UEL applications fall in 2012

Melissa York, Reporter Friday, October 5, 2012
8:00 AM

The University of East London have received around 4,000 fewer student applications compared to last year.

UCAS figures estimate that UEL, which has campuses in Stratford and the Docklands, recorded 22,628 applications for places in 2011 but they received 18,568 this year - a drop of 17.9 per cent - but figures are likely to have altered by publication as students snap up spots on courses through the Clearing system.

Selene Bolingbroke, pro vice-chancellor of UEL, said: “Since these figures were published we have had a lot of further activity in Clearing, but it is true applications are down compared to last year’s all-time high.

“We have received a similar number of applications as we did in 2010.

“Any prospective students who may be put off by the cost should remember they don’t have to pay fees up front, and we have generous support packages available to help with living costs.

“We would encourage everyone, including mature students, to consider coming to university. It remains one of the best things anyone can do to improve their prospects in life.”

In London, overall application totals fell by around 10.1 per cent from 93,050 to 83,637.

Jim Fitzpatrick, MP for Poplar and Limehouse in Tower Hamlets, blamed the Coalition Government’s trebling of tuition fees in 2010 for deterring prospective university students.

Mr Fitzpatrick said: “It’s appalling that university applications have fallen across London.

“Two big universities in east London, where many of my constituents attend, have seen their numbers crash.

“University of East London and Queen Mary University have nearly 7,000 less applications because of high fees and fewer places.

“We shouldn’t place anybody out of university and we should be investing in the future now. It’s time the government reconsiders its policy so everyone has the choice to go to university.”