Last updated 15:52, Wednesday, 23 April 2008

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THE University of Cumbria aims to create a new University facility in Barrow- in-Furness, in partnership with Furness College.

Part of the proposals include new university provision in computing, social work and social care, as well as its existing nursing provision, to be delivered from new premises in Barrow.

The new building will also help enable the university’s distributed learning strategy to be developed.

Investment in new IT suites and video-conferencing facilities is planned to ensure all learners have easy access to university study.

Peter Armer, director of resources, finance and estates said: “The University of Cumbria is committed to working collaboratively with Furness College on the development, growth and delivery of higher education curriculum within the Furness region. We want the curriculum to be developed to be relevant the requirements of the region, and particularly respond to demands from employers.”

Over the coming months the university will be working with the college to estimate the likely demand for higher education provision in the district and this will be reflected in the current planned and proposed rationalisation of the college’s estate.

Dr Robin Talbot, Dean of Health, Medical Sciences and Social Care at the University of Cumbria said: “If agreed then these proposals would provide many benefits for our students studying in the Furness area.

“The new technology identified would enable us to reduce travel for students and staff. Modern video conferencing, for example, would enable students to interact with students and staff in Lancaster or Carlisle. Potentially, many future health and social care staff would also have the chance to receive the majority of their education in Barrow and we also have the opportunity to support the continuing education needs of these staff with the development of new work-based learning and professional development courses.”

Anne Attwood, Furness College principal was delighted that the university is joining up to provide the Furness College with a 21st century learning facility. She said: “The project for the new college was announced some time ago and the proposal is rapidly approaching the end of the design stage.

“This additional investment by the university will allow a significant enhancement to the planned higher education facilities and help to promote university education in Barrow by concentrating more resources into the area’s largest learning facility.”