Responding to the suggestion that higher education institutions have nearly run out of places on degree courses for this Autumn, Alice Hynes, Chief Executive of the higher education representative body GuildHE, said:
“We understand that there are a limited number of places still available in some GuildHE institutions, but Clearing is moving fast this year aided by the new electronic system. Prospective students who are still looking should make contact and register their interest with the institution and course of their choice as quickly as possible. Some institutions may have alternative part-time study routes for candidates to consider, or may be able to offer a deferred place.
“It is clearly especially hard on prospective students this year, especially those that have missed their target grades. Historically, the process has always been very competitive. However, GuildHE remains concerned about the loss of talent to UK plc when able students who would have been accepted in past years miss out this time.
“While recognising the pressure on the public purse, it is not clear that a sufficient long term view has been taken, and the late restriction of new places to STEM subjects has not been helpful. This restriction has meant no extra places are available in climate-critical disciplines such as agriculture, land-based studies and food subjects, not to mention economically valuable disciplines preparing students to enter the creative industries.”
For more information, please contact:
Alice Hynes
GuildHE Chief Executive
Tel: 0207 387 7711
Email: alice.hynes@guildhe.ac.uk