Written question asked by Chris Mole (Labour) on Monday, 18 February 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 21 February 2008. It was answered by Bill Rammell (Labour) on Thursday, 21 February 2008 on behalf of the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills.

Science Degrees

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what steps his Department is taking to increase the number of applications for science degree courses at universities.

Answer: The Government are committed to increasing numbers of young people studying science, technology, engineering and maths at all levels. As well as our close coordination with the Department for Children, Schools and Families, the Department funds STEMNET, (the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Network), to raise awareness of these subjects among young people. Their Science and Engineering Ambassadors scheme has already enabled over 18,000 specialists to work directly with schools and colleges, alerting students to the opportunities offered by studying these subjects.The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) also provides £75 million additional funding from 2007-08 for three years for high cost strategic science subjects at undergraduate level, including chemistry, physics and chemical engineering.

Secondary information