HIGHER EDUCATION IN FACTS AND FIGURES 2017

HIGHER EDUCATION IN FACTS AND FIGURES 2017

INTRODUCTION Welcome to the 2017 edition of Higher education in facts and figures. This annual publication provides an overview of UK higher education students, outcomes, staff and finances. All data relates to UK higher education institutions unless stated otherwise. Further information on the sources used in this publication can be found on our website: www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/facts-and-figures

HIGHLIGHTS 3 14% of undergraduates, 38% of postgraduates and 29% of academic staff are from outside of the UK. In 2017, overall student satisfaction at UK higher education institutions was 84%. Highlights University applications from 18-year-olds in areas of England with lower higher education participation rates have increased to record levels. Just under a quarter of total university income is from direct UK government sources. 16% of research income came from sources outside of the UK. Employment rates and median salaries continue to be higher for graduates than for non-graduates. For further information: Tel: +44 (0)20 7419 4111 Visit: www.universitiesuk.ac.uk Email: info@universitiesuk.ac.uk

4 Contents CONTENTS STUDENTS Students by country of provider, 2014 15 to 2015 16 7 Students by level of study and mode of study, 2015 16 8 Young university application rates, 2006 to 2017 9 Application rates from the most disadvantaged 18-year-olds, 2006 to 2017 10 Students by subject area, 2015 16 11 Students by domicile and level of study, 2015 16 12 Top 20 home countries of non-uk students, 2015 16 13 Non continuation rates, 2006 07 to 2014 15 14 OUTCOMES Qualifications awarded by mode of study, 2015 16 16 Qualifications awarded by domicile, 2015 16 17 Destinations of UK-domiciled leavers by level of qualification and sex, 2015 16 18 Destinations of UK- and other EU-domiciled leavers, 2011 12 and 2015 16 19 Unemployment rates and median salaries in the UK, 2016 20 National Student Survey, 2017 21 STAFF Staff by nationality and contract level, 2015 16 23 Academic staff, 2015 16 24 Staff salaries by sex, 2015 16 25

FINANCE Income and size of higher education institutions, 2014 15 to 2015 16 27 Income of higher education institutions by source, 2015 16 28 Teaching and research income of higher education institutions, 2015 16 29 Operating expenditure of higher education institutions, 2015 16 30 5 Contents ANNEXE Sources 31 Glossary 32 Notes on data 34

STUDENTS With the UK attracting more students from overseas than any other country besides the United States, its student population is incredibly diverse. Overall, 14% of undergraduates and 38% of postgraduates were from outside of the UK. The way that students complete their studies also varies. In 2015 16, 82% of undergraduates studied full time, whereas 43% of postgraduates studied part time.

STUDENTS BY COUNTRY OF PROVIDER, 2014 15 TO 2015 16 In 2015, the number of full-time students at UK higher education institutions increased in England and Scotland. All home nations showed decreases in numbers of part-time students. 1.3% Scotland 235,565 TOTAL 2.6% FULL-TIME -2.8% PART-TIME 19 PROVIDERS 7 Students Northern Ireland 55,245 TOTAL -1.9% FULL-TIME -2.6% PART-TIME 5 PROVIDERS -2.1% Wales -3.2% 0.9% England 1,861,345 TOTAL 2.9% FULL-TIME -5.0% PART-TIME 132 PROVIDERS 128,675 TOTAL -0.3% FULL-TIME -9.9% PART-TIME 10 PROVIDERS Note: figures show numbers in 2015 16, and percentage changes between 2014 15 and 2015 16. The Open University has been distributed across each of the home nations.

8 Students STUDENTS BY LEVEL OF STUDY AND MODE OF STUDY, 2015 16 Part-time students make up 75% of other undergraduate students and a quarter of postgraduate (research) students at UK higher education institutions. 89% of undergraduates undertaking a first degree are studying full time. Other undergraduate 183,955 First degree 1,563,900 Postgraduate (taught) 419,795 Postgraduate (research) 113,175 Total 2,280,830 11% 24% 25% 47% 25% 75% 53% 75% 89% 76% Full-time Part-time Full-time Part-time

YOUNG UNIVERSITY APPLICATION RATES, 2006 TO 2017 18-year-olds from England were more likely to apply to full-time, undergraduate study in 2017 than in any previous year. From 2016 to 2017, the 18-year-old application rate decreased in Wales and Northern Ireland, and remained the same in Scotland. 9 Students 50 Application rate (%) 45 40 35 30 25 48% 37% 33% 32% 20 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Year England Northern Ireland Wales Scotland

10 Students APPLICATION RATES FROM THE MOST DISADVANTAGED 18-YEAR-OLDS, 2006 TO 2017 18-year-olds from the lowest areas of participation in England and Scotland are more likely than ever to apply to university. Application rate (%) 30 25 20 15 10 5 24.4% 19.7% 22.5% Application rate (%) 20 15 10 5 17.0% 0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 England Northern Ireland Wales Scotland Note: POLAR3 method is used for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, while SIMD is used for Scotland. Therefore, they are not directly comparable. Application rates reported for Scotland are lower, as a substantial section of Scottish providers do not use UCAS.

STUDENTS BY SUBJECT AREA, 2015 16 Undergraduate numbers at UK higher education institutions are highest for business, subjects allied to medicine, and biological sciences, while for postgraduates, the numbers are highest for business, education, and subjects allied to medicine. Subject area Medicine & dentistry Subjects allied to medicine Biological sciences Veterinary science Agriculture & related subjects Physical sciences Mathematical sciences Computer science Engineering & technology Architecture, building & planning Social studies Law Business & administrative studies Mass communications & documentation Languages Historical & philosophical studies Creative arts & design Education Combined 0 50,000 100,000 150,000 200,000 250,000 300,000 350,000 11 Students Undergraduate Postgraduate

12 Students STUDENTS BY DOMICILE AND LEVEL OF STUDY, 2015 16 14% of undergraduate students and 38% of postgraduate students at UK higher education institutions are from outside of the UK. 1,342,770 143,300 Postgraduate Undergraduate First degree 166,795 Other undergraduate 268,470 Postgraduate (taught) Postgraduate (research) 12,885 4,275 64,285 33,680 30,130 120,710 77,825 15,205 0 400,000 800,000 1,200,000 1,600,000 UK Other European Union Non-European Union

TOP 20 HOME COUNTRIES OF NON-UK STUDENTS, 2015 16 In 2015 16, the top six home countries of non-uk students were China accounting for 21% of non-uk students Malaysia, the United States, India, Hong Kong and Nigeria (accounting for 4% each). Country Count Percentage Country Count Percentage China 91,215 21% Greece 9,790 2% 13 Students Malaysia 17,405 4% Cyprus 9,140 2% United States 17,115 4% Saudi Arabia 8,570 2% India 16,745 4% Spain 7,840 2% Hong Kong 16,745 4% Singapore 7,540 2% Nigeria 16,100 4% Romania 7,200 2% Germany 13,425 3% Bulgaria 6,195 1% France 12,525 3% Thailand 6,095 1% Italy 12,135 3% Canada 5,980 1% Ireland 10,245 2% Poland 5,655 1%

14 Students NON-CONTINUATION RATES, 2006 07 TO 2014 15 In 2014 15, the percentage of UK-domiciled, full-time, first degree entrants not continuing in higher education after their first year was below the level seen in 2006 07. 16 Non-continuation rate (%) 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 11.7% 6.2% 0 2006 07 2007 08 2008 09 2009 10 2010 11 2011 12 2012 13 2013 14 2014 15 Young students Mature students

OUTCOMES The 2017 National Student Survey showed that student satisfaction was 84% overall, and there is a growing public and policy interest in the student experience and graduate outcomes. Salaries and employment rates continue to be higher for both undergraduates and postgraduates when compared to non-graduates, while more than 90% of UK-domiciled undergraduates and postgraduates were working and/or pursuing further study six months after graduation.

16 Outcomes QUALIFICATIONS AWARDED BY MODE OF STUDY, 2015 16 In 2015 16, 54% of all qualifications awarded by UK higher education institutions were first degrees, 11% were for other types of undergraduate degrees (including foundation degrees) and 35% were for postgraduate degrees. 400,000 300,000 200,000 100,000 0 0 20,000 40,000 60,000 80,000 367,240 First degree 32,580 Foundation 9,275 degree 5,545 37,060 Other undergraduate 28,870 144,050 Postgraduate (taught) 69,930 19,760 PGCE 1,040 22,760 Postgraduate (research) 4,615 Full-time Part-time

QUALIFICATIONS AWARDED BY DOMICILE, 2015 16 In 2015 16, 74% of qualifications awarded to UK students were undergraduate degrees, while 62% of qualifications awarded to non-uk students were postgraduate degrees. First degree 17 Outcomes Foundation degree HNC/HND Other undergraduate Postgraduate (research) Postgraduate (taught) 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% UK full-time UK part-time Other European Union full-time Non-European Union full-time Non-European Union part-time Other European Union part-time

18 DESTINATIONS OF UK-DOMICILED LEAVERS BY LEVEL OF QUALIFICATION AND SEX, 2015 16 Outcomes Six months after graduation, 93% of postgraduates and 90% of undergraduates were working and/or pursuing further study. Undergraduate Postgraduate Postgraduate total Postgraduate female Postgraduate male Undergraduate total Undergraduate female Undergraduate male 83% 4% 6% 3% 4% 84% 4% 5% 3% 4% 81% 4% 7% 5% 3% 67% 6% 17% 5% 5% 68% 7% 16% 4% 5% 66% 6% 18% 7% 4% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Work Work and further study Further study Unemployed Other

DESTINATIONS OF UK- AND OTHER EU-DOMICILED LEAVERS, 2011 12 AND 2015 16 19 The percentage of leavers in work or further study has increased from 89% in 2011 12 to 92% in 2015 16. Outcomes 7% 4% 5% 4% 14% 15% 7% 2011 12 64% 6% 2015 16 67% 4% 4% UK work Overseas work Work and further study Unemployed Further study Other

20 UNEMPLOYMENT RATES AND MEDIAN SALARIES IN THE UK, 2016 Median salaries and employment rates continue to be higher for both undergraduates and postgraduates when compared to non-graduates. Outcomes 90% 80% 9% 8% 40,000 35,000 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 7% 6% 5% 4% 3% 2% 30,000 25,000 20,000 15,000 10,000 10% 1% 5,000 0% Postgraduate Graduate Non-graduate 0% Postgraduate Graduate Non-graduate 0 Postgraduate Graduate Non-graduate Young high-skill employment rate (21 30 year olds) High-skill employment rate (16 64 year olds) Young unemployment rate (21 30 year olds) Unemployment rate (16 64 year olds) Young median salary (21 30 year olds) Median salary (16 64 year olds)

NATIONAL STUDENT SURVEY, 2017 In 2017, overall student satisfaction at UK higher education institutions was 84%. Satisfaction with teaching on the course was 85%, learning opportunities scored 84%, and academic support 80%. NHS practice placements The teaching on my course Learning resources 87% 85% 85% 21 Outcomes Learning opportunities Overall satisfaction Academic support Learning community Organisation and management Assessment and feedback Student voice Students union 57% 84% 84% 80% 77% 75% 73% 73% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Student satisfaction Note: due to changes in the questions asked, the 2017 National Student Survey results cannot be compared to previous years.

STAFF 29% of the UK s academic staff are from overseas, with 17% from other EU countries. Nearly a quarter of senior lecturers and 18% of professors working at UK higher education institutions are non-uk nationals. Females make up 45% of the academic workforce.

STAFF BY NATIONALITY AND CONTRACT LEVEL, 2015 16 24% of senior lecturers at UK higher education institutions are non-uk nationals. 18% of professors and 7% of senior management are also from overseas. 100% 90% 80% 70% 10% 14% 76% 9% 13% 79% 4% 6% 90% 6% 8% 85% 7% 11% 82% 3% 93% 4% 23 Staff 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Senior lecturers Team leaders Administrative staff Task providers Professors Senior management UK EEA Other non-european Union countries Note: each column contains a number of job titles, which can be found in the online version of this publication.

24 Staff ACADEMIC STAFF, 2015 16 29% of academic staff at UK higher education institutions are from outside of the UK. A third of academic staff are employed on a part-time basis. Academic staff by employment function and mode of employment Academic staff by nationality and sex 120,000 100,000 7% 5% 80,000 32% 9% Staff 60,000 40,000 8% 20,000 0 Teaching and research Full-time Research only Teaching only Part-time Neither teaching nor research 39% Male non-eu staff Female non-eu staff Male other EU staff Female other EU staff Male UK staff Female UK staff

STAFF SALARIES BY SEX 2015 16 54% of the entire workforce at UK higher education institutions is female. Females make up 45% of the academic workforce and 66% of staff earning 24,057 or less. Males make up 58% of staff earning 43,325 or more. 25 Staff Staff salaries at higher education institutions Percentage of employees from total 120,000 100,000 80,000 19% 22% Staff 60,000 40,000 20,000 0 Up to 18,031 18,031 24,057 24,057 32,277 32,277 43,325 43,325 58,172 58,172 or more 27% Female academic Female non-academic 32% Male academic Male non-academic

FINANCE Higher education institutions raise income from a wide range of sources. In 2015 16, 54% of income was from sources other than tuition fees, while 24% of income was from direct UK government sources. 16% of research income came from non-uk sources. 55% of spending at UK higher education institutions was related to teaching and research activities, which includes spending on academic and support staff working in academic departments. Additional spending also contributes to the student experience, including spending on libraries, accommodation and IT.

INCOME AND SIZE OF HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS, 2014 15 TO 2015 16 27 In 2015 16, nearly two-thirds of UK higher education institutions had an income of more than 100 million. Just over a quarter of institutions had over 20,000 students. Finance Less than 10m Less than 1,000 10 20m 1,000 to 5,000 Income 20 50m 50 100m 100 200m 200 500m Number of students 5,000 to 10,000 10,000 to 15,000 15,000 to 20,000 20,000 to 25,000 25,000 to 30,000 500 1000m 30,000 to 50,000 More than 1bn 50,000 to 200,000 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 0 10 20 30 40 Number of institutions Number of institutions 2014 15 (restated) 2015 16 2014 15 2015 16

28 INCOME OF HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS BY SOURCE, 2015 16 54% of income was from sources other than tuition fees. Just under a quarter of income was from direct UK government sources. Finance 9% 2% 20% Teaching UK government Teaching fees Research UK government Research other Endowment and investment 8% Total income: 34.7 billion Other income 46% 15%

TEACHING AND RESEARCH INCOME OF HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS, 2015 16 In 2015 16, UK higher education institutions received a total of 19.1 billion in teaching income. Institutions also received 7.8 billion in research income, of which 16% came from non-uk sources. Teaching income by source Research income by source 29 Finance 5% 6% 1% 17% 11% 49% 4% 15% 64% 23% 6% UK and EU undergraduate fees UK and EU postgraduate fees Non-EU fees UK government grants Other fees and grants UK government UK charities UK business EU sources Non-EU sources Other sources

30 OPERATING EXPENDITURE OF HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS, 2015 16 Finance 55% of spending by higher education institutions was related to teaching and research activities, which includes spending on academic and support staff working in academic departments. Teaching and research 55% Maintaining campuses 11% Libraries, IT and museums Running the university Accommodation and conferences Financial support to students and outreach Student and staff facilities Other expenditure 9% 7% 5% 4% 3% 5% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% Percentage of university expenditure

SOURCES p.7 HESA Student Record [2015 16]* p.8 HESA Student Record [2015 16]* p.9 UCAS, 2017 p.10 UCAS, 2017 p.11 HESA Student Record [2015 16]* p.12 HESA Student Record [2015 16]* p.13 HESA Student Record [2015 16]* p.14 HESA UK Performance Indicators [2015 16] p.16 HESA Student Record [2015 16]* p.17 HESA (2017), Statistical First Release 242 p.18 HESA Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) [2015 16] p.19 HESA (2017), Statistical First Release 245 p.20 Department for Education (2017), Graduate Labour Market Statistics 2016 p.21 National Student Survey (NSS) 2017 p.23 HESA Staff Record [2015 16]* p.24 HESA Staff Record [2015 16]* p.25 HESA Staff Record [2015 16]* p.27 HESA Finance Record and Student Record [multiple years]* p.28 UUK analysis of HESA Finance Plus 2015 16 p.29 UUK analysis of HESA Finance Plus 2015 16 p.30 UUK analysis of HESA Finance Plus 2015 16 *Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited. Neither the Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited nor HESA Services Limited can accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from data or other information obtained from Heidi Plus. 31 Annexe

32 Annexe GLOSSARY Application rate The number of applicants divided by the estimated base population. DLHE The Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) survey asks leavers from higher education what they are doing six months after graduation. About three-quarters of leavers complete the survey. Domicile A student s permanent country of residence. EEA The European Economic Area (EEA) is the 28 EU countries plus Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. First degree A three- or four-year undergraduate higher education course taken after finishing further education, generally resulting in a bachelor s degree. Higher education institutions In 2015 16, there were 162 higher education institutions in the UK in receipt of public funding via one of the UK funding councils. This report features aggregated data from all 162, plus the University of Buckingham, largely based on institutional returns to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). On page 7, students from The Open University have been split across each UK nation to better reflect the number of students in each part of the UK. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the analysis in this report therefore excludes other higher education providers, including alternative providers or further education colleges that currently do not return consistent and full data to HESA. HEFCE The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) funds and regulates universities and colleges in England. HESA Higher Education Statistics Agency.

High-skill employment (ONS definition) Occupations at this level are generally termed professional or managerial positions, and are found in corporate enterprises or governments. Examples include senior government officials; financial managers; scientists; engineers; medical doctors; teachers; and accountants. Mode of study Whether a student studies full or part time. Non-continuation rate For this publication, the non-continuation rate is the percentage of full-time, first degree entrants not continuing in higher education after their first year. NSS National Student Survey. Other undergraduate Undergraduate degrees which are not first degrees, including foundation degrees and Higher National Diplomas. POLAR3 Participation of Local Areas (POLAR) is a widening participation measure which classifies local areas or wards into five groups, based on the proportion of 18-year-olds who enter higher education aged 18 or 19 years old. These groups range from quintile 1 areas, with the lowest young participation (most disadvantaged), up to quintile 5 areas with the highest rates (most advantaged). SIMD The Scottish index of multiple deprivation (SIMD) ranks small geographical areas in Scotland by their relative level of deprivation across a range of measures. Data used in this publication refers to 18-year-olds from the most disadvantaged SIMD quintile. 33 Annexe

34 Annexe NOTES ON DATA All percentages have been calculated using raw figures and rounded, and therefore rounded figures may not sum precisely. Full data and further information on sources can be found on our website: www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/facts-and-figures

UNIVERSITIES UK Universities UK is the representative organisation for the UK s universities. Founded in 1918, our mission is to be the voice of universities in the UK, providing high quality leadership and support to our members to promote a successful and diverse higher education sector. With 136 members and offices in London, Cardiff (Universities Wales) and Edinburgh (Universities Scotland), we promote the strength and success of UK universities nationally and internationally. Woburn House, 20 Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9HQ Tel: +44 (0)20 7419 4111 Email: info@universitiesuk.ac.uk Web: www.universitiesuk.ac.uk Twitter: @UniversitiesUK ISBN 978-1-84036-386-9 October 2017