UK: Small colleges could gain university status

Smaller higher education institutions in England would be able to gain university status, under proposals put forward by the government, reports the BBC. The proposals suggest removing the current requirement for universities to have at least 4,000 students.

It would allow about 10 colleges, which already have their own degree-awarding powers, to become full universities.

The government wants to encourage more new providers into higher education to increase competition. The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has begun a consultation on simplifying the regulatory systems for England's universities.
Full report on the BBC site