University and college sign agreement to provide clear path from basics to degrees

A PARTNERSHIP has been struck which could allow people with few or no qualifications to go from learning basic skills to earning full degrees.

York St John University and York College have signed an agreement to collaborate to “maximise opportunities for students, helping them to achieve their goals, from basic skills to postgraduate degrees”.

This means there is a clear path for students who start an access course at the college to get back into education and use it as a stepping stone to get onto a degree programme at the university.

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York College principal Dr Alison Birkinshaw said: “This is an exciting opportunity for the college to work with York St John University to build high quality higher education provision to suit local and regional needs, built upon the strong levels of expertise in both our organisations.”

Professor David Fleming, York St John’s vice chancellor, said: “This new partnership with York College is based on a shared vision to offer a clear progression route through to higher education and to help fill some of the skills gaps employers are looking for in York and the region. We’ve already seen how successful we can be at working together to produce exceptional graduates and are looking forward to developing this further.”

Passing an access course at York College secured Joanne Sanderson a place studying physiotherapy at York St John University. Joanne recently completed her first year at university, passing her placement with distinction.

She said: “Returning to full time education as a mature student was an exciting but daunting decision to make.

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“Studying at York College enabled me to realise my potential while gaining valuable knowledge, skills and confidence in preparation for the transition to York St John University.”

York St John is also celebrating the Teaching Agency’s decision to give it an 17 extra places for undergraduate and post graduate primary teaching students from this September, as a result of a positive Ofsted inspection.

The university currently has 23 applicants for each place on its undergraduate primary teaching course.

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