“Consolidation” of courses by universities could explain why there appear to be fewer programmes available through clearing this year, according to Ucas leader Jo Saxton.
Speaking ahead of A-level results day on 13 August, the chief executive of the admissions service said although it was still too early to tell whether there will be a “statistically significant” decline for 2026-27 entry, any reduction was likely to be as a result of universities shutting or merging some programmes.
Most universities have been reviewing their course portfolios given financial pressures across the sector, with several closing programmes because of low student demand.
Appearing on a webinar hosted by the Higher Education Policy Institute, Saxton was asked by Mary Curnock Cook, herself a former Ucas chief executive, about the number of courses available.
Cook said about 27,000 courses are currently being advertised to prospective students, fewer than the more than 30,000 Ucas’ guidance describes.
