PLANS for an independent university for East Lancashire have moved a step closer after proposals to award foundation degree courses were accepted.

Bosses at Blackburn College learnt their bid to pursue foundation degree-awarding powers was approved last week.

They are now preparing for a series of rigorous inspections to secure the status.

If granted, it moves long-standing plans for an independent East Lancashire university further forward.

Foundation-awarding powers allow the college to validate its own courses, which is currently undertaken by its partners such as the University of Lancaster and the University of Glamorgan.

The college said it is pushing forward with the plans after receiving what is believed to be the best review in the country by the Integrated Quality and Enhancement Review – an independent body which looks into higher education provision.

It is aiming to gain the awarding powers within 12 months rather than the standard two-year period.

Foundation degree-awarding powers would allow the college to create flexible degrees that reflect the jobs market in the area almost immediately rather than waiting for approval from other higher education institutions.

Principal Ian Clinton, said: “Our experience of working with Lancaster University and delivering higher education for over 20 years means we’re well placed to gain awarding powers.

"If successful, being able to validate our own foundation degrees will allow us to respond much quicker to market demands, creating degrees in which there are jobs - significantly boosting our students chances of employment upon graduation.

“We’ve had our initial submission to the Privy Council accepted, and what now starts is a rigorous inspection process, sustained over a period of months.”