THE University of Hertfordshire has fewer than HALF the number of clearing places available to prospective students than last year.

It means students who fall below their expected exam grades, due out tomorrow, Thursday, may miss out on a place at the uni.

In the 2009/10 academic year, the Hatfield-based uni filled more than 1,000 places through clearing – matching students who have failed to get the right grades to courses.

This year, the College Lane establishment said it “envisages under 50 per cent less” clearing spaces – under 500 places – will be available to students because of a higher demand for undergraduate courses.

The majority of programmes have already been filled during confirmation – the period when students are told their place on a course is guaranteed.

Ross Renton, head of UK recruitment and access, said: “The University of Hertfordshire has seen an unprecedented demand for its undergraduate courses, with a substantial application growth rate compared to the national average.

“This is testament to the growing popularity of the university which is increasingly becoming first choice for students.

“As a consequence, the university has filled the majority of programmes during confirmation and there are only a small amount of places available through clearing.”

The university is also paying the price for over-recruitment last year.

As previously reported in the Welwyn Hatfield Times, the uni has had its funding by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) slashed by �1.9m, after enrolling 502 more students than it should have done.

Mr Renton added: “The university acknowledges it must ensure enrolment levels are within the established parameters in the future and it is committed to working with HEFCE to understand clearly their requirements moving forward.”

? The university’s clearing hotline opens at 8am tomorrow. Call 01707 284848.