The University of Paisley and
Bell College are to merge from the next academic year, Deputy First
Minister Nicol Stephen confirmed today, subject to parliamentary
approval.
The new single institution will
offer a range of courses from HNC up to degree level at a number of
campuses, sited in Paisley, Hamilton, Ayr and Dumfries. Its name will
be confirmed in due course.
Stephen said that the said that
the merger would bring a university presence to Lanarkshire, as well as
greater opportunities in west and south of Scotland.
"The merged institution will
link up with further education colleges close by to meet local needs
and to provide strong support for students transferring from college to
universities.”
"Staff will also benefit from
being part of a wider academic community with an opportunity to share
best practice and research, particularly in nursing and healthcare.
"The next academic year will be
an exciting one for staff and almost 17,000 students alike and I look
forward to seeing the new University's progress."
The technical means by which the
merger will be effected is by means of a Transfer and Closure Order
closing Bell College and transferring its rights, assets, liabilities
etc to the University of Paisley.
The Order will be laid in
Parliament on 7 March and, subject to Parliamentary approval, will come
into force on 1 August 2007 allowing the merger to be implemented from
that date.
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