WORCESTER's university is now so popular almost four students are applying for every one place.

Competition for full-time places at the university has reached an all-time high.

Applications for 2008 have risen by more than nine per cent - the fourth highest increase in the country.

A massive 7,048 students applied to the University of Worcester for just 1,800 first year places. Last year the number of applicants was 6,440.

It is the second consecutive year that the University of Worcester has been placed among the top four institutions for its increase in application numbers and the seventh year in which overall applications to the university have significantly risen.

The university's registrar and secretary John Ryan said: "We're delighted at the continuing increase in the university's popularity.

"We believe that our wide range of both established and new courses, quality of education and strong student recommendations are just some of the reasons why the university's profile and standing continues to rise and our application figures reflect this."

Nationally, university applications rose on average 6.7 per cent, with some 26,517 more people applying for courses this year, although the figures did include midwifery applications for the first time.

Ucas chief executive Anthony McClaran said: "These figures provide an encouraging indication for the likely position in the summer and, of course, there will still be thousands more applications between now and then."

The latest application figures include all applications for undergraduate degrees, foundation degrees and the higher national diploma received by University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) at its advisory closing date of January 15.

It is still possible to apply for a place on a course for this September.

For further information on courses at the University of Worcester contact admissions on 01905 855111.