MORE than 8,500 students got on the phone to the University of Hertfordshire hoping to secure a place last Thursday.

This week a university boss said spaces for the next academic year were filling quickly.

Extra staff were assigned to cover a clearing hotline on the day A-level results were released.

Ed Layt, head of UK recruitment at the University of Hertfordshire said: “We are pleased with the consistent demand from students to study at Hertfordshire – many of which have achieved good grades in their exams.

“We received over 8,500 phone calls from prospective students in the first day, and still have limited places available on some courses.

“These are filling up fast so anyone still wanting to start University in September should call our clearing hotline on 01707 284848.”

The university’s clearing is open to all, including those who have missed out on places through the University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) or those who have not yet applied.