Following confirmation by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) that BPP meets the criteria for full university title, BPP University College of Professional Studies became BPP University on 6 August 2013.
Professor Carl Lygo, Chief Executive said today, „I am delighted that BPP University becomes the UK´s first independent private university dedicated to Business and the Professions. I congratulate BIS on its thorough review of BPP which clearly set very high standards for all those aspiring to become a UK University.“
BPP University is now Europe´s largest university of professional education offering undergraduate and postgraduate degree and other courses in business, law, finance, tax accountancy and healthcare. During 2013 BPP were also the first „for profit“ provider to successfully undertake a full QAA review and satisfy all requirements.
Professor Lygo continued, „Our graduates are exceptionally employable with some 96% employed or in further study within 6 months of leaving BPP. We give students what they want and need: practice-facing programmes which will equip them for the world of work. It´s a culture of professionals teaching professionals – all our staff have practical professional real-world experience which hugely enriches the classroom experience. Our quality is second to none and we are no more expensive than the vast majority of public sector providers.“
Universities and Science Minister David Willetts said:
„´We welcome BPP´s announcement. This is an important step towards increasing the diversity of the higher education sector. A wide range of higher education providers helps broaden access, focuses attention on teaching quality and promotes innovative learning methods.“
Glynne Stanfield, Partner at Eversheds LLP added, „It is very pleasing to see that a client we´ve advised for many years has now evolved in to a fully fledged university; it is well deserved. This was the first time we have advised a client on university title under the new rules and it is gratifying to see them come through the thorough examination that obtaining university title now involves with flying colours.“