There are three contextual issues here. The first is that the balance between supply and demand has narrowed substantially during the last
12 years. So, for example, while the number of applicants for full-time undergraduate places through the Universities and Colleges
Applications System (UCAS)1 has increased, the proportion of applicants being accepted has increased more. There is considerable variability by subject here. The following chart shows the ratio of UK-domiciled applicants to acceptances through the UCAS system for 1995 entry and
2007 entry. It will be very interesting to see if the economic downturn has any impact on the relationship between the numbers of
12 years. So, for example, while the number of applicants for full-time undergraduate places through the Universities and Colleges
Applications System (UCAS)1 has increased, the proportion of applicants being accepted has increased more. There is considerable variability by subject here. The following chart shows the ratio of UK-domiciled applicants to acceptances through the UCAS system for 1995 entry and
2007 entry. It will be very interesting to see if the economic downturn has any impact on the relationship between the numbers of