There is unprecedented demand for university places One of the world's largest publishers, Pearson, looks set to be given degree-awarding powers, as the government seeks to open up the university sector to more private providers.
Pearson, which owns exam board Edexcel, plans to start by offering four vocational degrees with a further education college.
But it wants to award degrees itself, which would require a law change.
The government says it is considering this.
The news comes less than a week after MPs voted to allow universities to raise tuition fees to a maximum of £9,000 a year.
This sparked fears that many youngsters from deprived backgrounds would not be prepared to take on the accompanying higher level of debt, although ministers insist a revamped repayment system is fairer.
Pearson anticipates it will be able to offer degree courses in business, engineering, IT and health and social care at first at "very competitive" prices.
It is also considering offering degrees in nursing, education and hospitality and tourism.
A Pearson spokesman said the courses would be highly flexible, would be available part-time and might suit those already working or with children.
Rod Bristow, president of Pearson UK, said his firm had a strong track record of providing high quality vocational education in the UK, through BTECs and HNDs.
"Now we want to take the next natural step to award full degrees."
He said the firm would create a vocational degree that demands students meet rigorous standards.
These would "help fulfil the aspirations of those who want to get a vocational degree in order to progress to highly skilled technical careers, and who also want the flexibility to study part-time, or without moving away from home," Mr Bristow said.
Universities Minister David Willetts has made no secret of his plans to open up the university sector to private providers.
A white paper is expected to set out plans to do this in the new year with legislation likely to follow.
Mr Willetts is said to be encouraged that firms like Pearson are interested in taking a bigger role in higher education.
He is expected to mention the firm by name in a speech to an education conference in central London later.
This article is from the BBC News website. � British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/education-11990787
Reuben Porteus An Huisinga Randell Blechinger Mireya Jacquay
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