Bath Spa University is to expand its operations in London by teaming up with a further education college in the east of the capital to create a new university centre.
The centre, opened with New City College and described as ground-breaking, will also become Bath Spa’s new London campus as it looks to build its presence in the city by extending its business and management degree courses.
Based in Hoxton, Hackney, the centre will enable thousands of learners from a range of backgrounds and ages to change their lives and life chances, while delivering on both London’s and the nation’s skills agendas.
The jointly operated centre will offer a blend of career-enhancing degree programmes, short courses, degree apprenticeships, business networks and continuing professional development programmes with accompanying accreditations.
New City College was formed in 2016 from merger of Tower Hamlets College and Hackney Community College and has since welcomed four other FE colleges to the group across East London and south east Essex.
Bath Spa University said its London campus’s key focus on employability meant it could provide learners with access to a host of potential employers and careers, while its central and vibrant location, convenient transport links and connections with the surrounding industries helped its learners experience one of the world’s best cities in which to study.
Bath Spa officially became a university in 2005 and today has 7,500-plus students primarily studying arts and humanities subjects across its three campuses in Bath and one in Corsham.
Bath Spa vice-chancellor Prof Sue Rigby said: “This innovative project will take our existing partnership with New City College to the next level.
“It will provide opportunities for learners based in Bath and London to collaborate, focusing on the personal growth and aspirations of learners, building their confidence and creating a student experience that is inclusive, challenging and enabling.”
Bath Spa University London will relocate into the new university centre this autumn following renovation work over the summer.
New City College CEO and group principal Gerry McDonald said: “I am delighted that New City College’s partnership with Bath Spa University has reached this exciting milestone.
“Put simply, developing a university centre together brings increased opportunity of further and higher education and professional qualifications to Londoners.
“Our Hackney campus is the perfect location, combining the best possible learning environment with clear routes to employment opportunities in London and the wider region.
“Together, we can offer courses that adult learners want and need, while effectively contributing to regional skills priorities.”
Pictured: New City College CEO and group principal Gerry McDonald and Bath Spa vice-chancellor Prof Sue Rigby at the new university centre
