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Welsh Recruitment Meets, Jacqui Hare, UWUC’s Pro-Vice Chancellor (Learning & Teaching)

(Picture: UWIC Logo)

Welsh Recruitment: It seems that last year’s dip in university applications has been reversed in England, with a significant rise in applications for courses. But, fewer numbers of Welsh students applied for university places this year. What do you think the main reasons are for this?

Jacqui Hare: Statistics to date show that applications are slightly down in Wales (0.1%) which could increase by the end of the cycle. However applications to UWIC have actually increased in comparison to last year (3.8%). Statistics to date show that Welsh applicants applying to Welsh institutions is slightly up but Welsh applicants applying to English institutions is slightly down. The increase in those applicants applying to institutions in England has not come from Welsh applicants.

Last year’s decrease in applications to English institutions could be contributed to the uncertainty of applicants concerning the fees situation and how much attending university would cost.

English HEIs are also undertaking more aggressive marketing campaigning within Wales and are also offering a range of attractive bursaries.

Welsh Recruitment; What can be done to increase the number of Welsh students applying for a course - and - at a university in Wales?

Jacqui Hare: Statistics do not show as stated above that Welsh students are not deciding to stay in Wales to study. However Welsh institutions could undertake more marketing concerning the benefits of staying in Wales to study and the benefits of attending University. More incentives and resources could also be made available for widening participation and schools liaison activities, particularly in Community First wards.

UWIC is currently undertaking research concerning those applicants that decline an offer of a place in order to find out ways of increasing the number of acceptances.

Welsh Recruitment: To what extent do you believe that the prospect of a £9,000 debt may be deterring potential students from applying to university?

Jacqui Hare: I do not think that the prospect of debt is deterring potential applicants as this is outweighed by the benefits of obtaining a university education. Universities UK reports that graduates today still have the economic benefits associated with higher education qualification attainment.

Bursaries and financial incentives offered by institutions also contribute to reducing the debt incurred by students. However, it must be acknowledged that to some families with less disposable income, the prospect of significant debt is a drawback.

Welsh Recruitment: Figures suggest that students are thinking more carefully about which degree course will give them a greater financial return after graduation. Do you believe that the introduction of tuition fees is influencing their choices?

Jacqui Hare: I think the introduction of tuition fees is contributing to influencing applicants but this is not the only factor. Other factors that I believe are considered are employability, career progression, job satisfaction, competition.

(Picture: Photo of Jacqui Hare UWUC’s Pro-Vice Chancellor)