College performing arts degrees saved

In November the Times & Speaker reported BA Acting and BA Musical Theatre at the Motherwell and Coatbridge campuses were to end in the summer as the University of Northumbria which validates them will no longer be offering the courses.

More than 8000 people signed a petition to save the course as the college considered ‘alternative options’.

The courses will now continue after Queen Margaret University (QMU) agreed to partner with the college in order to take on the validation and accreditation of the courses.

New College Lanarkshire has built a strong reputation in performing arts throughout the years, giving prospective students and budding artists the opportunity to study from HND through to degree level.

Matthew Smith, head of Faculty for Creative Industries at New College Lanarkshire, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that QMU has stepped in to save our much loved BA Acting and BA Musical Theatre degree courses, essentially securing the future of so many of our students.

“New College Lanarkshire already has a strong presence in the performing arts industry, but by having a partnership, we will be enhancing our offering while providing more opportunities to our students.

“I’d like to thank the team who have been working hard for months finding a suitable validator for the course, and to QMU for handing our students a lifeline and for their ongoing support of performing arts in Scotland.”

Dr David Stevenson, head of Division of Media, Communication and Performing Arts at QMU said: “QMU has been delivering courses in culture and creativity for over forty years and we are committed to the sustainability and diversity of the cultural sector in Scotland.

“It is vital that young people, irrespective of their background, have accessible routes into the creative industries and are therefore delighted to work with New College Lanarkshire to help ensure the ongoing delivery of its high quality performing arts portfolio.”