The number of people applying to Falmouth University has fallen.

More applicants were offered places despite the drop in numbers, but fewer people ended up accepting offers and overall numbers still fell.

The number of applicants placed on courses fell from 1,785 in 2017 to 1,605 in 2018 even as the number of offers rose from 3,260 to 3,475.

In 2017, a total of 5,365 applications were made by the June deadline, and in 2018 this number fell to 5,055. At its peak in 2016, 6,200 applications were made.

According to the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) statistics, the university was offering places to slightly more than half of people who applied in 2015 (50.4 per cent).

By the 2018 deadline, 68.8 per cent (roughly two-thirds) of people applying were offered a place.

Anna Brown, head of communications for Falmouth University, spoke to the Packet about the figures, saying that the university takes "a rigorous approach to student recruitment".

She pointed out that all applicants, even those who receive unconditional offers (which guarantee a place regardless of exam results), must meet a minimum threshold.

She went on to say: "For many courses, [applicants] will also provide a portfolio of work or take part in an audition, which is assessed as part of the process.

"This year, all applicants will also have an interview, to assess their suitability for their course and to give them an opportunity to get answers to any questions they might have, too."

Referring to the university's policy on unconditional offers, she said: "These are only offered to applicants whose predicted grades exceed the institution’s UCAS tariff points threshold, or who have demonstrated exceptional potential in their creative portfolio, audition or interview, and who we believe have the necessary qualities to excel and make a significant contribution to the university’s innovative, creative community."

She added: “While applications and enrolments to Falmouth’s on-campus undergraduate courses fell slightly last year, it’s important to see this in the context of the wider Falmouth University provision and the institution’s ongoing development in line with its 2030 strategy.”