NEW accreditation for Grimsby Institute has put it a step closer to becoming a full university in as little as five years.
The University Centre has become the third further education college in the UK to be given accreditation powers for foundation degrees.
Now they are seeking taught degree-awarding powers, which will allow Grimsby Institute to offer full degrees without them being validated by other universities.
The process is estimated to take about five years.
Principal Sue Middlehurst said that the new powers take the Institute "one step closer to our aspiration of becoming a fully-fledged university in our own right".
And with that would come huge benefits to the town, she claims.
Mrs Middlehurst said: "Having a university will raise aspirations as people have more contact with people doing degrees on their doorstep and the opportunity to study in their home town.
"It will also bring students who have a high disposable income, which will benefit businesses."
The introduction of higher university fees has caused a reduction in the number of young people taking higher education nationally.
Professionals discussed the issue at a conference at the Grimsby Institute yesterday – The Changing Landscape of Higher Education.
However, Mrs Middlehurst believes they will fill courses.
She said: "Fees have increased but students do not have to pay the money back until they are in a job with a good salary, so a degree is still worthwhile."
Last academic year, the college gave in excess of £200,000 to other universities for validating their foundation degrees, so the new powers will save them money.
However, Mrs Middlehurst believes that the main advantage will be added flexibility that will allow them to adapt their courses to the needs of local employers.
She added: "It currently takes up to 18 months to get a course accredited and it can take a year to make any changes as another university has to approve any alteration.
"Now, we will be able to make a change in less than three months if we need to address the needs of local employers."
Many students take foundation courses before a university degree – but some will still be accredited by other universities.
Sally Dixon, academic registrar, said: "For some of our foundation courses, we have agreements with accrediting universities so that students are guaranteed a place on the full course when they finish."
Ellen Thinnesen, the Institute's assistant principal for 14-to-19-year-olds and higher education, said: "I have lived and breathed this for two years and I am delighted that all the hard work by staff has come to fruition."
Grimsby Institute is holding enrolment days on Monday and Tuesday, from 7pm to 9pm.
