University launched by leading academics

New College of the Humanities (NCH) will charge fees of £18,000 a year and offer the “highest-quality” education to “gifted” undergraduates, according to its creators.

The privately-funded independent seat-of-learning, to be based in Bloomsbury, central London, will open in September 2012, initially offering eight undergraduate humanities degrees taught by prominent intellectuals, including evolutionary biologist and author Richard Dawkins and historian Sir David Cannadine.

Philosopher Professor AC Grayling, who will be its first Master, secured millions of pounds of funding from investors to set up the institution already likened to America’s elite liberal arts colleges.

He said: “Our students will be challenged to develop as skilled, informed and reflective thinkers, and will receive an education to match that aspiration.”

The college, a registered charity, will prepare undergraduates for degrees in Law, Economics and humanities subjects including History, Philosophy and English literature. Students will also take three “intellectual skills” modules in science literacy, logic and critical thinking and applied ethics, while professional skills such as financial literacy, teamwork, presentation and strategy will also be taught.

Prospective students can apply immediately, with the college offering assisted places to more than 20 per cent of the first year’s intake.

The move comes as Oxbridge dons attempting to force the resignation of Universities Minister David Willetts received support from the politician’s former economics tutor who described him as “no politician”.

Academics from both Oxford and Cambridge are calling for votes of no-confidence in Mr Willetts amid concerns about the impact of the Government’s reforms that will see a substantial hike in tuition fees.