UNIVERSITIES across the North-East have been given approval to increase student numbers by almost 700 over the next two years.

The foundation degree places range from engineering and emergency services to travel and tourism, and the Universities of Teesside, Sunderland and Northumbria will benefit.

Teesside will get the lion's share of the places and, if all goes well, it could get more places after two years, taking the number up to 800.

Vice-chancellor Professor Graham Henderson said: "This is a strong endorsement for the University of Teesside and the progress it has been making in recent years, both in terms of improving our teaching quality ratings and in our success in launching a range of pioneering foundation degrees in areas such as chemical technology and health and social care."

The extra student numbers come from a development fund set up by the Higher Education Funding Council for England to support the expansion of foundation degrees in universities and further education colleges.

Prof Henderson said: "We know that it is going to be quite a challenge, particularly at a time of uncertainty over the future of student funding, but we will do everything in our power to achieve the targets set and give even more people the opportunity to benefit from higher education."

Other establishments to benefit from the Government funds include Northumberland College and Newcastle College.

Foundation degrees are vocational qualifications designed with employers, which aim to give people technical skills that are in demand from employers.