Bradford University looks set for extra students and cash thanks to a huge publicity boost from the BBC.

It has been selected as one of only three universities in the country to feature in a TV programme called Student Choice.

Screened in August, just after the A-level results are released, it will help prospective students going through the clearing system to decide what university to apply for.

Coming at a time when funding is dependent on student numbers, the extra exposure has been enthusiastically welcomed by the university.

Spokesman Sue Coffey said: "Bradford as a university offers a lot of excellent and interesting degrees. But it is fighting to be noticed against over 100 other universities.

"A lot of people have never been to Bradford so if this can interest them it will be good for them, the university and the city."

BBC cameras have been filming on campus for three days this week.

BBC producer Mary Fort said: "We looked at some of the courses in the prospectus and we were very impressed by the number of different practical and interesting courses and thought it would make a great feature."

Courses filmed included automotive engineering, forensic science and archaeology.

A cross-section of first year students were chosen to illustrate the range of people who study at the university including mature students, scholarship students, those living at home and those in halls of residence.

The programme aims to give people a better idea of what is waiting for them in the world of higher education.

Tim Copping, a cybernetics student and a member of the sub-aqua club, was filmed scuba diving in the university pool to illustrate a section on social life.

He said: "I think Bradford University is a good choice for the BBC. There are excellent sporting opportunities and there are courses here that you can't do anywhere else."

Cameramen also a filmed a management student supermarket shopping, to show how to cook on a budget, and a forensic science student skateboarding in Lister Park, Manningham.

The other two universities to feature are Napier in Edinburgh and Greenwich in London.

e-mail: william.stewart@

bradford.newsquest.co.uk

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