Students flock to Bolton

Applications have surged for the third year running, up from 4,784 last year to 5,174 - a rise of eight per cent.

University bosses are overjoyed at the news as there were fears that top-up fees would discourage people from applying for a place.

The latest figures, published by admissions service UCAS, show that the total number of student applications nationally fell by three per cent in 2006.

Phil Lloyd, head of student recruitment at the University of Bolton, said: "Applications to join the University of Bolton are above the national average yet again this year.

"This unprecedented rise in applications is partly due to the award of our university title and our growing reputation as a university that provides degrees that have real currency in the job market.

"A total of 79 per cent of our students are on courses that carry accreditation from professional or vocational bodies."

The university, which was granted university status in 2005, is also showing a 20 per cent increase in the number of applicants putting Bolton as their first choice.

University bosses said there has also been an increase in the numbers of young people applying, together with those from outside of the North-west.

The appeal of the university is set to increase with an expansion that will create a single campus, off College Way.

Mr Lloyd said: "Given top-up fees, parents who came to our recent open day are interested in knowing how gaining a degree from this university can benefit their children in their working life.

"We are already validated by the professional body for psychologists, of which you have to be a member before you can practice.

"This puts our students one step ahead.

"We have also recently introduced a criminology and forensic degree, which is proving to be popular."

Last year, the University of Bolton enjoyed the biggest increase in student applications in the UK, which was a 50 per cent increase on the year before.

The university is holding an open day on April 25.