Edinburgh Napier University

  The acceleration of technological innovation means that higher education must prepare students for an unknown future like never before, and help them see their position in relation to an increasingly globalised economy. Transition from university into graduate employment is challenging, as the number of graduates increases faster than the number of suitable vacancies with employers looking for demanding combinations of technical and soft skills in their new staff. This study set out to explore students’ perspectives of their futures with a view to providing insight into the nature of the student journey through university, and in particular for students approaching graduation. Rich pictures were used to explore student views of life beyond university in the UK and Canada. Rich pictures are collaborative drawings which stimulate discussion and students in the study revealed future visions; both negative and positive. This paper explains the use of RPs and presents study findings.