The University and College Admissions Service (UCAS) has published data following A-level results day 2022 for acceptances to UK undergraduate courses. For undergraduate nursing courses across the UK, it shows a 7% decrease in the number of acceptances while undergraduate midwifery courses show a 5% decrease, as compared to this point in the 2021 cycle. This is set against a wider sector decrease of 2%. These numbers represent 15% and 12% increases over pre-pandemic 2019 acceptances respectively.
James Hallwood, Head of Policy and External Affairs at the Council of Deans of Health, said:
‘In both 2020 and 2021 the higher education sector saw significant growth with several courses, including nursing and midwifery, seeing record breaking numbers of acceptances, however overall data was considered ‘atypical’ because of the pandemic.
Taking into consideration these specific circumstances, the A-level results day data is indicative of continued significant interest in nursing and midwifery courses with acceptance numbers well above 2019 levels despite decreases compared to 2021. Nonetheless, governments throughout the UK should not be complacent and need to respond to these data with further support to students and universities to maintain growth and progress of the future healthcare workforce. We know that the growth in student numbers is not matched by an equivalent one in healthcare educators so continue to urge action on this.
The Council would like to congratulate all the students who have been accepted onto healthcare courses for this coming year and look forward to seeing many more as clearing progresses. We commend you all on your achievements in undertaking the first in-person exams post-Covid and look forward to welcoming you in September’.
Notes
- Council of Deans of Health briefing on nursing and midwifery undergraduate courses on A-level results day 2022
- UCAS Statistical releases