17 February 2005

Huge rise in applications

The University of Dundee has seen its applications rise by 17% this year, according to official figures released by UCAS today, and 70% from UK and EU students since 2000.

Dundee's new degree in forensic anthropology has proved extremely popular fielding nine applications per place.

On the back of this rising popularity the University of Dundee is launching 30 new scholarships for students who apply to go straight into second year.

The scholarships provide £1,000 financial assistance per year for students who meet high academic criteria - three As at A level and advanced higher and apply for direct entry into second year. Scholarship applicants will also be assessed on their other activities such as sport, music, and voluntary work.

Advanced entry into second year is available in the faculties of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Arts and Social Sciences, Life Sciences and Accountancy.

Admissions staff from Dundee will start promoting the initiative at higher education fairs this spring.

Professor James Calderhead, Vice Principal of Teaching at the University of Dundee said: "This new arrangement is designed to meet the educational aspirations of students and to give them direct access at the level of study which is most appropriate for them. It also addresses the funding dilemma for English students who are keen to study at a Scottish University. They can now study in Dundee for three years as they do in England without incurring another year’s debt."

New bursaries for students entering the University of Dundee at any level also become available this year. Assessed on need, bursaries of £500 funded by the new Annual Fund will be available to students who are experiencing financial difficulty.

By Jenny Marra, Head of Press 01382 344910, out of hours: 07968298585, j.m.marra@dundee.ac.uk