Bucks is in top ten most popular universities

Buckinghamshire New University has experienced one of the highest percentage increases in applications to UK universities, according to statistics released by the Universities & Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) today (8 February 2010).

The University saw a 54 per cent increase* in applications for full-time undergraduate courses, compared to 2009 statistics, putting it in the top ten universities for percentage increases in applications.

The University has also seen one of the highest growths in applications for full-time undergraduate honours degrees, seeing a 49 per cent increase this year. Although the rise can be attributed in part to changes to the application procedures for art and design students,** it still represents a significant achievement for the University.  

Figures released today show that, as of 22 January, the overall number of applicants to UK universities and colleges for full-time undergraduate courses was up 22.9 per cent on this time last year, with a total of 570,556 applicants.

Bucks New University’s position is thought have been prompted by a review of its course portfolio, the smooth completion of a major campus consolidation and re-development programme, and a significant commitment to enhancing the student experience through a package known as the Big D£al, which comprises free access to a range of activities and events, in addition to a non-means-tested bursary.

Prof Ruth Farwell, Vice Chancellor of Buckinghamshire New University, said the latest UCAS figures were a ‘beacon of pride’ for the University. She said: “During difficult economic times and during a period of great transition it is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all at the University that we have kept our application numbers admirably high.

“We are delighted that today’s figures confirm our position as an attractive proposition for university applicants. We look forward to building on this hard work in the future and continuing to ensure that Bucks is among the first places in many students’ thoughts when they come to consider which university to attend to help shape their future.”

Editor’s notes:

* The 54 increase relates to foundation degrees and degree courses. The 49% figure excludes foundation degrees. The rankings are based on comparison with other universities and exclude further education colleges.

UCAS is a charity and is the world's leading shared admissions service for higher education. The service manages applications for full time undergraduate courses, together with applications through GTTR (Graduate Teacher Training Registry), CUKAS (Conservatoires UK Admissions Service) and UKPASS (UK Postgraduate Application and Statistical Service). Since its inception in 1993, UCAS has processed around 30 million applications and placed over 5 million students on higher education courses.

Headline figures from UCAS show another record year for applicants to higher education - the fourth year running that full-time undergraduate applications have seen an increase. As of 22 January 2010 there were 570,556 applicants, a rise of 106,389 or 22.9% over 2009.

The UCAS applications digest lists the number of applications made by applicants to individual universities and colleges recruiting students through UCAS for higher education courses starting in autumn 2010 (or the following year for those applying for deferred entry). The data refers to applications (choices) not applicants.

**In previous years, there were two routes into art and design. Route A had the deadline of 15 January and Route B - for the collation of applicant portfolios - had a 24 March deadline. For courses starting in 2010, the majority of applicants now apply through the normal route.

The deadline for applications was changed from January 15 to January 22 this year due to the adverse weather conditions.

The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) recently announced further reductions in funding for higher education and continued restriction on the number of publicly-funded students. The funding council has yet to notify individual institutions of the maximum numbers of students that they will be permitted to take.

Buckinghamshire New University is the only state-funded higher education institution in Buckinghamshire. It has enjoyed a long and successful history since it was founded in 1893. The University now offers a range of exciting and innovative awards not widely available in the sector, from commercial pilot training to music industry management, textiles and furniture, and spanning the creative and cultural industries, the management and information management sectors, and the public sector.

The University saw a 33.7% increase in applications in 2009 compared to figures for the previous year – the second highest increase at a UK university – and a 40% increase – the highest at a UK university – when foundation degrees were excluded.