CLARIFICATION: On Thursday, YH ran a headline that Harlow College was to lose it’s apprenticeships courses. That was incorrect. YH would like to point out that apprenticeships courses at Harlow College are flourishing.

YH apologies unreservedly for any misunderstanding.

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ANGLIA Ruskin University has decided that it will no longer offer traditional degree courses due to declining student numbers.

This will not affect those study at the Velizy Avenue college just now but it does mean that Harlow College cannot offer degrees.

University Centre Harlow (UCH) opened in 2012 in a partnership between Anglia Ruskin and Harlow College. It will continue to operate with a focus on apprenticeship degrees.

A spokesperson for Anglia Ruskin said: “Unfortunately declining student numbers have meant we have had to take the difficult decision to end recruitment for courses at UCH.

“The decision will not affect current students in any way, and they will continue studying at UCH until the completion of their courses.”

The £11 million centre currently offers degrees in bioscience, child development, graphic design, engineering and other subjects.

Recruitment has now ended for all degree courses with the exception of BA (hons) early years professional practice (top-up).This will have one more intake in September 2017 to allow those studying for the qualifying award to progress and finish their studies at UCH.

The Anglia Ruskin spokesman added that NCTJ journalism is unaffected and will continue.

Principal of Harlow College, Karen Spencer said: “Anglia Ruskin University is continuing their partnership with Harlow College but with a focus on higher and degree apprenticeships.

“This complements the college’s own higher education offer including a wide range of higher national diplomas, certificates, professional diplomas and access to higher education.

“Technical education is a key strength of the college and this approach best focuses our resources.”

Harlow MP for Harlow, Robert Halfon, who is also minister of state for education, said: “I am passionate about apprenticeships.

“Degree apprenticeships are an incredible offering to the town. You get a degree, an apprenticeship and you are almost guaranteed a job at the end of it.

“There is also no loan to pay back. Young people have the opportunity to earn while they learn. I think the fact Harlow (College) is turning to this great for the town.”

He added: “We are changing technical education in our country to make it more accessible to everyone.”

Leader of Harlow Council, cllr Jon Clempner said: “There is a growing need for degree apprenticeship qualifications to respond to the needs of businesses and young people in Harlow and the surrounding area.

“The council would like to see the growth of university provision in Harlow and will be working with the university to identify how its strategy for the future can deliver it.”