Bucking the trend -- Nottingham is UK’s most popular university

PA 31/12

The University of Nottingham is the UK’s most popular university among applicants, according to official figures released today.

The University has seen its overall applications rise by 0.3 per cent — from 49,278 in 2011 up to 49, 441 — despite a national downward trend, which has seen the number of UK university applicants drop by 8.7 per cent overall.

Paul Greatrix, Registrar at The University of Nottingham, said: “We are absolutely delighted by this news and that Nottingham is bucking the national trend, which appears to be affecting the recruitment figures of so many of our competitors.

“These are uncertain times within higher education, with universities continuing to feel the impact of reduced government funding and having to adapt to a very different environment for student recruitment and a new set of student fee arrangements.

“Nottingham has a great deal to offer — we have award-winning UK campuses, excellent course choices, first-class facilities and fabulous city nightlife, sports opportunities and student societies. In addition, our campuses in China and Malaysia offer unparalleled international study opportunities and this global outlook makes our graduates particularly sought after by leading employers — at 5.6 per cent, our graduate unemployment rate is below the national average.

“However, there is no doubt that the over-riding factor affecting student choice in this changing landscape is quality — something which The University of Nottingham is able to demonstrate in every aspect of the student experience it offers. We believe this is what makes the difference.”

Nottingham was followed by the universities of Manchester and Leeds as the UK’s most popular universities, in second and third positions, according to the figures released by UCAS , the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service.

The increase in applications at Nottingham is also set against the backdrop of a decline in applications from applicants living in the East Midlands, which at -10.3 per cent is one of the biggest drops by region in the UK.

Greatrix added: “It is disappointing that UCAS applications from the East Midlands have dropped. We’re not entirely sure why this should be the case, although it could be that previous mixed messages about the new fees regime has not helped.

“However, Nottingham is working extremely hard within the city, across the county and the region to promote access to university and will continue to do so. We recently launched a major new campaign, Nottingham Potential , to support wider access to university in the city and beyond. And with the levels of bursaries and loans available, no-one should be put off applying because of financial fears.”

The latest UCAS figures reflect all the applications considered on time for the January 15 equal consideration deadline. UCAS will continue to send applications to UK universities and colleges up until 30th June, with those received later going into clearing.