Participation boom

DEPARTMENT for Education statistics show a 160 per cent increase, from 102,000 to 267,000, in full and part-time postgraduate students between 1980/81 and 1994/95.

* The numbers of full-time postgraduate students increased by nearly 110 per cent from 62,000 in 1980/81 to 130,000 in 1994/95.

* The numbers of part-time postgraduate students increased by over 240 per cent from 40,000 to 137,000.

* The numbers of full-time male postgraduates increased by 80 per cent, from 41,000 to 74,000, between 1980/81 and 1994/95. Part-time male numbers increased by 144 per cent from 29,000 to 71,000.

* The numbers of full-time female postgraduates increased by 166 per cent, from 21,000 to 56,000, between 1980/81 and 1994/95. Part-time female postgraduates increased by 500 per cent from 11,000 to 66,000.

* Women comprised 33 per cent of full-time postgraduates in 1980/81 and per cent of part-timers. In 1994/95 they comprised 43 per cent and 48 per cent respectively.