February 2005
Lead Story

Increase in university applications

Applications to the University of Bradford have increased substantially, according to the latest UCAS statistics.

The figures, which include all individual applications to the University submitted to UCAS by Jan 15th, 2005, reveal that Home and EU undergraduate applications have increased by 35% compared with the same period last year, whilst overseas figures have increased by 21%.

This is against a national increase of 9.2% and a 0.4% decrease in overseas applications.

All Academic Schools have seen increases in applications. A number of new courses, available for the first time this year, such as Media Studies, Psychology, Occupational Therapy and Geography, have also proved extremely popular. Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chris Taylor, said: "The University is continuing to grow in popularity and it's an exciting time for students to join us. The University expects to invest around £155m over the next 10 to 15 years in buildings and teaching facilities. This will enhance the student learning experience considerably in years to come.

"We know that estates and facilities are important to potential students. This is why we are investing in key areas such as the Learning Village and the e-Strategy."

Visitor numbers at Open Days in 2004 have increased significantly, and bookings for March 2005 are already up by 50% on this time last year. In 2004, student attendance at Open Days went up by 50% and accompanying guests by 17% on the previous years. 90% of Open Day visitors rated the University as "good" or "very good" whilst more than 80% of students said they were more likely to apply to the University after visiting an Open Day.

Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications Alison Darnbrough said: "I feel confident we can repeat this success at this year's Open Days.

"Bradford is a student-centered University. We have spent a lot of time asking students what they want to study, and what they want from their learning experience. Everybody has been working towards achieving this aim. The University is now experiencing the results of this hard work."

2004 also saw the first staging of a joint Undergraduate and Postgradute Open Day.

The University introduced many new features to its Open Days including talks on accommodation, more information on the city, special mini tour guides to the campus, live broadcasts in the Foyer from student radio station RamAir and laptops in the coffee bar to encourage visitors to surf the University's website.

The University has also included additional information in its promotional literature, following feedback and suggestions from students and staff.

Many students are attracted by the University's excellent record in graduate employment - the University is currently the number one University for Graduate Employment in the North of England (Times Good University Guide 2005).

14 February 2005

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