news release

Attention: Education Reporters and News Editors                                   PR 4785                                                                                                                                             12^th January 2004

 

Record number of students choose the open university

 

A record number of students have enrolled in the Open University for 2004 as the appeal of distance learning and the universitys excellent reputation spreads.

At present student numbers are up 1.8 per cent on the same time last year. The Open University eventually expects to have recruited 156,000 undergraduates for its 2003/2004 academic year, a total increase of 2.2 per cent.

The Open University is increasing in popularity as the advantages it offers its students are more widely recognised. Open University students can earn while they learn and fit their university around their work and personal commitments. says Professor David Vincent, the universitys Pro-Vice Chancellor (Strategy, Planning and External Affairs).

Younger students are prevalent in this increase with the recruitment of students aged 21 and under up five percent on the same period last year.

While many people perceive Open University students to be older students, the number of young students who are choosing to study with us continues to increase. Younger students are finding that studying with us is financially, socially and intellectually rewarding, says Professor Vincent.

The Open University is ranked fifth according to the Sunday Times University Guide 2003s table of universities with the best marks for teaching.

The latest figures also show an increase in students on lower incomes studying Open University courses, which supports the Governments widening participation agenda.

 Last year we supported 21,648 students in financing their studies. In 2003/2004 we expect this total to rise to 24,000, which equates to 15 per cent of our undergraduate students. Clearly, the Open University is still creating new awareness of higher education in all sections of society, says Professor Vincent.                                                                  m/f

The proportion of women enrolling in the Open University is also on the increase with 59 percent of undergraduates enrolled in the Open University in 2003/2004 female.           

Open University numbers have grown steadily since 1971, when 24,000 undergraduate students embarked on the universitys fledgling courses. Since then, the university has opened the doors of higher education to more than two million people.

Journalists who would like to speak to David Vincent about student numbers are asked to contact Gabi Nobis.

EDITORS NOTES

While enrolment for many of the universitys courses in 2004 has now closed, a wide range of courses with start dates through the year are available. For more information about The Open University courses log on to www.open.ac.uk or call 01908 653231.

 

Contact details

Gabi Nobis                Open University Media Relations Officer   01908 655026                                                                                                                                  g.nobis@open.ac.uk