The first full UCAS figures for 2010 entry published today (8 February 2010) show that the number of English students applying to full-time undergraduate courses at English universities and colleges has increased by 22.2% compared to the same point last year.
Commenting on the figures, Sir Martin Harris, Director of Fair Access, said: “As UCAS points out, there are a number of underlying reasons for this dramatic increase, such as changes to the deadline for some art and design courses and the phasing out of the Nursing Diploma. However, even allowing for these changes, there is no doubt that applications are up significantly, a very welcome increase that can be attributed in part to rising aspirations and attainment.
“Nevertheless, with a cap on funded places and universities who over-recruit facing fines, many applicants are going to be disappointed. Last year, fears that the demand for places would affect widening participation did not materialise. In fact, the numbers and share of accepted applicants from the most disadvantaged areas for 2009 entry actually increased.
“However, this does not necessarily mean we will see the same happen for 2010 entry. I would therefore urge all universities to continue to make sure that this unprecedented demand for places does not disproportionately affect disadvantaged students.
“I would also urge all students to investigate fully the bursary support on offer before selecting which offers to accept. There is a large variance in the financial support offered – even within groups of similar universities – and recent research commissioned by OFFA showed that many students are not factoring this into their UCAS decision-making.”
Notes to editors
1. The Office for Fair Access (OFFA) is an independent, non departmental public body established under the Higher Education Act 2004 to help promote and safeguard fair access to higher education. Our main remit is to regulate the charging of higher tuition fees by English universities and colleges offering higher education courses.
2. For further information, please contact Zita Adamson, Communications Manager, on 0117 931 7272 or email press@offa.org.uk.