Other data from Hesa showed the number of students graduating with first-class degrees had almost doubled in 10 years.

BBC: Part-time student numbers fall at UK universities

The data, from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (Hesa), showed overall student numbers at UK universities remained stable at just under two and a half million.

BBC: Part-time student numbers fall at UK universities

Figures released by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) also indicate a fall of 2% to 216, 000 in the overall number of students enrolling for full time first year courses.

BBC: Increase in number of EU students at Scots universities

Roughly 6% of black British students got a first class honours degree at UK universities in 2011-12, compared with nearly 19% of white British students, data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (Hesa) shows.

BBC: Doreen Lawrence launches race education centre