Students will train in the community

It is part of a government strategy to train an extra 950 doctors a year to make up shortages.

Radical new methods proposed by the three universities include distance learning.

Places are open to graduates who do not have a health-related degree.

The universities say the policy will open the medical profession to people from different backgrounds.

Students would have to do a one-year foundation course, run by the Open University, with placements in Exeter and Plymouth.

Students who completed the foundation course successfully would then go on to a more clinically-based training course, with emphasis on placements in the community - at NHS trusts and GP practices.

Nurse training

Nine health trusts are supporting the new school.

A new medical school building and health studies instituted is also being created close to the Royal Cornwall Hospital's accident and emergency department.

From 2004, students with two years' training with study at Truro alongside nurses.

The new school received �700,000 earlier this year from the Vandervell Foundation.

The foundation was set up in the will of the 60s racing driver Tony Vandervell.

The money was given to fund research by young scientists.