10.5% Fall in University Applications from Scottish Applicants

Click on table to enlarge

UCAS, the organisation responsible for managing applications to higher education courses in the UK, has just reported their latest application figures for courses starting in Autumn 2013. 

Up to mid-November there were were 145,000 applications, compared with 158,000 at the same point in 2011 and 182,000 in 2010. That works out at 13,000 fewer applications in the UK, which is a fall of 8% compared with the same point last year and these are apparently the lowest figures for at least six years.

Many commentators had anticipated a reduction in applications to Universities from students living in England because of the introduction of much higher Tuition Fees with many Universities charging the maximum of £9000 per year. While this is the case, this doesn't explain why the reduction in applications in Scotland, where the Scottish Government pays the student's tuition fees, is larger than in England.

Percentage Fall in Applications to UCAS #
Scotland  - 10.5%
UK           -  8.0%

Behind these statistics there are clearly many individual applicants in Scotland who are holding back from applying to University. This is a disturbing trend. It means that there are other factors, most probably economic which are putting off well qualified potential applicants from taking the next step to improve their qualifications. This trend is also likely to reduce the demand for places at our two Universities in the City and might lead to empty places and a loss of income to the Universities.

I think the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Mike Russell MSP needs to tell us what he is proposing to do to help reverse this trend?

# Note the final figures for University applications will be known after the main deadline on 15 January 2013.

Commenting on SQA Exam Results in Dundee 7 August 2012

This morning there will have been mixed emotions among the many hundreds of pupils and students in our city who will have been opening their SQA exam results. Whether reading their results in a text, email or in the contents of their SQA envelope received through the post, this will be a 'red letter day'. 

For many candidates there will be tears of joy and sighs of relief that hard work has been rewarded with passes and grades that will open doors to continuing studies at School or new opportunities and challenges at College, University and in the world of work. For some there will inevitably be disappointment with the results achieved and the necessity for a rethink.

I warmly congratulate pupils and students on all their successes in their various SQA examinations and assessments. Like many of our medal winning athletes in the Olympics, these successes will not be a flash in the pan but will be based on hard work over a sustained period of time. And of course I should not forget to credit  the support of the equivalent of the coaches and supporters. In this case, the inspiration and encouragement of the teachers and parents and carers as well as the wider network of friends and family will also have been part of the story behind these successes.

For those that are disappointed with their results, I would encourage taking to heart the proverb that my late Father used to repeat on those occasions when I hadn't excelled: 'if at first you don't succeed, try, try again.' 

For those who have missed their grades to meet a provisional offer for a place at University, this will be anxious time to see whether their grades are still acceptable or whether an alternative place or course might be available through clearing. Clearing 2012 opens today http://www.ucas.ac.uk/ 

for applicants in Scotland.

Later this week or next, analyses be available from the Director of Education about how the results of our school pupils add up across the city and how these city wide results compare with previous years and with other areas in Scotland. But for today, the focus should be on celebrating the positive results of our pupils who deserve their day enjoying their successes; their medal winning performances. Well done!

Applications via UCAS to Universities in Dundee Increase

Figures released today by the the UK University and College Admissions Service (UCAS), show an increasing number of applicants for places on degree level courses at our two Universities in Dundee beginning in August this year.

After the shenanigans about the SNP's proposed forced merger of our two Universities last year, it is good to see that applications to both institutions show a healthy increase with Abertay attracting a higher increase in applicants than Dundee.

Table showing applications to individual universities and colleges recruiting students through UCAS for autumn 2012

Code	Institution name	2011 Degree	2012 Degree	% change
A30	University of Abertay Dundee	5,622	5,898	4.9%
D65	University of Dundee	18,086	18,580	2.7%

While Scotland has bucked the trend in England of decreasing applicants to Universities, countrywide analysis of applicants indicates a decline in the number of applicants from disadvantaged areas in Scotland. This may unfortunately be the result of mounting unemployment amongst graduates. It will be important to monitor this to ensure that the decline this year if not the beginning of a trend.

UCAS ably supports students making applications to any University in Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland. This begs the question as to whether this is another trusted and successful UK institution that, post independence, we should be excluded from?

Drop in Applications to University from Potential Students in Scotland

Earlier today, the Universities and Colleges and Admissions Service (UCAS) published their first set of statistics on applications to university next year. Their report reveals that so far 52,321 applicants have applied from within the UK, compared with 59,413 this time last year, a drop of 11.9%. 

The statistics are an early indication of the total number of applications, but only show the number received by universities by 15 October. With the exception of Oxford and Cambridge Universities and courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine, candidates still have until 15 January to apply for a place at University starting in Autumn 2012.

The table below shows the picture in relation to to applicants living in Scotland which shows a decrease of 11.85% compared with the same period last year which is marginally less than the overall UK rate of 11.9%.

Table 4c: total applicants by domicile (UK only; arranged by region)

Table 4c: total applicants by domicile (UK only; arranged by region)
By UK region	2011	2012	Diff (+/-)	Diff (%)
Scotland	2,832	2,497	-335	-11.8%

The UCAS report also reveals that more women than men have been put off from applying to university. Some 10.5% fewer women have applied this year, and 7% fewer men.

Applications from mature students have also been markedly reduced. The proportion of applicants aged 40 or older has fallen by 27.8%, while those aged between 30 and 39 has dropped by 22.7%.

It is too early to know exactly what has effected this drop in applications from Scotland for a place at University. It is however a negative indicator as it is probable that undergraduate student numbers at Abertay and Dundee Universities will go down.