The bar chart shows information about the five most important reasons why learners choose a university in the UK in 1995 and 2005.
Overall, it can be seen that the suitable degree courses remained the most popular factor in both years. However, the importance of being near the parents’ home rose from 1995 to 2005, while the significance of sport activities and necessity in social activity declined dramatically.
In 1995, around 35% of students selected a university mainly because it offered suitable degree courses. In 2005, this factor became slightly more important than earlier, the figure grew to approximately 37%, remaining the most significant reason. The quality of resources and quality of teaching accounted for 22% and 15% in 1995, respectively. Later the indicators changed and comprised 17% and 18% in 2005. Two factors became roughly the same in 2005.
A notable change can be seen in two factors: being close to parental home and good sport and social activities. In 1995, the first cause was at 10% and the second reason was at 19%, while in 2005, the first factor accounted for 22% and the second only 6%. The difference in two reasons made up approximately 12%, and the first cause became more popular than the second in 2005.