18 per cent drop in nursing applications

The number of students accepted onto nursing courses in higher education in 2017 was 28,620 - the second highest figure on record - though there was an 18 per cent drop in the number of applications.

UCAS’s End of Cycle Report 2017 shows a 13 per cent decline in acceptances to nursing subjects in the 21-25 age group, and a six per cent decline for those aged 26 and above. These decreases have been offset by the increased acceptances of younger applicants.

For the first time, the report gives greater analytical context for the subjects studied in higher education. The top five subject groups in 2017 by acceptances, were: business and administration, subjects allied to medicine, biological sciences, social studies, and creative arts and design.

Clare Marchant, chief executive of UCAS, said: “It’s great to see these high numbers of acceptances onto nursing courses, despite a switch from NHS bursaries to tuition fees for nursing subjects at English universities. As the majority of UK acceptances to nursing courses (78 per cent in 2017) are from England, nursing is particularly sensitive to changes in behaviour from English applicants. The general decline in older applicants entering higher education, which we have noted as a trend, is highly pronounced in nursing subjects. UCAS is keen to investigate this further, working with partners in the sector.”

Lara Carmona, associate director of policy and public affairs at the Royal College of Nursing, said: “These figures show the future supply of nurses remains in peril – we have not seen the increase we need across the UK, despite government promises.

“In practice this will mean services already struggling to recruit staff will find it even harder. With a record number of people accessing services, it is patients who will pay the price for the government's failure.”