Demand continues to be high for subjects of study, and full-time courses recruit to target overall.
A high proportion of students are recruited without coming straight from sixth forms and a major contribution is thus made to the university's aim of aiding local and regional development. Modes of study in the School vary, with most students being registered on full-time courses. Currently, there are also many openings for part-time study opportunities, whether for undergraduate or postgraduate students. Postgraduates can take taught courses, degrees by research only, or some combination of these. Staff in the School sustain substantial amounts of individual and collective research activity, exceeding the university's aim of doubling the number of active researchers.