Those looking to study a degree need more information about the skills employers need, a new survey suggests.

Graduates in the workplace - does a degree add value? from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, found that a third of graduates feel they did the wrong course.

Almost a quarter (23%) of those who graduated in 2005 that would choose a different course would opt for a more scientific/technical course and 22% would choose a business-based course or a professional qualification.

Victoria Winkler, CIPD Learning, Training and Development Adviser, said: "These findings suggest that the Government needs to work alongside employers to find out what skills are needed in the workplace. This information then needs to be fed into schools and colleges so that school leavers have the information needed to make a more informed decision about the course they choose to study and their future career."

However, the majority of graduates felt they had learned important skills at university and 90% would do it all again.

Around three-quarters (64%) of respondents graduating in 2005 believed their degree had it had helped with the skills and ability required to do the job. And the same proportion felt that university improved their communication skills, presentation skills, team-work and confidence.

Financially, it seems that the graduate salaries are on the slide. The increase in average starting salaries between those who graduated in 2000 and 2005 is just 8%, with those graduating in 2005 earning a mean starting salary of £19,451 and 2000 starting with a mean of £18,016. This is below retail price inflation and average earnings in the same period, the CIPD said.

Many felt that costs and related debts are stopping them from buying a house, starting a family and saving for retirement six years after they graduated.

And the financial news is worse for women as the the gender pay gap is expanding. According to the CIPD the gender pay gap has doubled since 2001, and men graduating in 2005 earn a starting salary that is 14% more than the average woman graduating in 2005.