22.09.2005
Figures released today by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) show that 93% of students obtaining first degrees from full-time courses in 2003-04 at the University of Brighton are employed or engaged in further study within six months of completing their course.
Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Professor Stuart Laing said: "The portfolio of courses on offer at the University of Brighton are very relevant to business and the world of work. Over 90% of full-time undergraduates have the opportunity to participate in work-based or work related learning and the majority of our courses are accredited by professional and statutory bodies. As the education and working environments become ever more competitive we must ensure that every young person is given the opportunity to fulfill their full potential."
Figures released by HESA also show that the university is continuing to attract students from diverse backgrounds with the number of young full-time students from state schools increasing slightly from last year by 0.2% to 92.5% as well as ensuring lifelong learning opportunities for those of all ages. The number of young full time students from lower-socio economic backgrounds has also remained stable at around 23-24%.
Professor Laing continued: "We are committed to widening participation in education, University of Brighton courses are delivered by a network of partner colleges across Sussex. We are a managing partner in the University Centre Hastings. We are also lead partner in the Aimhigher Sussex project working with schools and colleges to raise aspirations and achievements of young people and which supports pupils students with no family history of higher education."
The university also leads the Sussex Lifelong Learning Network, one of the first to be awarded in the country. This initiative promotes vocational and workplace progression into and through higher education. The university is also addressing outreach and social enterprise through its Community University Partnership Programme (CUPP). The university secured funding in 2001 to run the Widening Participation Summer School that is now an annual event. Over 50 school pupils attend the week long university 'taster', aimed at families where no immediate relative has had the opportunity to go to university and to help them decide whether university is right for them.
Contact: Marketing and Communications, University of Brighton,
01273 643022
