Scottish university wins degree-awarding powers in New York

A Scottish university has been given the green light to teach degree courses at its US campus.

Glasgow Caledonian University said it believed it was the first foreign higher education institution to be awarded a charter to become a degree-awarding body in New York.

Under the terms of its provisional licence, Glasgow Caledonian New York College will be able to teach a range of fashion-related master’s courses, but the degrees will be awarded by the New York State Education Department (NYSED).

The charter would become permanent after a period of five years, subject to review by NYSED.

Pamela Gillies, GCU’s principal and vice-chancellor, said: “I am absolutely thrilled that we now have the opportunity to build upon our new research and business relationships in New York to deliver our unique programmes, which focus on fair fashion, fair finance and sustainability.”

GCU has faced criticism from unions for the amount it has spent on the New York campus, before it had even achieved degree-awarding powers.

chris.havergal@timeshighereducation.com