In order to provide firm data on the levels of application to undergraduate courses, the Subject Centre has commissioned the Centre for the Study of Education and Training (CSET) at Lancaster University to produce a report.
Although the final report is not due until March 2002, we have received some provisional results on the first phase. These results provide data going back, in most cases, to 94/95 for undergraduate numbers, application patterns and 'A' level choices in English, derived from HESA, UCAS and the QCA. The report also includes provisional data on how English compares with related subjects.
Summary of main findings:
Undergraduate numbers
Contrary to conventional wisdom, numbers of undergraduates in English are not declining in either absolute or relative terms, but track the overall increase in the student population (22,385 in 94/95 rising to 27,430 in 99/00).
Numbers studying Journalism, Drama and Media Studies are rising, but this is in addition to and not at the expense of English. Numbers in English are similar to those in Sociology and History, but English is maintaining its position slightly better and shows a small increase which these subjects do not share.
Numbers of part-time students in English are low, and in addition have shown a considerable decrease (3,932 falling to 2,990 in 99/00).
Gender and age
More than twice as many females as males choose English, and this ratio appears not to vary over time. There has been an increase in younger students studying English, and a decrease in mature students, although the increase in younger students more than compensates in terms of overall numbers for the decrease in more mature students.
A level in English
There has been a small drop in numbers sitting English 'A' Level. Taking Literature and Language together, numbers fell from 88,214 in 1994 to 86,562 in 2000. The number of those obtaining high grades has largely been maintained, and the data suggest that lower-achieving students may be choosing other subjects.
Within English, Literature has become less popular (63,678 sitting it in 1994 falling to 53,763 in 2000.) Language, and Language and Literature, have become more popular (24,536 in 1994 rising to 32,799 in 2000).
Applications to higher education
Applications to English have fallen slightly in recent years, although acceptances are slightly up. English is performing as well as or better than comparator subjects, with the exception of Drama, which shows a considerable increase in popularity. English, whilst not showing an increase, is maintaining its market position.
Second Phase
The second phase of the report will involve primary data collection in schools and colleges in order to establish the attitudes which are currently informing subject choice amongst young people.
We expect to have the final report on both phases in March 2002, and will disseminate the results to the subject community soon afterwards.
Newsletter Issue 2 - January 2002
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