26.02.07
Cornwall's university level applications soar

Applications to study at university-level in Cornwall have greatly exceeded national levels. Many of the universities and colleges making up the Combined Universities in Cornwall (CUC) initiative have reported very strong growth in applications compared with last year.

The University of Exeter has seen a 122% increase in applications to the courses it runs at the Tremough campus near Penryn, which it shares with University College Falmouth. Cornwall College has enjoyed a 29% upswing in applications and Truro College has seen a 14% rise. Both Colleges offer a wide range of university-level qualifications awarded by the University of Plymouth (also a partner in CUC). University College Falmouth has seen applications grow by some 16%. UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, has published figures showing a 6.4% increase in applications across the UK.

CUC Executive Director, Dr. Ian Tunbridge expressed his delight at the latest figures, commenting: "We're fortunate to have such a strong partnership of universities and colleges in Cornwall, all with very different specialisms but all clearly able to attract and retain students. More and more people from within Cornwall are taking advantage of the opportunities now available on their doorsteps, and they are being joined by others from across the UK and around the world who are drawn by the many unique and highly regarded university-level courses delivered here. This is particularly good news for Cornwall's economy, which will benefit from a continued supply of talented graduates."

For further information contact Emma Stallard of the Combined Universities in Cornwall on 01326 370446 or email emma.stallard@cuc.ac.uk.

The Objective One Programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has invested in the Combined Universities in Cornwall (CUC) project, both Phase 1 and Phase 2, through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the European Social Fund (ESF).

Editor's notes:

The Combined Universities in Cornwall is a dynamic and visionary partnership that is one of the driving forces behind Cornwall's economic renaissance. This partnership combines the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, University College Falmouth, The Open University, The College of St Mark & St John, and the Peninsula Medical School, with Cornwall's Further Education colleges - Cornwall College, Truro College and Penwith College. It aims not only to provide the students of the future with more choice and greater opportunities, but also to boost the economic fortunes of the region for the benefit of one and all.

The CUC initiative has been invested in by the Objective One Programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, the South West Regional Development Agency, Cornwall County Council and the Higher Education Funding Council for England.

For further information contact Emma Stallard, Combined Universities in Cornwall PR and Communications Officer on 01326 370446 or email emma.stallard@cuc.ac.uk.

Clare Morgan
Media Relations Manager
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mobile: 07973 813647
Telephone: 01872 223439

cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk

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