Applications for degree courses at a record high - but will the UK be able to cope with the demand?

The University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), the body responsible for processing applications to almost all universities in the UK has published data showing a record amount of demand for degree courses this year. According to telegraph.co.uk, numbers of applications have increased by over 57,000 during the recession - and is said to have been primarily due to an increased number of recently unemployed workers eager to make themselves more employable.

But is there enough space in the UK's institutions? According to a number of online sources there most certainly isn't, although the number of people likely to be denied places has seen numerous estimates. The Press Association suggests that, due to the government having capped the number of additional places at institutions over the next year, universities can take no more than 10,000 students - leaving around 40,000 who will be denied a place.

However, The London Evening Standard highlights why the cap is in place. Tim Ross writes that the recession means UK universities are suffering a shortfall of £200 million, subsequently his estimation of how many more students can be accounted for is far less than that suggested by the Press Association - a mere 3,000 more students. Yet, as the Standard reports, this data has seen a number of ministers approach the Treasury for assistance to fund extra places.

It has been widely reported that this dramatic increase in university applications has been due to a greater number of older prospective students who have recently been made redundant or become unemployed - and are now eager to spruce up their CV, gain some extra skills, and ultimately become more employable. Of course, the UCAS data enforces this, showing an 18 percent rise in applicants aged over 25.

With such a great number of older students who may be working part time, and who also might have family commitments, it is intriguing to see how this will affect the distance education and e-Learning sides of the sector. 2009 has seen the 40th anniversary of the Open University and fresh funding being announced for the development of technologies of a number of similar institutions, it seems likely that such courses will be a lifesaver for many who don't succeed with their application for traditional university degree courses - or who may not have the time to study full time.

Sarah Maple is writing for Kaplan UK Open Learning about distance learning courses.