The latest information for all entrants to doctorate courses by subject of study are given in the following table. A new classification for recording subject of study was introduced in 2002/03 and so figures from 2002/03 onwards are not comparable to earlier years.
Subject of study 1996/97 1997/98 1998/99 1999/2000 2000/01 2001/02 Number Physical sciences 995 1,015 1,045 1,080 980 1 ,025 of which: Chemistry 560 510 475 515 450 495 Physics 230 270 285 300 270 290 Biological sciences 1,085 1,085 1,295 1,275 1,235 1,315 of which: Biochemistry 125 110 150 140 120 160 Other subjects 4,130 4,190 5,030 5,255 5,400 5,325 Total 6,210 6,290 7,370 7,605 7,620 7,660 Percentage Physical sciences 16 16 14 14 13 13 of which: Chemistry 9 8 6 7 6 6 Physics 4 4 4 4 4 4 Biological science 17 17 18 17 16 17 of which: Biochemistry 2 2 2 2 2 2 Other subjects 67 67 68 69 71 69 Total 100 100 100 100 100 100 Notes: 1. Figures are on a snapshot basis as at 1st December excluding those writing up, on sabbatical or dormant. Students from the Open University are also excluded from the analysis. 2. Figures are rounded to the nearest five. Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) student record
Subject of study 2002/03 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 Number Physical sciences 980 1,010 980 1,020 of which: Chemistry 445 430 400 400 Physics 295 300 290 320 Biological sciences 1,260 1,500 1,460 1,555 of which: Molecular biology, biophysics and biochemistry 115 170 165 190 Other subjects 5,435 5,545 5,570 5,610 Total 7,680 8,055 8,005 8,185 Percentage Physical sciences 13 13 12 12 of which: Chemistry 6 5 5 5 Physics 4 4 4 4 Biological sciences 16 19 18 19 of which: Molecular biology, biophysics and biochemistry 1 2 2 2 Other subjects 71 69 70 69 Total 100 100 100 100 Notes: 1. Figures are on a snapshot basis as at 1 December excluding those writing up, on sabbatical or dormant. Students from the Open University are also excluded from the analysis. 2. Figures are rounded to the nearest five. Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) student record
In addition to monies paid to institutions in England, the Department provides financial support to English domiciled undergraduate students in the form of loans and grants through the Student Loans Company. Postgraduate students however are not entitled to student support, other than Disabled Students’ Allowances.