The number of men applying to the University of Hertfordshire has dropped for the third year in a row.

For the next academic year, only 44 per cent of prospective scholars at the Hatfield-based institution were male.

It has fallen two per cent year-on-year from 2011-12 to 2014-15.

Ed Layt, head of UK recruitment at the uni, said: “The University of Hertfordshire has not had a significant disparity in this area of recruitment as it is renowned for its strength in more traditionally male dominated subjects such as engineering and business.

“However, we are aware of the growing trend and are at present looking into ways in which we can ensure that the gender gap remains balanced.”