University Centre at Blackburn College - Applications Up 10.07.2009
Enrolment figures have risen 50 per cent compared to last year; while the numbers of places available nationally have seen a 10 per cent decrease.
Particular courses which have been inundated with applicants include criminology, psychology and law.
Ian Clinton, Principal at the College, said that the rationale behind the increased applications could be a result of the current economic climate and the new University Centre which opens in September.
He said: “There tends to be a link between bad economies and increased applications, as people are going back into higher education to get further qualifications.
“With the lack of jobs and increased competition in the world of work, higher education can provide the guidance, advice and experience needed to re-enter the employment market on a higher level.
Another reason why applications are up is because there are no top up fees when studying at the University Centre and students can cut accommodation costs by living at home.
“Studying at University Centre at Blackburn College is around two-thirds cheaper than at other institutions in terms of tuition fees alone, which makes us an excellent choice,” Ian finished.
In addition to the diverse range of courses on offer, due to popular demand the College will be launching several new courses, including journalism, writing for creative industries, sustainable construction, complementary medicine and many more.
One area that the College is keen to recruit in is for professional qualifications – the trend nationally is a reduction in applications for professional qualifications such as CIM (Chartered Institute of Marketing), CIPD and AAT.
Ian Clinton described this trend as ‘worrying’ as the current recession is precisely the time that companies should be investing in staff through professional qualifications to remain forward thinking and ride out the recession.
Due for completion in September, the University Centre, deemed as the ‘missing link’ in Pennine Lancashire, has been granted £3.2 million by the Northwest Regional Development Agency towards the new Centre, which will cater for 3,500 extra students.
Don’t leave it too late – to enrol now please contact Student Services on 01254 29-25-94 or visit their website www.blackburn.ac.uk.
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