Extra university places for vital courses announced
Over 9,000 additional places approved at UK universities for courses to deliver vital services and support the economy.
Extra university places for engineering, science and nursing courses have been made available for September, the Universities Minister has announced today.
Michelle Donelan has confirmed that the Government has approved over 9,000 additional places at UK universities for courses that will deliver vital services, support the economy and generate positive outcomes for students and the taxpayer.
As part of the Government’s aim to drive an increase in science and innovation and encourage STEM subject take-up, it has approved more than 1,300 extra university places for engineering courses, 756 places for bio-sciences and almost 500 for maths courses.
A total of 5,611 places for healthcare courses have also been allocated at universities in England to support the NHS, with 3,803 of these additional places going to nursing courses.
Last month the Prime Minister stated that investing in skills is crucial to our economic recovery post-coronavirus.
Today’s announcement will not only help thousands more people gain knowledge that will help them progress in life, but also to help rebuild Britain.
Universities Minister Michelle Donelan said:
The coronavirus will not stop us from boosting growth in vital subjects like science, engineering, and maths.
These courses not only deliver some of the best outcomes for students, they will also be integral to driving innovation, helping our public services and building the skills the country needs.
Bids for extra places were assessed on the quality of each provider, including their rates of continuation and graduate employment outcomes. In total there were 3,859 eligible bids from 38 providers for additional places on courses of strategic importance. All bids that met the set criteria have been accepted.
Bids for healthcare courses in England totalled 5,611 and the Department for Health and Social care have accepted all additional places.
The allocation of places announced today follows the introduction of temporary student number controls, in which institutions were given the opportunity to bid for 10,000 additional places – at least 5,000 for healthcare courses and 5,000 for courses of strategic importance.
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