UNIVERSITY centres in East Lancashire have seen record increases in applications as more people look to retrain amid the recession.

Blackburn College University Centre has seen a 50 per cent increase in its numbers since last year and the University of Central Lancashire, UCLan, which is opening a new campus in Burnley, has had a 12 per cent rise.

And UCLan has revealed several courses will not be available through the university clearing system after A-level results are published in August.

Blackburn College bosses put the increase in applications down to the decision not to charge top- up fees as well as the recession encouraging more and more people retrain.

The college said it had been inundated with applicants for criminology, psychology and law.

Nationally the drop in the number of places at university is an estimated 10 per cent.

Ian Clinton, principal of Blackburn College, said: “There tends to be a link between bad economies and increased applications, as people are going back into higher education to get further qualifications. With the lack of jobs and increased competition in the world of work, higher education can provide the guidance, advice and experience needed to re-enter the employment market on a higher level.

“Another reason is that there are no top-up fees when studying at the university centre and students can cut costs by living at home.

“Studying at University Centre at Blackburn College is around two-thirds cheaper than at other institutions in terms of tuition fees alone, which makes us an excellent choice.”

A UCLan spokesperson said: “UCLan has had an 12 per cent increase in applications through UCAS this year with strong interest across our subject portfolio. So far, the percentage of students accepting places is also well up on last year.

“This means that many courses will be full before clearing starts but we hope still to have a few places available on both the Preston and Burnley campuses for those who do well this summer.

“But any remaining places will be quickly filled and by the start of the next academic year in September we fully expect to have filled all our places including those at our new Burnley Campus.

“We have also had a 22 per cent increase in firm acceptances this year.”

Both colleges declined to reveal the number of students applying.