Institute aspires to university status

LONDON'S Roehampton Institute is seeking full university status through federation with the University of Surrey. The institute, an institute of Surrey University, has the power to award its own taught and research degrees and so could seek independent university status. But Roehampton rector Stephen Holt said the institute's preferred route is through federation.

Professor Holt said federation would leave Roehampton awarding Surrey degrees but with the same level of independence as that enjoyed by University of London colleges. Professor Holt is involved in negotiations with Surrey and said he was optimistic they would reach a successful conclusion by the end of the year. He said he hoped the move to federation could be completed next year.