The University has announced plans to set undergraduate fees at £9,000 from 2012, subject to agreement by the Office for Fair Access (OFFA).

The fees will apply to full-time UK and EU students on all undergraduate degree courses. They will replace funding being withdrawn by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) and allow the University to invest further in a world-class student experience that has made Nottingham one of the most popular universities in the UK.

New funding proposals follow the recommendations set out in the Browne Review, and reflect the Government’s decision to make significant cuts in annual teaching grants and capital grants. The University faces a £12m cut in Government funding in 2011/12, following a loss of £4m in 2010/11.

A substantial package of financial aid will be available to students, to ensure that the University continues to attract the best and the brightest, whatever their background. The University will be offering a further £4m to support entrants in 2012, with students from lower-income families benefitting from bursaries and, in some cases, fee waivers. This boosts the £6m the University already invests in these initiatives.

This package will include support for students with their living costs, and extra provision will be targeted towards foundation year students, local students, those with disabilities, those with responsibilities as carers and students formerly in care.

The University will also increase in its work with schools, colleges and the community. The new Nottingham Potential programme will increase outreach significantly, providing academic support, curriculum enrichment, student-pupil mentoring and focused work. This represents a long-term commitment to widening participation and provides a major opportunity for transformational work in the local area.

Professor David Greenaway, Vice-Chancellor, said: “We are currently investing £90m in teaching and learning, to ensure that our students continue to enjoy the very best facilities during their studies. The new fee levels we are proposing will allow us to replace the cuts in Government expenditure and build on this investment, and build on what we can offer to students who aspire to a world-class education, while maintaining the financial sustainability of the University.

“For our students, a degree from The University of Nottingham represents an investment in their future. This is reflected in the fact that when they graduate, they are among the most sought-after in the country.

“At the same time we have a long tradition of raising aspiration, widening access and supporting achievement, both locally and nationally. With the comprehensive package of financial support we are proposing, together with a step-change in our widening participation activity, we will ensure that Nottingham continues to attract students of the highest calibre – regardless of their financial circumstances.”

More information is available at: www.nottingham.ac.uk/fees/frequentlyaskedquestions.aspx.

The University has seen a surge in enquiries from prospective students. The number of people booking onto undergraduate open days — held in June and September
— is up by 48% on this time last year. The University has also seen a 26% increase in calls to its undergraduate enquiry centre, and a 22% increase in prospectus requests.

Dr Paul Greatrix, Registrar, said: “It is clear that interest in a Nottingham degree has not diminished in light of the proposed new fee arrangements — in fact, we have seen greater interest than in previous years.”