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A New University for Bedfordshire - [16-12-2005]

A New University for Bedfordshire
[15 dec 2005 11:01]

The University of Luton and De Montfort University have agreed to create a new university for Bedfordshire building on the significant and complementary strengths of De Montfort University’s Faculty of Education and Contemporary Studies in Bedford and the University of Luton.

For the first time, Bedfordshire will have a single, major provider of undergraduate and postgraduate education with a strong emphasis on meeting local and sub-regional needs.

The new institution will focus on the needs of local employers and partners in providing top-quality courses, in particular, in the areas of business, education and health. It will work closely with schools and colleges to create more opportunities for local students to progress to Higher Education.

The new institution will also take an active involvement in many of the major developments in the region. The two campuses in Bedford and Luton have benefited from a £20m-plus investment in the last two years alone and boast Centres of Excellence in Media and Sport. On this basis, a significant opportunity emerges for the institution to play an important role in the Olympic Games in 2012.

Professor Les Ebdon, Vice-Chancellor, University of Luton: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the region, for staff and for students and we plan to have the new university for Bedfordshire open for August 2006.

"Between then and now we will ensure all staff, students, stakeholders and friends of both institutions are involved in detailed discussions and have an input into shaping their new university.

“The University of Luton has already played a significant role in the economic regeneration of Luton and now we have the opportunity to provide a much stronger involvement in the whole of Bedfordshire.”

Professor Philip Tasker, Vice-Chancellor, De Montfort University: “The new university for Bedfordshire is an important development for the region, which is poised for major growth and opportunity, and builds on the significant strengths of the staff and academic excellence of De Montfort University’s Faculty of Education and Contemporary Studies.”

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