IMN Content - Lifestyle and Consumer Content
No player is configured for a series of mixed media files. Check the SWF Tools file handling settings.

Bright Students Seek University Alternatives as Applications Rise by More Than 20 Percent

This month students will find out whether or not they have been offered a place at university. With applications up 22.9% on 2009, this year rejection figures for university places could reach 300,000
Lifestyle - 3 March 2010   Download IconContent available for download:  
Audio | Tony Osude Interview| Login to Download

You are missing some Flash content that should appear here! Perhaps your browser cannot display it, or maybe it did not initialize correctly.
  News Hooks:

Last year a record 150,000 university applicants were rejected due to increased demand caused by the recession and high unemployment levels for young people.

This year is likely to see rejection figures closer to 300,000 as those who were turned away last year are likely to re-apply. 570,556 applications for university places had already been submitted by the end of January, up 22.9% on 2009.

University debt now averages £26,000 for a three year course while the unemployment prospects for university leavers is at its highest level in 12 years, having seen a 44% increase year on year.

. Introduction:

This month students will find out whether or not they have been offered a place at university. Last year, a record 150,000 students missed out due to an increase in applications, the recession and high unemployment. This year applications are already up almost 23% on last year and twice as many prospective students may find themselves without a place. With the prospects for university leavers also at its worst for 12 years, many applicants are now looking towards more vocational disciplines or qualifications that allow students to increase their chances of employment once they’ve completed their course.

What sort of course can increase your chances of employment?

Joining us in the studio is Tony Osude from The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants

. Suggested Questions:

What problems do university applicants face in our area and why are so many university applicants likely to be left without a place this year?

Should those rejected from university despair of ever entering a rewarding professional career?

Are there any advantages to studying for a more vocational qualification?

What sort of careers can a qualification in chartered accountancy lead to?

Where can we find out more information?