Skip to main content
Media centre

New partnership to boost higher education opportunities

18 April 2018

 

Teesside University has announced a new strategic partnership which will provide even wider access to higher education courses in the Tees Valley.

The Teesside University College Partnership (TUCP) brings together the University and Darlington, Hartlepool, Redcar and Stockton Riverside Colleges to offer students a broad range of higher education opportunities.

Courses will be delivered either at the local colleges or on campus at Teesside University with the aim of bringing together the teaching excellence in all the institutions to provide stimulating and challenging programmes which meet the needs of the business community and deliver work-ready graduates to power the local, national and global economy.

Teesside University has worked successfully with the local further education colleges for over 20 years, but the new TUCP has been designed to support transformational activities aligned clearly to the aspirational industrial strategy of the Tees Valley.

The TUCP has received the backing of Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen and a launch event to celebrate the new partnership took place at Teesside University.

Professor Paul Croney, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Teesside University, said: 'We are delighted to officially announce the new Teesside University College Partnership, giving even wider access to higher education courses to students across the Tees Valley.

'We are fully committed to giving students the knowledge, skills and experience they need to succeed and our drive to create an inspirational and stimulating environment with the facilities, technologies and support for effective learning and development is shared by our further education college partners.'

The TUCP will deliver everything from Foundation degrees, apprenticeships and Master’s degrees in a diverse range of subject areas including engineering and manufacturing, computer science, digital media, biosciences, health and social care and tourism.

Professor Mark Simpson, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning and Teaching) at Teesside University, said: 'The Teesside University College Partnership has a shared vision of providing a high quality higher education learning environment, offering excellent courses taught by committed and passionate staff, at whichever campus they study.

'It is our job to help give students the tools to navigate their way through the ever-changing economic landscape, open their minds to the opportunities that exist and deliver a first-class education.

'This partnership re-enforces the long-standing commitment of us all to provide access to high quality education and training right across the Tees Valley.'

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen praised the new partnership and the additional opportunities it will provide.

He said: 'It is a great initiative, which will provide the next generation with the opportunities, as well as ensuring companies investing in Teesside have the skills they need. By prioritising education and skills now, we can secure jobs and prosperity in the future.

We are fully committed to giving students the knowledge, skills and experience they need to succeed and our drive to create an inspirational and stimulating environment with the facilities, technologies and support for effective learning and development is shared by our further education college partners.

Professor Paul Croney

'I have launched a bold and ambitious plan to bring more than 20,000 net new jobs to the Tees Valley by 2020, and this partnership will give investors confidence in the region’s skill-base.'

Stockton Riverside College Principal and Chief Executive Phil Cook said: 'At Stockton Riverside College we prioritise collaboration, building positive and productive relationships with partners, businesses, all of the communities that we serve and, of course, our local university. 'As such, we relish the opportunity to further enhance our longstanding partnership with Teesside University. The partnership provides high quality opportunities that are accessible, demand-led and right on the doorstep of our communities, not only meeting the needs of students but also serving the specific requirements of the area and its businesses.'

Redcar & Cleveland College’s Acting Principal Ed Heatley added: 'Redcar & Cleveland College has shared a successful partnership with Teesside University for its higher education provision since 1993. This partnership provides great opportunities for communities in and around Redcar and Cleveland to further develop their careers and skills. It also offers a direct progression opportunity for our learners.

'By working closely with local businesses and Teesside University, together we are able to develop courses that service the needs of our area, its businesses and the economic demands of both Redcar and Cleveland and the wider Tees Valley.'

Kate Roe, Principal at Darlington College, said: 'We are passionate about the power of further and higher education to transform opportunities in life and provide our employers with highly skilled individuals to enhance their workforce.

'High quality, local and flexible higher level courses are really important for ongoing skills and career development, especially for adults and those who want or need to study part-time, and this works well for employers and businesses too. We are fortunate in Tees Valley to have a shared vision with Teesside University and proud to be part of a partnership that continues to go from strength to strength.'

Darren Hankey, Principal at Hartlepool College, added: 'Hartlepool College of Further Education is extremely proud to be a part of Teesside University College Partnership. The Partnership will support the Combined Authority’s recently refreshed Strategic Economic Plan by ensuring students and business across the Tees Valley, and beyond, benefit from high quality academic, professional and technical higher education opportunities.'


 
 
Go to top menu