DUNDEE UNIVERSITY’S popularity with would-be primary school teachers has been underlined by a rise in the number of applications for its Batchelor of Education course.

A university spokesman said that 1160 applications have been received this year so far, up from 1125 last year.

The number of places the university can offer is capped at 69 by the Scottish Funding Council. As a result, more than 16 applicants are chasing each place on the BEd course at Dundee.

“Demand for places on teaching courses is high across Scotland and the course we offer at Dundee is extremely popular,” said Gordon Craig, director of admissions and student recruitment.

“That is testament to the quality of education on offer and the reputation that our school of education, social work and community education has built up over many years.

“We are hoping to enhance the student experience even further for those studying on the BEd programme when the school moves from Gardyne Road on to the city campus after the summer break, with the new £15 million teaching block at Heathfield ready to host much of the school’s activities.”

There’s general recognition around the profession that as well as the quality of university courses, a major factor in the popularity of teacher training is the enhanced pay of teachers, with newly qualified primary staff now starting on around £20,000 a year.

There are few jobs that offer graduates, who are perhaps saddled with thousands of pounds of debt, such an attractive starting salary.