The two pie charts provide information about the key criterions which have an impact on students’ decision in choosing a particular university in the UK in 1997 and 2007.
Overall, while quality of teaching, proximity to parental home and suitable degree courses gained more attention, the other reasons witnessed failed. Besides that, suitable degree courses made up the highest percentage over the period, whereas good sports and social activities decreased the least by 2007.
In 1997, the influence of suitable degree courses accounted for 35%, being the most dominant factor of the chart, followed by quality resources at 21%. The next most popular reason among students was good sports and social activities, constituting nearly a fifth. Quality of teaching and proximity to parental home received less attention from students, at 15% and 10% respectively.
By 2007, suitable degree courses remained the top reason for choosing a university among UK students despite a slight rise by 2%. The most notable change was seen in good sports and social activities, the figure fell to approximately one – third of its 1997 level. Quality of teaching also followed a similar trend, but at a slower rate, declining to 17%. In contrast, students’ decisions were influenced by quality of teaching and proximity to home, which increased to 18% and 22%, respectively.