Success in attracting overseas students has earned the University of Westminster a Queen's Award for Enterprise for its international trade.

The university, which has its Harrow campus in Watford Road, has increased earnings from international activities by 52 per cent over the last three years.

More than 3,600 students from outside the UK are now at the university, with annual international income at more than £10million.

Courses proving popular with overseas students include journalism, international law, commercial music and international relations and diplomacy.

The university has also developed new markets in countries such as China and India.

It is the first former polytechnic to be award a Queen's Award for Enterprise, it was announced on Friday last week.

Vice-chancellor Dr Geoffrey Copland said: ñThis is a very proud moment. The university has pioneered activity in a range of new markets and has provided the sort of courses overseas students are looking for ,, we really have been flying the flag for the country.

ñThe result has been increased earnings at a time when other institutions are finding their market share declining.

ñThe fact that we the first former polytechnic to win this award highlights the extent of our achievements.'