Seamless study for Staffs locals

STAFFORDSHIRE University is close to completing a unique project that will provide seamless education from basic skills to degrees.

The university's Pounds 3.2 million campus is part of a joint project with Tamworth College of Further Education and Lichfield adult education college. The university's Lichfield campus, as it is likely to be called, will open its doors to the first students in early January.

Staffordshire vice chancellor Christine King said: "It is the first venture of its kind. It will offer local people unparalleled opportunity to start with the most basic qualifications and progress to degree level."

About Pounds 1.2 million came from the European Regional Development Fund with the university and colleges splitting the remaining costs 50-50. Professor King said that it will cater for around 2,000 mainly part-time students initially, but that it could expand as funds became available.

Technology will enable students at the Lichfield campus to access the university's library and the Internet. The university will offer business and computing qualifications and plans to introduce law and art and design courses.