3rd December 1999

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The University of Ulster is one of the UKs most successful universities in attracting students from disadvantaged backgrounds, according to official figures published today.

The figures, published by the Higher Education Funding Council for England, records that 40 per cent of the University's students comes from working class and other disadvantaged backgrounds- more than any other higher education institution in the province.

It also records that more than 22 per cent of those who study at the University are mature students.

The figures have been welcomed by the University Vice Chancellor, Professor Gerry McKenna:

"The University's mission has always been to bring higher education to all groups in society. The fact that we have managed to do and maintain the quality of our education is a source of great pride.

"The only way to make Northern Ireland economically competitive is to open education to as many people as possible: it should be universal. This is particularly the case at a time when we have a new, inclusive government in the province."

For further information, please contact:

Press Office Department of Communication and Development
Telephone: 028 9036 6178
Email: pressoffice@ulster.ac.uk