The number of people applying to university this year could reach record levels, figures suggest.

About 4,000 more people have applied to do full-time undergraduate courses than at the same time last year, according to the University and Colleges Admission Service, (Ucas).

But the overall rise masks a fall in applications in Wales and Northern Ireland.

One of the biggest rises was in nursing - an increase of 11.5% to nearly 27,000.

Experts believe the rise in applications for nursing is related to the offer of special student bursaries to encourage people into the profession.

Teacher training

Applications for undergraduate teacher training courses have fallen by 12%.

But the number of postgraduates applying for teaching courses, where bursaries are available, has increased by about 20%, according to the admissions service.

Other subjects which saw increases in applications were computer science (up 11.9%), and media studies (up 9%).

Sharp falls have been reported in pharmacy, marketing and engineering subjects, except for electronic engineering.

Overall, 390,626 people had applied for a full-time undergraduate course through UCAS by May 16, an increase of 4,232 on the same time last year.

Record year

The chief executive of UCAS, Tony Higgins, said: "The number of people applying for higher education is well up on last year, which ended as a record year for UK universities and colleges.

"The fact that nursing is the biggest growth subject is great news, because it shows that moves to make the profession an attractive career are paying off."

Another statistic to emerge is that there has been an 11.5% increase in the number of students wanting to take a gap year.

Mr Higgins said this was because many students wanted to earn money to help pay towards their keep at university.

Applications from China have almost doubled since last year, to nearly 3,000, making it the second largest source of overseas applicants after the Republic of Ireland.

Overall, the number of applications from people in England was 3,911 (1.4%) higher this year - and there were rises of 1.1% in Wales and 0.7% in Northern Ireland.

Scotland fared best, with a 3% increase.

There are fewer applicants from all EU countries, apart from Spain and the Netherlands.