Published at 16:02, Tuesday, 11 August 2009

THE UNIVERSITY of Cumbria has increased its number of student places for the 2009/10 academic year.

 The university, which already has more than 15,000 students across six campuses, is adding 31 additional places for full-time undergraduate students.

Lord Peter Mandelson made the announcement that 10,000 additional opportunities will be made available for full-time undergraduate students across the UK.

These new places will be available in subjects identified by the government as priority subjects. These include; science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and are designed by the Government to support its New Industry, New Jobs policy.

Lord Mandelson explained: “We are not only helping more individuals with the ambition and ability to go to university, but also investing in this country’s future by helping a highly skilled workforce to win the jobs of the future and lead the way to building Britain’s future.”

University of Cumbria vice chancellor, Professor Peter McCaffery, added: “We are pleased the Government has responded to concerns voiced by universities, particularly given the high number of applicants hoping to enter education this year.”

The Government will fund the costs of the student support and loans towards institutional fees and the share of places has been determined by the number of undergraduates which entered in 2007/08, in the priority subject areas.

“I understand why they have been confined to these particular subjects, but would be concerned if there was a negative impact on areas such as the social sciences, arts and humanities in the future,” said Mr McCafferty.

This announcement comes at a time where a record number of students are currently in higher education as well and a record number of places are on offer.

There are still places available at the University of Cumbria for 2009/10. For more information visit www.cumbria.ac.uk.

Published by http://www.whitehaven-news.co.uk