700 extra places in science and maths for region

Five universities from Yorkshire have secured some of the extra 10,000 places which have been created across the country to cope with the surge in demand for higher education.

There were originally plans for 20,000 extra places through the new University Modernisation Fund for courses in science, technology, engineering and maths which were developed by the last Government.

However the Coalition cut that number by 10,000 as part of its plan to bring down the nation's budget deficit.

Funding councils have also claimed that before the extra places were provided there was set to be a drop in the number of courses offered nationally of about 6,000. In real terms that would mean the extra places have resulted in an overall increase of about 4,000.

Bradford University has been the biggest beneficiary in the region of the new fund with 255 full-time places being awarded to it by the Higher Education Funding Council for England.

Sheffield Hallam University has secured 150 places, Huddersfield has been given 130, Hull has 120 and York has been given 60 places meaning 715 more people will now be able to study in the region from next month.

Bradford University deputy-vice chancellor Prof Geoff Layer said "We are delighted that we are now in a position to offer places on our prestigious courses that lead to graduate employment.

"Bradford is one of a limited number of universities that have been given additional numbers.

"It is an unusual year this year, with more students looking for university places and less places available to study.

"The universities that have been given these extra places have basically had a choice.

"We took the decision that as a university we wanted to offer as many of these places as possible through clearing. These places are a one-off and mean more young people who missed out on their chosen course will be able to access an education which can lead to employment."