Edge Hill University has bucked a national trend by attracting more applications than ever, according to the latest UCAS data*.
The University’s 7% increase in applications compared with the same point in 2011, is among the highest in the country, ranking in the top four of English universities. This figure also places Edge Hill top in the north-west and one of only two universities in the region to record a positive upturn in applications to study in 2012.
This news comes on the back of the publication of a UCAS report, How have applications for full-time undergraduate higher education in the UK changed in 2012? The report analysed the applications behaviour across the UK in the 2012 admissions cycle compared to previous years. This in-depth analysis of the 2012 applications data shows that there has been a reduction in application rates nationally where tuition fees have increased.
However, Edge Hill University’s figures tell a different story. Not only has the Institution experienced increased demand from the 2011 recruitment cycle, it has experienced consistent growth over the last decade. In 2000/2001, 4,511 applications were recorded, which steadily rose to 18,867 applications currently recorded for study in 2012/2013. On a like-for-like basis, this represents an impressive increase of 502%**.
Vice-Chancellor Dr John Cater, said: “The University’s latest application figures and the UCAS report show that we have indeed bucked the national trend in 2012. These figures show demand to study at Edge Hill is as strong as it has ever been, and this is evident across the full range of our degree programmes. Despite the changing nature of the higher education sector, the things that are important to Edge Hill remain constant: providing a high quality teaching and learning experience; ensuring we have the capacity to invest in our student experience and raising our profile nationally and internationally. The hard work we put into achieving these goals is reflected in the upwards trajectory of our growth in the last decade and it is pleasing to see Edge Hill University maintaining this despite the current challenges for the sector nationally.”
The past 12 months have been another successful period for the University, ranking in the top two in the north-west for graduate employability, top two in England for students’ personal development in the most recent National Student Survey and being shortlisted for the prestigious Times Higher UK University of the Year for the third time in 2011.
The University is one of the most financially secure institutions in higher education, reporting a fifth consecutive surplus of £13.8m and providing the capacity for investment in campus facilities. Following the opening of the £13.5m Student Hub last year, work has started on expansion plans worth £55m, which includes an Olympic-standard sports complex and further on-campus student accommodation, which will be available in September 2012.
Notes for Editors
*Latest UCAS applications data is from 30 June 2012.
**A relative percentage figure that takes into account the reduction of UCAS applicants’ choice of institutions from six to five.
The published UCAS report, How have applications for full-time undergraduate higher education in the UK changed in 2012?, is based on applications data from 24 March 2012.
