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Sussex in new partnership with Croydon College
By: Alison Field
Last updated: Wednesday, 24 February 2010
Professor Michael Farthing, Vice-Chancellor (left), with Mariane Cavalli, Principal of Croydon College
The University of Sussex and Croydon College are to form a new partnership to validate degrees and to develop higher education provision in Croydon.
Croydon College currently offers a variety of degree-level courses in subjects ranging from art to business and has more than 350 students graduating every year.
The new partnership means that the majority of students who start their studies at Croydon College this September will graduate with a degree or award from the University of Sussex.
The partnership has been created following an extensive process designed to ensure a 'good fit' between the two organisations. The two institutions have a considerable history of working together successfully, University of Sussex having been the College's validating body for 10 years up to 2003.
In addition to validation arrangements, the partnership aims to develop the provision of higher education in the Croydon borough over the coming years not only to increase the number of places at higher education level but also the range of subjects.
Key to extending higher education provision in Croydon will be partnership with industry, in Croydon itself and in the corridor running from Croydon to Brighton.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Michael Farthing, said: "We are pleased to be able to include Croydon College among the select group of institutions whose higher education provision we validate. We can see significant benefits for people and businesses and organisations in the region."
Mariane Cavalli, Principal of Croydon College, said: "The development of higher education in Croydon is a core element of our plans for the future and I'm delighted that the University of Sussex will be working with us."
One area of current work likely to benefit immediately from the new partnership is international recruitment. Plans are in place to extend a current trial at the College this coming year, focussing particularly on China.