The University of Worcester has been assigned the biggest allocation of additional medical students places in the Midlands.

The Three Counties Medical School will now have 62 fully funded places for UK students to begin their studies in the academic year 2025/26.

This includes the 12 newly funded additional places to the previously announced 50 seats in October 2023 for the September 2024 intake.

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The university's vice chancellor and chief executive, Professor David Green CBE DL, said: "Every extra place is precious as each student will have the opportunity to earn their medical degree and become a doctor by 2030.

"While we are delighted to have been awarded the most additional places for any university in the whole of the Midlands, we are very disappointed that the overall allocations for 2025 are so small."

"The competition for places was based on a university’s ability to grow, and of all of the universities in the region, including long established and large medical schools, we’ve been assessed as having the most potential to grow, and that’s a good sign for the future."

He added: "We bid for 54 additional places, but the Government allocated just 350 places nationally.

"At this rate it is going to take 18 years not 5 to double the number of medical students in training in England.

"We are ready and waiting to make a full contribution to the NHS Long-Term Workforce Plan – we just need authorisation to fill the places.”

The medical school, launched last year, hosts 20 UK students funded through donations from the Kildare Trust and NHS trusts, along with 23 self-funded international students.

They are based at the new Elizabeth Garrett Anderson building on its Severn Campus, ilaunched last month by the University’s Chancellor, HRH Prince Richard, The Duke of Gloucester.

Professor Sandra Nicholson, founding Dean of the medical school, said: "We are delighted to accept these additional places for 2025 entry.

"This means we can contribute further to the NHS Workforce Plan and help attract doctors to the local area."

Those interested may contact 01905 855111 or email admissions@worc.ac.uk for application enquiries or course information.