Number of students growing in Lancashire

21:00 16th June 2009

The recession has lead many people to retrain as they seek to undergo a career change, reports the Lancashire Telegraph.

Universities in the East Lancashire area have reported large increases in the number of people applying for courses.

The Blackburn College University Centre recently revealed that applications have grown by 50 per cent and the University of Central Lancashire - based in Preston - has seen a 12 per cent increase.

Ian Clinton, principal of Blackburn College, told the newspaper: "There tends to be a link between bad economies and increased applications, as people are going back into higher education to get further qualifications."

He added that by re-entering education, students can get access to the guidance and experience they may need to re-join the employment arena better prepared.

The University of Central Lancashire is opening a campus in Burnley which will be open to students from September this year. The campus is part of an £81 million expansion plan by the university.