This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
Paisley and Bell to merge
06/03/2007
The University of Paisley and Bell College are to merge, it was announced today.
From the next academic year the two institutions will become one and offer a range of courses from HNC up to degree level at a number of campuses, sited in Paisley, Hamilton, Ayr and Dumfries.
Confirming the merger, subject to parliamentary approval, Deputy First Minister Nicol Stephen said:
"We are committed to widening access to learning across the country. This merger will bring a university presence to Lanarkshire, as well as greater opportunities in west and south of Scotland.
"The merged institution will link up with further education colleges close by to meet local needs and to provide strong support for students transferring from college to universities.
"Staff will also benefit from being part of a wider academic community with an opportunity to share best practice and research, particularly in nursing and healthcare.
"The next academic year will be an exciting one for staff and almost 17,000 students alike and I look forward to seeing the new University's progress."
The University of Paisley, which has campuses in Paisley, Ayr and at the Crichton Campus in Dumfries is to merge with Bell College which has its main campus in Hamilton and a campus at the Crichton Campus. The merger is to be implemented from August 1, 2007.
In considering merger proposals the Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning is advised by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC). The SFC assesses the proposal against criteria established for this purpose and endorsed by the Scottish Executive. Institutions are expected to demonstrate that their proposal to merge is based upon an objective and detailed assessment of the costs and benefits involved, and that the decision to merge reflects a desire to enhance educational opportunities and the teaching and learning environment of students and staff. Furthermore the proposal must contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of the Scottish higher education sector as a whole.
The technical means by which the merger will be effected is by means of a Transfer and Closure Order closing Bell College and transferring its rights, assets, liabilities etc to the University of Paisley. The Order will be laid in Parliament on March 7 and, subject to Parliamentary approval, will come into force on August 1, 2007 allowing the merger to be implemented from that date.
The name of the new institution will be confirmed in due course.