Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Total at universities is an all-time high

Monday 08 November 1993 00:02 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

THE NUMBER of students at long-established universities is at an all- time high and has grown by a third over the past four years, according to figures published today.

There were 482,250 students in 1992-93, up by 9 per cent on the previous year and 33 per cent from 1988-89. The figures do not cover students at former polytechnics, which have gained university status in recent years.

Over the four years to 1992-93, the number of full-time arts students grew by 36 per cent while there was a 30 per cent rise in those studying science.

The number of overseas students was up 11 per cent on 1991-92, with Malaysia sending 5,634 students, Germany 4,978, the US 4,352, Greece 4,294 and Hong Kong 4,002.

Subjects showing the biggest increase in popularity with full-time undergraduates between 1991-92 and 1992-93 were, business and management studies, up by 1,338 students; nursing, up 1,206; law, up 1,203; biology, up 1,042 and psychology, as a biological science, up 1,021. The largest decreases were in clinical dentistry, down 254; librarianship, down 139 and electrical engineering, down 102.

Male students still dominate engineering and science-based subjects while women outnumber men in medicine and languages, according to the figures in the Universities Statistical Record. The ratio of male to female in engineering and technology was six to one. In mathematical science, architecture and related studies it was three to one and in physical sciences two to one.

The ratio of female to male students in education was four to one, while in language studies, librarianship and information sciences it was two to one.

The number of women members of academic staff has grown in the past 10 years from 14 per cent to 22 per cent. The figures refer to the 50 UK universities which were formerly funded by the Universities Funding Council and exclude the Open University and the independent University of Buckingham.

University Statistics 1992-93, Vol 1; Universities' Statistical Record; pounds 16.50.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in