More degree courses 'empty' after tuition fees rise

Rising numbers of degree courses are lying empty after failing to attract any students following a sharp hike in tuition fees, according to new research, writes Graeme Paton for The Telegraph.

Figures show a 7.6% increase in the number of unfilled courses during the current academic year, sparking claims that large numbers of degrees may have to be axed to save money.
Data supplied by 60 universities show that 1,005 courses are lying empty in 2012-13 – up from 934 a year earlier. Only 10 institutions recruited students onto all courses.

Extrapolated nationally, the number of unfilled courses may be twice as high. The disclosure – in research by Times Higher Education – was made despite the fact that many universities have already cut back on the number of courses on offer to coincide with the introduction of fees. And it came as David Willetts, the universities minister, warned that universities could lose state-funded student places if they fail to fill courses.
Full report on The Telegraph site