August 8, 2011 9.12 am This story is over 151 months old

Bishop Grosseteste could gain university title

Two universities: Bishop Grosseteste could drop the college from its title and become the second university in the city.

Bishop Grosseteste (BG) University College Lincoln could soon become the second university in Lincoln, after a change proposed by a government consultation paper.

Currently only institutions with more than 4,000 students, such as the University of Lincoln, can assume the title “university”, but BG has only 2,000 — yet it has to meet exactly the same high standards as larger institutions.

However, a change proposed by a government consultation paper would mean that degree-awarding institutions like BG would be able to use the university title if they have more than 1,000 students.

BG’s Principal Professor Muriel Robinson said: “The current rule is arbitrary and inconsistent. Many European universities are small and specialist, like BG.

“The university college title confuses our local partners, many of whom mistakenly assume that we are part of the University of Lincoln, and our international partners.

“We very much hope that this proposed change is introduced quickly as having two universities is a real bonus both for students and Lincoln.”

This news comes as BG will start celebrating its 150th anniversary this September with range of celebration events throughout the coming academic year.

Source: Bishop Grosseteste University College Lincoln | Related Report: Lincolnshire Echo