliament on Tuesday 7 June at a reception hosted by Stephen Metcalfe MP and including contributions from Catherine Ross, Scotland’s Chief Healthcare Science Professions Officer, and Chi Onwurah MP, the Shadow Science Minister. The event also features MPs from across the country, as well as leading physiologists, educators, and practitioners.

In addition to the economic analysis, the report also features case studies showing the variety and impact of occupations helped by physiology graduates. From USW, Damian Bailey, Professor of Physiology and Royal Society Wolfson Research Fellow, spoke about neurodegeneration (loss of brain function) caused by recurrent concussion in contact sports.

Case studies like this one show that, beyond the lab, physiologists are working in communities, hospitals, elite sport settings, schools, universities, and many other environments, with huge benefits for society as a whole.

Professor Bailey said: "As an integrated physiologist and Fellow of the Physiological Society, I'm delighted to contribute to this vital report, highlighting how physiology education and training collectively serve to benefit our patients, public, and economy"

The report is focused on the economic impact of courses related to the physiological sciences delivered by UK higher education institutions in terms of added income to the UK economy and jobs supported. The findings are based on student data from the academic year 2018-19. The total contribution to the UK economy could be greater than calculated in this report.

Read the full report: www.physoc.org/physiologyeducation.