Application numbers in line with expectations
The main deadline for UCAS applications has now passed and overall Leeds has received 5.9% fewer applications compared to 2011. This is a smaller drop than the sector as a whole, which is down 7.4%.
The figures are broadly in line with our strategic decision to recruit 5% fewer students this year, with some academic units deciding to raise their entry requirements and reduce their quota further. This means we have received fewer, but better applications, and can pursue our objectives of recruiting the brightest students, whatever their background, and enhancing their university experience.
We can take further encouragement from the news that applications to the Access to Leeds scheme have doubled to more than 3,200. International applications also remain strong, up by 8.4%.
Professor Vivien Jones, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Student Education), commented: "Of course, this is the first year in which increased fees will apply, but there is also a 4.4% reduction in the number of 17-18 year olds so this fall in applications is likely to be due at least in part to a reduction in the overall market size.
"We now want those students who have received offers to put Leeds as their first choice. The scrapping of HEFCE controls on students with AAB+ (at A-level) means that many students will now be holding four or five offers, so it is all the more important that we can demonstrate to them the high-quality, research-based teaching and student experience they will receive at Leeds."
The picture by school is mixed. Some schools have seen an increase while others have seen a decrease in applications. Large decreases would appear in the main to coincide with programmes where there have been changes to entry requirements and/or those that attract a greater proportion of mature students.
Further details have been sent to faculty admissions teams, Pro-Deans (Student Education), Faculty Education Service Managers, and Faculty Marketing Managers, and they will be advising relevant colleagues as appropriate.
The full list of results can be found at the UCAS website.
Visit the Russell Group's website to read their response.
Posted in: Higher education news