Statement Regarding University Title

 11/06/2012

The following statement from Professor Muriel Robinson, Principal of BG, relating to the Government's response today (Monday 11th June) to the Higher Education White Paper. It is a response to the Government's plans to reduce the number of students required for an institution to use the university title from 4,000 to 1,000.

"We welcome today's announcement that university colleges such as BG will soon be able to apply for permission to use the title 'university'. The current rules say that only institutions with 4,000 or more students may use the title university, but now that minimum number is to be reduced to 1,000. We meet the other criteria, which relate to having the power to award our own degrees and to having secure governance arrangements, and are confident that our application will be successful."

"This is good news for Bishop Grosseteste University College, which has around 2,000 students, since the current system puts us at a disadvantage. There is confusion among prospective students and employers about what a university college is. We have 150 years of history, we enjoy an excellent reputation and we have awarded our own degrees since 2004, but the 'university college' title has been a brake on our ability to recruit students and secure the recognition our work deserves."

"Following today's announcement, and after consultation with our neighbours and partners, we will make an application to the Privy Council to change our name to Bishop Grosseteste University. This will be a very positive move which will simplify our message to prospective students while retaining our links to our proud heritage."