The new university, a collaboration between the University of Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes Council, was officially launched this morning (Friday) and will teach courses with the emphasis on engineering and technology.
Its courses will put the needs of business very much at the top of its priority list.
University of Bedfordshire vice chancellor Bill Rammell said: “UCMK has to become a business hub. We need to offer courses that better reflect the needs of business.”
UCMK will also provide continuing professional development courses for staff and employers, he added.
Milton Keynes Council leader Cllr Andrew Geary said: “UCMK will bring a major boost to the city. It will help us to ‘home grow’ this next generation skilled workforce, focusing on the skills needed by businesses moving tom and growing in Milton Keynes.”
The partnership between university and council is the first of its kind in the UK. The campus will be at Saxon Court, the former council offices in Avebury Boulevard and a planning application for change of use is to be considered by councillors next month.
Mr Rammell said: “This is an exciting new chapter for both the University of Bedfordshire and for Milton Keynes.”
Pictured: Bill Rammell (centre) with Andrew Geary and UCMK interim dean Professor David Barrett (front0.
