WORCESTER University is creating more places on vocational courses after being awarded more than 100 extra student numbers jointly funded by the government and employers.

The university will provide 175 further full-time and part-time places, equivalent to 122 full-time places.

The places are funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) and employers in a variety of areas, including business, education, health and defence.

The places will be available on foundation degree courses including children’s services, mental health, paramedic training and Worcester Business School’s Leading to Excellence programme.

Professor Geoffrey Elliott, director of regional engagement at the university, said: “These additional student numbers are very welcome at this time of soaring demand. The award recognises the considerable development in the university’s work-based learning provision.

“Our foundation degrees are extremely popular – we are in the top 20 in the country for the number of foundation degree students and we have a national reputation for our outstanding partnership work with schools, colleges and employers.”

Last autumn, the university received the highest award of additional student numbers to any university in England. The latest award is on top of that.

University of Worcester vice-chancellor Professor David Green said: “I am delighted that the university’s bid to HEFCE for additional student numbers on a co-funded basis has been successful. This latest award will enable us to create more opportunities for people who want to learn the combination of practical and intellectual skills needed for today’s economy.

“In addition, the university’s annual income as a result of this award will increase by nearly one per cent. This will inject a further £2 million a year into the region’s economy, which is of course most welcome in the difficult financial climate.”

Professor Green has been leading a campaign for the Government to lift the current freeze on student numbers and scrap fines for universities who over-recruit.

For information on the courses available at the University of Worcester, visit worcester.ac.uk. For application enquiries call 01905 855111 or e-mail admissions@worcester.ac.uk.