University College Falmouth is to be granted full university status.
David Willetts, Minister of State for Universities and Science, confirmed today that subject to final Privy Council approval, University College Falmouth is expected to become Falmouth University by the end of the year and will be the region's first university.
Rector and chief executive, Professor Anne Carlisle, said: "Achieving full university title has been one of our key goals and speaks volumes for the quality of our teaching, facilities and governance. It is also the culmination of the efforts of many in Cornwall who have supported our aspirations over several years.
"This announcement will cement Falmouth University's reputation for quality and innovation across all the art forms and further our drive to become one of the top five arts universities in the world.
"We want to develop the creative industries sector and bring creativity to other industries, and our students graduate with the confidence that they are joining one of the most buoyant employment markets in the world."
Falmouth Mayor, Geoffrey Evans, said: "Falmouth should be proud to be Cornwall's first official university town and this association is completely apt, complementing our vibrant and thriving community. We are proud to be the home of a learning institution that delivers all the art forms, unique to the UK.
"The Council recognises the substantial benefit of the investment that the university and its students bring to Falmouth. I am struck by the high number of graduates who set up their own businesses locally, enhancing our existing creative industries. Long may our association continue through this latest phase of the growth of our University."
Falmouth University offers 45 courses from foundation to PhD level and was granted its own degree-awarding powers in 2004. It is among a number of specialist institutions in the UK that have been awarded university title.
David Willetts, Minister of State for Universities and Science, confirmed today that subject to final Privy Council approval, University College Falmouth is expected to become Falmouth University by the end of the year and will be the region's first university.
Rector and chief executive, Professor Anne Carlisle, said: "Achieving full university title has been one of our key goals and speaks volumes for the quality of our teaching, facilities and governance. It is also the culmination of the efforts of many in Cornwall who have supported our aspirations over several years.
"This announcement will cement Falmouth University's reputation for quality and innovation across all the art forms and further our drive to become one of the top five arts universities in the world.
"We want to develop the creative industries sector and bring creativity to other industries, and our students graduate with the confidence that they are joining one of the most buoyant employment markets in the world."
Falmouth Mayor, Geoffrey Evans, said: "Falmouth should be proud to be Cornwall's first official university town and this association is completely apt, complementing our vibrant and thriving community. We are proud to be the home of a learning institution that delivers all the art forms, unique to the UK.
"The Council recognises the substantial benefit of the investment that the university and its students bring to Falmouth. I am struck by the high number of graduates who set up their own businesses locally, enhancing our existing creative industries. Long may our association continue through this latest phase of the growth of our University."
Falmouth University offers 45 courses from foundation to PhD level and was granted its own degree-awarding powers in 2004. It is among a number of specialist institutions in the UK that have been awarded university title.
