Employers in the UK now want all higher education students to enter work with practical management and leadership skills, according to research from the Chartered Management Institute.

The research report, 21st Century Leaders, was published with the Chartered Association of Business Schools and Institute of Student Employers, and surveyed more than 1,000 managers and 830 students.

It showed that 70% of employers believe management, enterprise and leadership modules should be integrated into all degree subjects to boost employability. Meanwhile 66% of employers say they want to see graduates achieve professional qualifications as well as their main degree.

The findings also suggest that business and management students recognise the advantages of such qualifications, with 75% saying that they looked for a combined professional body accreditation when selecting their degree.  Meanwhile, a majority of managers (85%) said work experience should be embedded into courses to help develop skills and make students more employable.

The growing emphasis on graduate employability has been driven by employers concerned about skills shortages, with 82% of employers reporting problems recruiting managers.

Overall, 62% of employers say they look for graduates with practical management and leadership skills.

“Our research shows that employers want leadership and management skills to be baked into all higher education courses to give students the work-ready skills needed to prepare the leaders of the future,” Ian Myson, Director of HE Partnerships at the CMI, said.

“Every graduate should leave education with a professional qualification to enhance their employability – and, as CMI’s data show, it also increases student satisfaction scores for universities. Employers must now work with higher education and professional bodies to create a skilled workforce ready to meet the business challenges of the 21st century,” Myson said.