The Apprentice star Alex Wotherspoon has created a wave of interest in his former university, sparking a record number of applicants for his degree course.
Applications for the BSc in Management and Strategy (MAS) at Aston Business School are up 27 per cent on last year, while the number of students making it their first choice is ahead by a staggering 150 per cent.
One applicant even phoned Aston Business School in Birmingham and mentioned the BBC television show as the reason for her choice.
Mr Wotherspoon completed his studies at Aston Business School in 2005 but his continuing involvement in the popular TV show has sparked a growing interest in his former university.
Course director Dr Michael Butler said: “MAS is one of the oldest and best known undergraduate business degree courses in the UK, with graduates finding top jobs in a variety of organisations.
“Alex symbolises some of the core values of MAS - his entrepreneurial flare to deal with complex situations, achieved with a balance of individual leadership and a team focus.”
Associate dean of undergraduate studies and pro vice chancellor for international relations Dr Helen Higson, said the course’s surge in popularity was only partly due to Alex’s popularity on the TV show.
“While Alex’s adventures on The Apprentice have certainly given course applications a boost in recent weeks, it is also due to the excellent reputation of Aston Business School and the employability of its graduates after they complete their studies.”
She added: “One of our biggest attractions to prospective delegates is the strength of our work placements in offering a huge choice of companies.
“We have a professional recruitment operation for work placements and we believe we are the best in the business.”
The university offers a choice of 2,500 work placements at 900 companies across the globe – including all FTSE 100 companies.
