million+ responds to UCAS figures with call for government campaign
The university think-tank million+ has said that the Government needs to do more to promote the benefits of studying at university. This comes as the universities admissions service UCAS reveals the number of applications received by December 2013 from those hoping to start full-time courses in September 2014.
Pam Tatlow, Chief Executive of the university think-thank million+, said:
"While many students will have spent time over the Christmas break working on personal statements it is clear that the rate of applications so far is lower than in 2013.
"If Ministers are serious about expanding opportunities and reaping the economic and social benefits of raising participation, then they need to do much more than fund additional student numbers.
"A good way to start the New Year would be to commit funds to launch a campaign to promote the value of higher education."
The interim UCAS figures reveal 263,460 applications from across the UK so far - lower at this stage than in any of the last four years. This comes just a month after the Chancellor of the Exchequer revealed plans to allow student numbers to rise in England as part of efforts to strengthen the UK's long term economic competitiveness.
1. For further information contact Gavin Pearson, Head of Public Affairs, million+ on 0207 717 1659.
2. million+ is a leading university think-tank. More information can be found at: www.millionplus.ac.uk
3. The UCAS interim applicant statistics report will be published on the UCAS website on Friday 03 January 2014.
QAA consultation on fees charged for its work as the designated body for England