University and college in landmark bid to share resources

A UNIVERSITY and college have signed an agreement to work together in what is understood to be the first formal collaboration of its kind in Scotland.

The move could see Queen Margaret University (QMU) and Jewel and Esk College, both on the outskirts of Edinburgh, share libraries and halls of residence.

Other partnerships exist on individual courses or departments in Scotland, but the latest arrangement is unusual in being wholesale across both educational establishments.

The memorandum of understanding will also make it easier for the students from the college to enrol at the university and to skip the first year or two of degree study.

This will be achieved by co- ordinating courses at both institutions in the same subject areas so they link up more effectively.

QMU principal Dr Petra Wend and Jewel and Esk acting principal Peter Malcolm yesterday signed the document which identified ten major areas of collaboration.

Dr Wend said: "We will focus on key areas, such as health and creative industries where there are synergies and will seek opportunities to merge resources to create a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts."

The agreement commits both the college and the university to explore ways to save money but the main focus will be on helping successful college students move up to the university.

Mr Malcolm said: "We already share staffing and support services across many areas and a mutual involvement in curricular subjects like health, the creative industries and knowledge transfer with local businesses."

The initiative would allow students with an HND or HNC to study for a degree without having to sit the first two years.