Total at universities is an all-time high

THE NUMBER of students at long-established universities is at an all- time high and has grown by a third over the past four years, according to figures published today.

There were 482,250 students in 1992-93, up by 9 per cent on the previous year and 33 per cent from 1988-89. The figures do not cover students at former polytechnics, which have gained university status in recent years.

Over the four years to 1992-93, the number of full-time arts students grew by 36 per cent while there was a 30 per cent rise in those studying science.

The number of overseas students was up 11 per cent on 1991-92, with Malaysia sending 5,634 students, Germany 4,978, the US 4,352, Greece 4,294 and Hong Kong 4,002.

Subjects showing the biggest increase in popularity with full-time undergraduates between 1991-92 and 1992-93 were, business and management studies, up by 1,338 students; nursing, up 1,206; law, up 1,203; biology, up 1,042 and psychology, as a biological science, up 1,021. The largest decreases were in clinical dentistry, down 254; librarianship, down 139 and electrical engineering, down 102.

Male students still dominate engineering and science-based subjects while women outnumber men in medicine and languages, according to the figures in the Universities Statistical Record. The ratio of male to female in engineering and technology was six to one. In mathematical science, architecture and related studies it was three to one and in physical sciences two to one.

The ratio of female to male students in education was four to one, while in language studies, librarianship and information sciences it was two to one.

The number of women members of academic staff has grown in the past 10 years from 14 per cent to 22 per cent. The figures refer to the 50 UK universities which were formerly funded by the Universities Funding Council and exclude the Open University and the independent University of Buckingham.

University Statistics 1992-93, Vol 1; Universities' Statistical Record; pounds 16.50.