A principal of a Basingstoke college said "it is like a dream come true" after the college officially opened its very own University centre.

Basingstoke College of Technology (BCoT) opened the University Centre, Basingstoke today (May 20).

Based at BCoT’s Worting Road campus, the centre will deliver higher-level courses from September 2022 including business, counselling, education, engineering, media and games design, and is a significant step forward in the provision of higher education in the north of Hampshire.

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The courses, delivered in partnership with the universities of Portsmouth and Reading will equip students with the knowledge, skills and experience to positively contribute to the growth of the region.

The building has been officially opened with a ribbon-cutting by principal Anthony Bravo and Maria Miller, the MP for Basingstoke.

Basingstoke Gazette:

Anthony described opening the higher education centre as a “dream come true”.

He said: “I am really proud and privileged to be the principal of the college and it is the best job in the world.

“I believe this is a really great day for Basingstoke, we have long held the aspiration to improve and strengthen higher education in this town, it needs it. I think the opening really shows us that this college has a real ambition to take a leading role In the development and delivery of higher education to this town.”

He said taking a higher education course will improve both employability and work prospects.

MP Maria Miller was on hand to cut the ribbon during the special event.

She said: “It’s been a long time coming to be here today opening the university centre and this is hugely deserved for BCoT, I don’t find it difficult to stand up in the house of commons and to talk about the courses on offer here that support so many local employers and also encourage people to get the best qualifications they can get.

“To be part of this event recognises that we are filling a gap, which has been there for a bit too long for my liking."

BCoT has a long-standing reputation for offering excellent educational opportunities and are proud to now be able to offer high quality, higher-level qualifications to people across Hampshire area and beyond.

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Lois Neale, head of higher education and adult learning, added: “Our centre has working professionals at heart, meaning we offer part-time, flexible learning options, with affordable fees meaning study fits around family life.”

She hopes the centre will allow more residents to reach their goals.

The leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council Cllr Simon Bound also attended the event.

He said: “I am delighted at the opening of the Basingstoke University Centre. It has long been an aspiration of the council to strengthen the higher education offer in the borough and it is great to see that strong partnership has made this a reality.

“The new centre will allow residents of all ages to meet their ambitions of studying higher level subjects on their doorstep and is also the perfect opportunity to link the borough’s businesses with talented and skilled future employees.”

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