MORE young people are opting to go to university again - despite a dip in numbers last year.

According to Ucas figures, the number of students accepted by the University of Worcester has bounced back in 2013-14 after a drop in 2012-13.

The university accepted 2,890 students for the academic year in contrast to the 2,530 who went there in 2012-13.

The rise shows a return to the university's previous high in 2011-12 when it accepted 2,940 students.

Worcester College of Technology also saw a dramatic rise in its students accepting 65 students to its courses for the academic year 2013-14, in marked contrast to the five it took in 2012-13.

This year's rise has even surpassed the 45 students who went to the college in 2011-12.

The rise in the number of students going to universities and colleges was reflected across the UK, with 495,596 students accepted to full time undergraduate courses, an increase of 6.6 per cent and the highest total ever recorded.

Ucas chief executive Mary Curnock Cook said: "With 19 year old admissions up by 18 per cent in England, we can see that the dip in demand in 2012 was perhaps a pause for thought – more of those who were 18 in 2012 have now started university than those who were 18 in either 2010 or 2011."

Professor David Green, vice chancellor and chief executive of the university of Worcester said 2013 was an all-time record year for the university.

He said: "New courses such as biochemistry and occupational therapy flourished whilst many long-standing favourites in art, business, sport, psychology became even more popular.

He also said Ucas's report came in the best week ever for applications to study at Worcester with over 2,200 applications made in a single week.

He added that employability was the secret of the university's success.

He said: "We are delighted that our graduates have proved to be highly employable, despite the long recession, with 15 out of every 16 in work within six months of graduation."

Anne Daniel, of Worcester College of Technology, said: “Students are opting to come to Worcester College of Technology as they are looking for exceptional value.

"This means quality of teaching, lower fees, and support they are given to achieve their potential.

"Students are making a positive choice after considering all of the options.”