MIDLAND universities have received a record-breaking number of calls in a last-minute scramble for course places.

Birmingham City University fielded more than 11,000 calls for just 200 available places from A-level students desperate to secure a slot through clearing, which matches to other courses students turned down by their original choices due to lower grades.

The University of Wolverhampton said it had received 10,500 calls since A-level results were released on Thursday, while Aston University had a 20-strong team answering calls from students hoping for a place before university increase to £9,000-a year in 2012.

Kathryn Jones, director of marketing and communication at Birmingham City University, said: “We are full at the moment, but I would advise students to check on our website on Monday.”

Both Birmingham City University and the University of Wolverhampton are holding open days today for students applying through the clearing process this year.