RSC welcomes confirmation of increased university chemistry acceptances

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

Figures published today reveal 3,581 students have signed up to chemistry courses in 2006.

This is a rise of 3.7 per cent on 2005, a jump of 18 per cent since 2003, and this year's intake is the highest since 1999.

UCAS periodically publish acceptance figures from the day A-level results come out right through to the end of the clearing process. 

The good news for chemistry comes as all subjects combined face an average 3.8 per cent decrease in acceptances compared to 2005.

RSC chief executive Richard Pike said: "'Both government and industry, and other sectors, are increasingly realising that chemistry is the science that will underpin this country's future advances in cleaner and renewable energy usage, sustainability, environmental care, water management, health and medicine. 

"Today's figures send a powerful message that school leavers share this view, and they will find great opportunities as they progress in their careers."

The RSC's higher education manager Libby Steele said: "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."