THE University of Essex is bucking a national trend.

The number of applications to attend the Wivenhoe-based institution has increased by more than 200 since last year.

But official figures released by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) show applications to English institutions are down by an average of ten per cent.

Universities and colleges in the East of England have also seen a drop of 10.3 per cent since last year.

But Essex University has experienced an increase 1.3 per cent, from 17,317 in 2011, to 17,544 in 2012.

Joanne Tallentire, head of admissions at the University of Essex, said the results are part of a upward trend, with a 30 per cent increase over the past four years.

“This shows students are still recognising the value of an Essex degree,” she added.

“We continue to invest in our facilities to deliver the best possible student experience, while our teaching is informed by the world-leading research of our academics.”

There have been particular increases in applications to study drama, economic, film studies, history, law, nursing, philosophy and sociology.

Anglia Ruskin, based in Chelmsford, has seen one of the largest increases in the UK, jumping from 15,056 to 17,215, an increase of 14.3 per cent.

The University of Derby experience one of the largest decreases, with a 20.4 per cent drop.