The University of Nottingham is the third most popular university in the UK, according to latest application figures.

More than 49,000 prospective students applied to study at the University this year – around nine applicants for each of the 5,500 places available for first-year undergraduates.

Figures from UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, show that applications to Nottingham are up 7.6 per cent on last year: an additional 3,500 student applications.

Nottingham is one of only a few in the Russell Group – the UK’s 20 elite research-intensive universities – to experience an increase in popularity on last year.

The rise in applications comes in the wake of a string of major successes for Nottingham, including its best score in the National Student Survey (NSS), which measures overall level of satisfaction with their degree course and the institution.

The recent QS World Rankings saw Nottingham climb 18 places into the Global Top 75, making it the fastest-rising UK university in the prestigious Top 100.

It was also named ‘Europe’s greenest university’ and second in the world in the UI GreenMetric World University Ranking, a league table of the world’s most environmentally-friendly higher education institutions.

Dr Paul Greatrix, Registrar, said: “We’re delighted that so many prospective students have applied to study at The University of Nottingham this year.

“The student experience on offer here is second to none, not only in the quality of teaching and learning, but also in a beautiful campus environment, unique opportunities for overseas study, the breadth of student societies and activities and the excitement of having a vibrant city like Nottingham on the doorstep.

“We’re currently investing £90m in new facilities for teaching, learning and research on campus, to ensure the University continues to offer the world-class education for which it has become known.”

Nationally, UCAS reported an increase in applications of just over five per cent. Commenting on the national picture, Nicola Dandridge, Chief Executive of Universities UK said: “The increase in applications shows that demand for higher education remains steady. A university education is clearly still recognised for the enormous benefits it provides. Undoubtedly, gaining specialist higher-level skills gives graduates an edge.”

Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Manchester are the two most popular UK universities by application numbers, according to today’s figures, with Leeds and Sheffield Hallam in fourth and fifth place.