University of Gloucestershire is full
The University of Gloucestershire is full for next year.
Brian Miller, head of student recruitment at the university, said all the first-year places had been snapped up during a frantic few hours yesterday as pupils learned their A-Level grades.
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It is the first time in 15 years the university has been filled up just 24 hours after results day.
Speaking to BBC Gloucestershire, Mr Miller said: "Applications to the university shot up by about 19 per cent this year.
"The Government allocated 60 extra spaces to us this year, but they have all gone already. The most popular course has been sport by far.
"I think the success of local teams like Gloucester Rugby has led to the university gaining a reputation for sporting excellence by association.
"Psychology and traditional humanities subjects like English and history have also been popular."
The news comes as students across the county who did not get the grades they needed for their first-choice university wake up with the prospect of going through clearing.
Anthony McClaren, chief executive of Cheltenham-based UCAS, predicted a mad scramble for places.
He said: "Although there are about 20,000 university places still available, the number of applications has also increased this year.
"I think that means we will see a very competitive clearing."
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by whatever, gloucestershire
Friday, August 21 2009, 11:05PM
“Yep, carry on knocking the Psychology degree, it's tickling me pink being a graduate from last year and now having the job i longed for, in the Psychology field. Thanks to the great tutors at FCH, am on my way to getting my masters degree. I'm helping people that really need and deserve support, people that should have been given help years ago, plus earning a great wage, what a waste of money and time eh! I'm gutted that I wasted my time and energy. Uh huh :)”
by james, gloucester
Friday, August 21 2009, 8:41PM
“Well said Dickie Mint. One gap year followed by 3 years of debt and then no job. My daughter went straight into work and worked her way up in the 3 years she might hve been at uni and now earns more than most graduates and has savings. Experience is what employers are looking for not pieces of paper which seem to be 2 a penny nowadays.”
by Tom, Local
Friday, August 21 2009, 8:15PM
“Blair- Target of 50% of 18 year-olds getting university places = reduction of unemployment figures. Takes into account the 'disabled' we have a true figure of 6 million unemployed in this country. Did you know that benefits payouts are greater than income tax returns? It will truly hit the fan soon!”
by Evil Uncle, Cheltenham
Friday, August 21 2009, 7:47PM
“I am a mature student @ UoG. Honestly? Not a good choice to do your degree if you care about your education every year we loose with other unis in the ranking even with the ones that been formed recently. My worst life choice - choosing UoG. Never been so disappointed with a school so much.”
by Katie, Chelt
Friday, August 21 2009, 5:51PM
“Rather than chiding students for wanting to go to uni and study a subject they want to, even if you don't think it's worthwhile, why not say something about the schools who are meant to provide students with careers advice so that teenagers are able to aspire to something. If a student hasn't received any information or help with their future career plans, mybe you should look at how their schools are helping them, rather than them doing something "pointless".
If it were you who had chosen to do a degree in something you enjoy doing, how would it make you feel to hear people dismiss your choices as something completely ridiculous and not useful to society? I have just earned a place at gloucester uni studying sports education because it's something i have wanted to do, and something i plan to take forward into my future. Does that mean I have chosen a pointless course? One that i can enjoy and which makes me happy?”
by Colin the Dweeb, Cheltenham
Friday, August 21 2009, 5:28PM
“"Sport" and Psychology.. Two really worthwhile degrees. On a par with Media Studies, Film Studies, Tourism, etc etc etc”
by Tracey, Black Country
Friday, August 21 2009, 4:27PM
“Seems a lot of people don't seem to like students for some reason. There are no jobs for kids if they leave school at 16 these days, at least those wanting to go to Uni are willing to get off their backsides and and occupy themselves for 3 years rather than rely on the government or their parents to fund them doing nothing. Yes they build up a lot of debt over the years studying, but at the end of the day at least they aren't claiming dole. Fair play to those kids wanting to go to uni and good luck to all those seeking places.”
by Rob, Abbeymead
Friday, August 21 2009, 2:38PM
“I did see a lady on the news yesterday say that because there are so many kids doing degrees, the best way to keep on top was also to take a degree.
We're churning out a generation ill-equipped to move this country forward, but at least our media will be well studied!”
by Why bother, at work
Friday, August 21 2009, 2:33PM
“Great - all filled up with sports and psychology. So lots more degree qualified people who have wasted 3 years getting a degree they'll never use. I'm not saying thats the same for everyone, but a vast majority of people have no idea what they want to do. So why get a degree? Wait until you have some life experience, know what you want to do, then go and get the qualifications. Makes much more sense”
by Dickie Mint, Stroud
Friday, August 21 2009, 1:15PM
“Those who missed out should be glad - saved themselves £23,000 of student loan - (and possibly still no job at the end). I have 3 graduate children with student loan debt and none have "professional" jobs. Fourth starts uni next month but hasn't a clue what to do when she leaves.
Worse though is how many will now have a gap year doing nothing - except playing computer games and bumming around at their poor parents expense (demanding they insure them on the family car, give them pocket money and to stop asking them to hang out the washing or hoover the house as it is too much effortl!!!)”