A survey of 15,000 UK students found they are willing to take on longer hours for less pay when they graduate.

Onrec reports the trendence Graduate Barometer UK edition revealed expected salaries had dropped from a peak of £24,900 in 2009 to £21,600 in 2011 while expected working hours had risen from 41 hours a week in 2008 to 48 in 2011.

The survey also found students expect to submit 27 applications over five jobhunting months - down from 31 applications over four-and-a-half months. Oxbridge students plan a lower number of applications. Almost a quarter of them expect to make 10 to 14 applicatons.

Kathryn Callow of trendence UK said: "Today’s students are clearly willing to work hard both at the application stages and upon entering the world of work. They have also shifted their salary expectations in line with bigger changes in the market such as widespread pay freezes.

"What is interesting to note is the disparity between overall figures and those relating to high achieving students who are very aware of their status as top talent and that recruiters will fight to take them on. This is clearly reflected in the number of applications they expect to make which is significantly lower than other students."