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Soaring applications for University courses

DeGrey CourtYork St John University has experienced a record 31% surge in applications for its courses starting this autumn, according to official statistics published today.

UCAS, the main application clearing house for undergraduate courses, has released institutional statistics for the first main deadline for applicants in mid January. These statistics show that national demand for full time undergraduate university places has expanded by 21%. Growth in interest in York St John is high and reflects an ongoing trend since it attained University status in 2006. Within these figures there has been a spectacular 212% growth for the University’s two year foundation degrees, which are designed and delivered in collaboration with employers.

The rise in applications coincides with recently announced cuts in government funding and restrictions on the number of places universities are able to offer to UK and EU based hopefuls. This situation may lead to disappointment for many well qualified candidates who will be far less certain of obtaining their choice of course and place to study. The intake limitations may also have a longer term impact on the needs for a workforce with more graduate level skills.

Commenting on the statistical release Professor Stuart Billingham, Pro Vice Chancellor at York St John University said:

“Everyone agrees that our region needs more people with wide, flexible, and higher level skills. Our students learn through problem solving, collaborative research and community engagement. They also develop a strong sense of “the global in the local”. We are enormously pleased that the value we offer is enabling us to attract a large and strong pool of candidates, but it is very disheartening that we can’t meet those needs for more potential students because of the government restriction on places.”

York St John continues to welcome enquiries and applications. However, in areas such as physiotherapy and qualified teacher status, it has closed courses for new applicants for entry this autumn.

For further information please contact Amy Hey, PR & Communications Officer on T: 01904 876466 or E: a.hey@yorksj.ac.uk 

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