Despite fears earlier in the year that UK university enrollment numbers might be on the first decline in years, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) has recently published figures that show they are on the rise again. As reported at aap.co.uk: “According to new statistics from UCAS…university application figures have noticeably risen this year, up 8.8 per cent in March compared to the same month in 2008.
These statistics contradict the idea that prospective students may have lost faith in the worth of an undergraduate degree during a recession, and instead now has some experts saying that 2009 might, in fact, be a great year to enrol. So why the unexpected increase? And why now?
Johnny Rich, of student advice website push.co.uk, commented: “At the moment [applicants] are not being put off, largely because going to university is one of the best shelters to take from the current economic difficulties.” Degree courses and diplomas are currently of particular interest to those who chose not apply for university as soon as they left school – but may have started a career.
The tumultuous economic climate, however, has left many eager to spruce up their CVs or to consider something of a career change.
Despite the positive stats, AAP highlights that starting higher education now might not be convenient for everyone, particularly those who don’t have the financial backing of their parents. They state: “The latest student debt figures from the Department of Innovation, Universities and Skills showed estimated debt levels for full-time students graduating in 2008 to be approximately £7,800.”
However, in response to this, 2009 does still seem to be a great year for higher education – and I view the 8.8 per cent increase as very encouraging.
Yet, I hasten to add that online learning may have a big part to play in the increase – and I doubt it has been taken into account for the above debt data.
Not only are many individuals finding themselves thinking seriously about higher education, but the accessibility and value for money of a distance or e-Learning course will mean that the daunting £7,800 debt price as stated above will not be as much of an issue. Additionally, students doing online degree course also have the flexibility to manage their own study time around work and so do not have to pause their careers altogether. If my theory is correct, I would say that 8.8 per cent is set to rise significantly still.
