Not only do alumni from this course include many political heavyweights - notably William Hague, Ed Balls and David Cameron - but wage data shows that social science graduates and those from prestigious universities tend to have particularly high wages later in life.Some commentators have argued that the additional earnings that graduates from particular courses and universities can expectjustify the introduction of tuition fees. The difficulty with this argument is that, as an academically able student, Mousa would probably do well at most places.Distinguishing the higher earnings that result from good teaching from those driven by good students is very difficult. I'm doing it mainly for that sense of achievement.I've received a full grant for my first year, have a £1,100 college bursary and am living with my mum, who's not working. If it goes well, I'd like to stay on and do a masters in politics or economics.The expert verdict: Mousa's prospects look excellent. I work for a group analysing the media coverage of Iraq and debating its politics.I chose PPE because it's such a broad subject and gives me the option to move into anything I like Maybe I'll end up doing law, but it's still early days.
From: north LondonA-levels: Maths (A); Physics (A); Psychology (A); Arabic (A)Likely professions: law, banking, diplomaticCost of degree: £16,000. (Will live at home, receives full grant for living expenses.)Estimated earning power: £100,000 or moreHe says: I'm good at maths, so economics is a good option for me I'm also keen on politics. 'It's such a broad subject. Maybe I'll end up doing law' Mousa Baraka Going to University College, Oxford to read politics, philosophy and economics Age: 18.
Their numbers have risen by 8.2 per cent to 415,463, according to Ucas.Professor Sterling warned that universities could face legal action for discrimination if they turned down an overseas applicant and took in a UK resident with the same qualifications.More than 100,000 of the 499,311 applicants seeking a place this autumn are likely to end up without one, it is predicted, variously because of the increased competition, a late decision to take a gap year, the rush to get ahead of next year's top-up fees, or low A-level or Btec grades.. Thousands of British youngsters may be denied a university place this autumn because of a surge in applications from other countries in the European Union. Figures from Ucas, the universities and colleges admissions service, show that the number of applications from the mainland of Europe this year have soared by 15 per cent to 26,827. Some of the biggest rises are from countries that have just joined the EU, such as Poland, whose applications have more than doubled to 1,317.Professor Michael Sterling, vice-chancellor of Birmingham University and chairman of the Russell Group of universities, which represents the country's top 18 research institutions, said that UK candidates would find there was more competition for places this year. He wants to see a 2 percentage-point rise and a rise of 0.6 per cent means that it is unlikely to be met.. More than 100,000 would-be students will be left without a university to go to after more than 500,000 applications were received for approximately 390,000 places. Also launches Weekend World, developing more analytical approach to current affairs.1974 Becomes head of current affairs at LWT.
