DEMAND for places at Liverpool’s three universities has smashed the number of applications received last year, a Daily Post investigation has found.

But last night, officials at the institutions insisted the rocketing applications – mirrored at Ormskirk’s Edge Hill University – were as much about reputation as a scramble by students to enrol ahead of spiralling tuition fees coming into force in 2012.

Liverpool Hope University has seen the number of applicants increase from 7,000 to 8,500, compared with this time last year.

The university’s secretary, Graham Donelan, said its growing stature, investment in its Childwall campus and higher calibre of staff – with more than ever having doctorates – was a major factor in the annual rises .

Mr Donelan said it appeared the impending 2012 fee rise to £8,250 was only having a “minimum impact”, with just a quarter of around 100 students who had planned to take a year out opting to study in 2011.

Edge Hill University, which will charge the maximum £9,000 fees from 2012, has seen its UCAS applications shoot up 9.4% from 15,737 to 17,210 so far this year.

Although recognising that soaring fees may be “a factor” for the increased demand, the university said it was more a reflection of “a strong and genuine demand to study here”.