Derby Records Fastest Rate Of Student Applications
1 March 2011
The East Tower at Kedleston Road, part of the Derby Campus.
Demand for undergraduate student places for this September at the University of Derby is already four times the national average, senior managers have revealed.
The anticipated national clamour for student places this September is being more than observed at Derby - a full seven months before lectures even begin.
The University has already passed the 20,000 applications (direct and UCAS applications) mark for the September intake.
According to UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service) applications received by the first UCAS deadline (15 January) for Derby recorded a 22.4% increase (a total of 19,136 applications) in comparison to the 15,632 received at the same point last year. Nationally the increase in applications is 5%.
Along with direct applications, the number of applications received is 20,686. This constitutes a record for the University of Derby for the highest number of applications received in the shortest time although there are still some places available.
Traditionally, the University has had several dozen places available during the annual clearing period in August.
But changes to the higher education sector marketplace, with the proposed increase in tuition fees being introduced in 2012, have increased demand for places this coming academic year.
This has also helped the University to increase its market share. In its benchmark comparison group of 11 similar universities, Derby had the highest increase in market share among its East Midlands-based benchmark group, and in one case by as much as 26.9%.
University of Derby Registrar June Hughes said: "We know that applications are rising as people try to secure a University place before tuition fees increase next year, but the national rise is only five per cent. At Derby we have achieved 22.4% - more than four times the national average.
"It's a testament to the way that the University has made itself a viable option for students across the UK with its excellent facilities, great courses and most of all its friendly and supportive atmosphere. It is great for the University, the city and the region to be attracting so many students."
For more information contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or 07748 920038 or email s.redfern@derby.ac.uk
