1.2 STUDENT NUMBERS
2020-21 saw a number of challenges to student recruitment, yet the University continued to see growth in its core student numbers, building on that seen in previous years. Overall full-time equivalent (FTE) student numbers stand at 18,719, having grown by 26% year on year. This increase has been driven by strong organic growth in the numbers of students studying at the University – 5,657, having grown year on year by 9%. The numbers of students studying at partner institutions on validated or franchise provision (13,062) have increased more dramatically, but in line with expectations as intakes at new partners continue with their study on later years of their programmes. In 2020-21, there were 3,111 FTE students at partners studying a University- validated award, and 9,951 studying University awards under franchise, 92% of which are offered in the UK, and 8% overseas. Growth in BNU student numbers reflected increasing diversity in the courses we offer, with the numbers of apprenticeships growing by 21% year on year, 7% growth in undergraduate students, and 1% growth in the numbers of taught postgraduate students. This diversity means that our student body comprised 80% undergraduate students, 8% postgraduate (taught and research) students, and 12% apprenticeships; a small amount of FE provision comprised <1% of the student body. Of the student body, 87% were of Home fee status, 9% from the EU, and 3% overseas students. Student recruitment in 2020-21 was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically the cancellation of A level examinations scheduled for the summer of 2020, and their replacement by centre assessed grades. The resultant grade inflation caused considerable instability with students widely reported to have sought places at more highly ranked institutions than would otherwise have been the case. In 2020-21, however, BNU continued to see very strong demand for its courses throughout the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) cycle – the volume of applications for full-time undergraduate places, for example, growing by 17% year on year. Applications for 2021-22 have continued to grow, also at another 17% year on year, leading to expectations that our overall student body will continue to grow further in the coming year.
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