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Postgraduate Education: Science

Answer

The latest information for all entrants to doctorate courses by subject of study are given in the following table. A new classification for recording subject of study was introduced in 2002/03 and so figures from 2002/03 onwards are not comparable to earlier years.

UK domiciled doctorate entrants to higher education institutions in England—1996/97 to 2001/02
Subject of study	1996/97	1997/98	1998/99	1999/2000	2000/01	2001/02
Number
Physical sciences	995	1,015	1,045	1,080	980	1 ,025
of which:
Chemistry	560	510	475	515	450	495
Physics	230	270	285	300	270	290
Biological sciences	1,085	1,085	1,295	1,275	1,235	1,315
of which:
Biochemistry	125	110	150	140	120	160
Other subjects	4,130	4,190	5,030	5,255	5,400	5,325
Total	6,210	6,290	7,370	7,605	7,620	7,660
Percentage
Physical sciences	16	16	14	14	13	13
of which:
Chemistry	9	8	6	7	6	6
Physics	4	4	4	4	4	4
Biological science	17	17	18	17	16	17
of which:
Biochemistry	2	2	2	2	2	2
Other subjects	67	67	68	69	71	69
Total	100	100	100	100	100	100
Notes:
1. Figures are on a snapshot basis as at 1st December excluding those writing up, on sabbatical or dormant. Students from the Open University are also excluded from the analysis.
2. Figures are rounded to the nearest five.
Source:
Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) student record

UK domiciled doctorate entrants to higher education institutions in England—2002/03 to 2005/06
Subject of study	2002/03	2003/04	2004/05	2005/06
Number
Physical sciences	980	1,010	980	1,020
of which:
Chemistry	445	430	400	400
Physics	295	300	290	320
Biological sciences	1,260	1,500	1,460	1,555
of which:
Molecular biology, biophysics and biochemistry	115	170	165	190
Other subjects	5,435	5,545	5,570	5,610
Total	7,680	8,055	8,005	8,185
Percentage
Physical sciences	13	13	12	12
of which:
Chemistry	6	5	5	5
Physics	4	4	4	4
Biological sciences	16	19	18	19
of which:
Molecular biology, biophysics and biochemistry	1	2	2	2
Other subjects	71	69	70	69
Total	100	100	100	100
Notes:
1. Figures are on a snapshot basis as at 1 December excluding those writing up, on sabbatical or dormant. Students from the Open University are also excluded from the analysis.
2. Figures are rounded to the nearest five.
Source:
Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) student record

In addition to monies paid to institutions in England, the Department provides financial support to English domiciled undergraduate students in the form of loans and grants through the Student Loans Company. Postgraduate students however are not entitled to student support, other than Disabled Students’ Allowances.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

149096; 463 c1769-71W

Session

2006-07

Subjects

Science Postgraduate education

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk