Medical schools have taken on about 730 more students than planned - raising fears that jobs and clinical placements will be in short supply.

A higher-than-expected number of students achieved the required A-level grades and accepted offers from medical schools. Brighton and Sussex Medical School said 60 per cent of students with an offer accepted a place, rather than the expected 40 percent. The school ended up 38 students over target. Bristol took on an extra 62 students.

Students fear that problems such as lecture theatre overcrowding and lack of contact with personal tutors will worsen.

BMA medical students committee chairman Leigh Bissett said: 'There is definitely a need for an increase in medical students but, to go with it, we must have increased funding, more jobs for when they qualify and better support within the medical schools to teach and look after the social and educational needs of medical students.'

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