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Monday 6 February 2012 • Issue 589 • www.exepose.com • Twitter: @Exepose • www.facebook.com/Exepose
Exeter avoids UCAS slump Lucy Cryle Senior Reporter
APPLICATIONS to the University of Exeter have suffered only a slight decline compared to last year, despite nationwide university application numbers falling significantly. So far the University has seen a decline of 0.38 per cent in applications for study beginning in September 2012, compared to the decline of 8.7 per cent seen in universities nationwide. English universities have seen the most dramatic declines in the UK, receiving 9.9 per cent fewer applications than last year.
“The high number of applications shows just how popular Exeter is among students” Professor Janice Kay, Deputy Vice Chancellor
The decline in applications to English universities has been blamed by some on the increased cap on tuition fees, allowing universities to charge up to £9,000. Sally Hunt, general secretary of the UCU lecturers’ union, said: “Applications in England are down over 50 per cent more than in any other part of the UK as a result of the government making it the most expensive country in the world in which to gain a public degree.” University of Exeter Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Janice Kay commented on why she believes Exeter has not suffered the declining application numbers seen at other institutions: “The high number of applications shows just how popular Exeter is among students. “Being one of the top ten universities in the UK and among the top one per cent globally gives students confidence that we
Photo: Josh Irwandi
will offer a first-class educational experience.” The University has also seen changes in applications between different courses. Applications for subjects such as History, Law, Biosciences and Engineering have increased, while other subjects such as Philosophy, Sport and Health Science have fallen. James Eales, VP Academic Affairs, said: “There is no doubt that the fall in admissions in some areas reflects the increase in fees, as students look to apply to traditional or vocational subjects. “However, underlying consideration must be given to the increase in entry tariffs and the long term gradual decline for some subjects – which the increase in fees has merely exacerbated.” A second year Law student commented: “Courses that cannot guarantee a job upon graduation will probably be less appealing for new students, as without a job they cannot pay off their increased debt.” Figures for applications to the Cornwall campus have not yet been formally released. Ian Blenkharn, Head of Admissions, said: “It is very difficult to get a like-for-like comparison for the Cornwall campus on its own, as there have been big changes to the course provision on this campus between 2011 and 2012.
Writing centre launched Hannah Mawdsley
A PIONEERING initiative by the College of Humanities is offering students peer advice on their writing skills. Located at Queen’s Building on Streatham Campus, the support is given by student ‘Peer Advisors’, high acheiving students who have undergone extensive training to assist students making the leap from writing at college level to writing at degree level. Dr Siân Harris, the lead academic in charge of the initiative, said: “The Writing Centre ethos is driven by the idea of peer-review, so that student advisors offer feedback and support to other students.” She added: “It’s very much a ‘by students, for students’ environment. Peer advice is frank, open and nonjudgemental, and encourages students to think beyond assessment targets and focus on developing their writing as a skill in itself.”
“It enables students to receive feedback in a relaxed environment without the pressure of the student/tutor relationship”
“Courses that can’t guarantee a job will be less appealing for new students”
Greg Hoare, a third year English student
A second year Law student
“In particular, we are no longer accepting new entrants for Law at Cornwall in 2012, which was previously a big recruiter for the campus.” Other universities in the South West have seen more dramatic falls in applications: 6.8 per cent at the University of Bristol, 7.7 per cent at Plymouth University, and 13.9 per cent at UWE.
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As they are students themselves, the Peer Advisors say they can relate more easily to the challenges faced by other students. James Eales, VP Academic Affairs, said: “It’s great to see a peer support system in place that utilises students’ talents to assist in the academic development of others.” Continued on page 5