| During the month in which thousands of students | | | | the usual gap year endeavour of travelling. This |
| will be graduating, the media has been awash with | | | | option seems increasingly sensible as students will |
| advice from education experts in light of the | | | | not only ensure a cushion of savings when they |
| ongoing recession. So with the general lack of | | | | start university, but they will also benefit from a |
| optimism amongst students regarding their job | | | | national increase in minimum wage during October. |
| prospects, are they right to be disheartened? Or | | | | Despite salary downturns for graduates and |
| is it time for youngsters to be entirely sure of | | | | subsequent disillusionment, The Times highlights |
| their future plans before they apply? | | | | that 'the financial case for going to university |
| According to research by The Independent, there | | | | remains compelling'. In the wake of their 2010 |
| has been an interesting change in trend amongst | | | | Good University Guide, students who are just |
| prospective students recently. Whilst applications | | | | about to start university are also being reminded |
| to subjects with obviously saturated | | | | of what the post-recession climate will be like for |
| marketplaces, such as Computer Science and | | | | graduates - and that a degree will more than likely |
| Media, have declined this year, those considered | | | | me even more highly regarded than it is currently. |
| 'pure subjects' (such as philosophy, economics and | | | | One surprising aspect of the current (mass) |
| politics) have seen an upsurge in interest. | | | | media coverage surrounding higher education, is |
| Additionally, specific vocational courses have also | | | | the lack of focus on alternatives for prospective |
| seen an interest in applications - as students either | | | | graduates who are eager to study but not to be |
| move towards general subjects that truly appeal | | | | hindered by the daunting financial aspect of |
| to them, or instead opt for something more niche | | | | full-time university study. This year will no-doubt |
| but less competitive when it comes to applying | | | | see another increase in the number of distance |
| for a job. | | | | learning courses available, an option that is more |
| The recession is also affecting student deferrals | | | | financially viable for many, as well as easier to |
| and what they might do on their year out. The | | | | manage whilst working part-time. Consequently, |
| Telegraph reports that around 33,000 students | | | | online study is proving tempting for those who |
| are going to defer this year - with many opting to | | | | want to earn while they learn - and to not be |
| work and save money, instead of embarking on | | | | stuck with an unsightly debt when they graduate. |