Birkbeck Tottenham to bring university opportunities to all
Move opens up new opportunities to those without traditional qualifications
Many more talented residents will get access to higher education after London’s top evening university agreed a deal with Haringey Council to offer courses in Tottenham.
Birkbeck, University of London, will run a dedicated course designed to equip adults with the skills they need for university study. Full courses will start from September 2016, with a programme of shorter training sessions and events beginning next month.
The move will open up new opportunities to those without traditional qualifications to find a route to undergraduate study and secure new skills, allowing people with work or family commitments to study part-time in the evenings.
Birkbeck’s arrival cements Haringey’s increasing reputation for leading higher education, skills and training opportunities, building on the NVQ places on offer at Hermitage Road’s new Fashion Technology Academy; a borough-wide apprenticeships scheme led by the council, and a research partnership with Durham University.
Councillor Joe Goldberg, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Social Inclusion and Sustainability, said: “We’re determined that Haringey should be at the forefront of a skills revolution – equipping our talented residents with the training and qualifications that will strengthen our economy and allow them access the booming jobs market in our city.
“A child born in Tottenham today should have opportunities equal to the best in London, and that a university of Birkbeck’s calibre wants to open here is a vote of confidence in our borough’s reputation for rewarding aspiration.
“Our dedicated plan for economic growth sets out how by bringing digital, tech and manufacturing businesses to Haringey alongside fantastic schools, higher education and training opportunities, our borough can continue to be one of opportunity for all.”
Birkbeck, part of the prestigious University of London, has been providing flexible university education for more than 200 years, offering evening undergraduate courses that can be completed over three, four or six years.
Its Higher Education Introductory Studies programme, which will be delivered in Tottenham, offers a gradual introduction to university-level study, helping prospective undergraduates develop the skills, knowledge and understanding required to progress to academic and vocational degrees.
Professor David Latchman, Master of Birkbeck, University of London, said: “For nearly 200 years Birkbeck has been transforming lives by offering accessible, flexible routes into higher education.
“We are delighted to be partnering with Haringey on an innovative, ground breaking project that will create bridges to better futures for local residents.”
The council has invested £70,000 to set up the programme, which will be delivered from the 639 Enterprise Centre in High Road, Tottenham – already a hub of jobs, training and start-up business support.
The first session includes:
- Drop-in information session, Tuesday, September 15th, 2-6pm
For more information, email birkbeck@haringey.gov.uk