University Centre Aylesbury Vale

LEAD ORGANISATION

Aylesbury College; Bucks New University

ADDITIONAL ORGANISATIONS INVOLVED

Aylesbury Vale District Council; ATG Training; Aimhigher MKOB; Progress South Central; University of Bedfordshire

PROJECT SUMMARY

University Centre Aylesbury Vale is a pioneering partnership aimed at bringing together higher education providers and stakeholders in order to provide affordable and relevant university education within Aylesbury Vale and the surrounding area and, in so doing, make a significant social and economic contribution to the region.

The Centre is based at Aylesbury College and is led jointly by the College and by Bucks New University. Progress South Central is a member of the Steering Group, along with Bucks New University, Aylesbury College, Aylesbury Vale District Council, University of Bedfordshire, ATG Training and Aimhigher MKOB.

The Centre aims to offer courses validated by universities and national vocational qualifications, so that people of 18 years of age through to mature students will have a chance to study university-level courses without having to travel to other regions. The University Centre Aylesbury Vale is therefore a tremendous opportunity to achieve qualifications and skills, with full- and part-time options enabling students from a diversity of backgrounds to participate in higher education.

IMPACT

There were 595 enrolments for UCAV courses in 2009-10, in the following areas: Access to HE; Business Management; Classroom Support, Early Years, Nursing and Midwifery. Projected student numbers for 2010-11 are 661, showing continued growth despite the HEFCE funding cap.

As of 2010, Aylesbury Vale is entering a period of forced growth, with a need to upskill its workforce to develop its knowledge-based economy. UCAV can offer business courses, bespoke training solutions, professional development and consultancy, and provides an opportunity for access to expertise, flexible learning and co-funding.

LINK TO MORE INFORMATION

See here