University chemistry acceptances surge more than 18 per cent

The Royal Society of Chemistry has welcomed news that acceptances of university chemistry courses are at a six-year high.

Latest figures from UCAS reveal chemistry acceptances across UK universities have risen 18.1 per cent since 2003. 

So far this year, 3,511 students have signed up to chemistry at the UK's 55 universities which offer the subject.

This figure is the highest since 1999 and is 3.7 per cent up compared to this time last year.

The news comes as all subjects combined face an average four per cent decrease in acceptances since 2005.

The RSC's higher education manager Libby Steele said: "We are delighted with the increase in chemistry acceptances, and are cautiously optimistic that this upward trend will continue in the years to come.

"The message has reached students and parents that a degree in chemistry is not only a route through to a rewarding career in the chemical sciences, but also a gateway to a whole range of other careers.

"The skills gained through Chemistry degrees are regarded as extremely valuable by employers in many different fields."

Earlier this year, the RSC successfully initiated a campaign to save the University of Sussex Chemistry Department - which has been further vindicated by the announcement from HEFCE that more funding has been provided to further boost chemistry provision at Sussex.

Mrs Steele said: "The Royal Society of Chemistry has not sat back and allowed chemistry to struggle.

"We have been proactive, and have a number of initiatives running to boost uptake of chemistry at university level.

"The RSC has also successfully obtained £1.1 million in funding from the Department for Education and Skills and GlaxoSmithKline to facilitate training of non-specialist chemistry teachers in schools, so they have the confidence and flair to inspire students to continue with the subject."