THE University of Worcester has been given permission to take in extra students, following national fears of a student place shortage.

There has been a rise in the number of applicants for university places, but a government cap on how many new places can be offered has lead to fears that thousands of teenagers may find themselves unable to study.

The Higher Education Funding Council for England has, however, awarded the University of Worcester an additional 1,500 places in support of its continued growth.

It means that it will be able to offer places through clearing – the process which is used by applicants who have not managed to secure places.

Registrar John Ryan said: “We have been awarded additional student numbers because we meet educational need effectively, combining widening participation with high quality.”

The university, which has been awarded 1,500 additional student places for the past four years running, is Britain’s fastest growing university.

Applications through UCAS have increased by more than 100 per cent in the past five years. This year has seen record application figures – up 12 per cent on last year.

For details about clearing, visit worcester.ac.uk or call 01905 855111.