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17 Feb 2009 12:01:12
The number of students applying for courses at the University of Bedfordshire has risen for the third year running.
The latest figures from the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) show almost a 24 per cent rise, compared with the same period last year, putting Bedfordshire in the top five universities in the country for increases in applications.
The University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Les Ebdon, has welcomed the news. He said: “Nationally there has been an eight per cent increase in applications, so we’re delighted to be well ahead of this figure. Competition for places this year will be tougher as more school and college leavers turn to university rather than enter a fragile job market, and many people who have been made redundant are going back into education to retrain. Getting a degree will allow them to be much more employable when the economy does begin to show signs of recovery.”
Bedfordshire reported its largest increase in applications in 2007 with a 41.2 per cent leap. This was followed in 2008 by a further rise of 9.1 per cent. And the conversion rate from applicants to firm acceptances of a place has also increased dramatically. In 2005, the conversion rate was around one in six. This year, one in 2.88 applicants accepted an offer of a place.
Subject areas showing growth include Sport; Tourism and Leisure; Psychology; Journalism and Communications; and Performing Arts and English.
Professor Ebdon added: “We’re thrilled that our university continues to go from strength to strength and this is reflected in these latest figures. The multi million pound redevelopment of the Luton campus will undoubtedly attract more students in the future so we are very excited about our growth and the benefits this will bring for the local community and the region’s economy.”
For a further breakdown of the 2009 application figures visit - http://www.ucas.com/about_us/media_enquiries/media_releases
Latest news» 2009» February» Applications to Beds rise for the third year
