Drama students at Essex University go on to be the lowest-earning graduates in the country, according to a national study.

Students who study drama, dance and cinematics at the university are earning an average £11,963 per year six months after finishing their course.

The Sunday Times league table of graduate salaries found top graduates were earning nearly four times as much.

The country’s highest earners, computer science graduates from Oxford University, had an average wage of £43,895.

In response to the survey, a university spokesman said: “In performing arts we have the second highest student satisfaction rating in the entire country in this year's National Student Survey.

"The employment levels for our graduates in this sector have also improved substantially over recent years and are high for the sector.

"We support our graduates to go into exciting and vibrant industries, and degrees in this area can lead to rich opportunities and rewarding careers, even if financial rewards initially may not seem to be as high as in other sectors.

"We have a longstanding international reputation in drama, dance and cinematics, with students coming from around the world to study at Essex.

"Our alumni include Blake Harrison from The Inbetweeners, Hollywood star Reece Ritchie, and TV star Alison Steadman."