Cranfield University have been appointed as the lead higher education provider for a new University in Milton Keynes. The higher education institution, known as MK:U, will see a ‘new model’ of University build in the heart of Milton Keynes, which is set to house up to 5,000 students.

The news comes in an incredibly exciting time for the region – with a huge focus on the corridor between Oxford and Cambridge set to boost connectivity to Milton Keynes and drive economic growth around the region. The University is set to be a focus of the Skills Session at the Oxford Cambridge Corridor Economic Growth Conference in June – where Cranfield University are confirmed as one of the speakers in the one-day event.

MK:U will be designed to deliver a distinctive STEM-focused (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) undergraduate curriculum in key areas including digital, cyber, autonomy, robotics and artificial intelligence. It will be developed in partnership with Grant Thornton UK LLP, MK College, Microsoft UK and Tech Mahindra UK.

The vision would see the University open its doors for the 2023/2024 academic year – welcoming an estimated 5,000 new students. The population of the City is set to grow astronomically due to the huge potential of the OxMkCam Corridor – with around 500,000 living in the City by 2050, and the much needed skills these students will acquire could see further regional economic growth in MK and the connected Cities.

Professor Sir Peter Gregson, Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor of Cranfield University, is one of the speakers confirmed for the Oxford Cambridge Corridor Economic Growth Conference. Speaking about the news he said: ‘’We look forward to working closely with Milton Keynes Council to create a smart University for a smart city. Cranfield is one of the UK’s most business-engaged Universities and we already have strong links with Milton Keynes. I am delighted that, together with our partners, we will be helping to deliver the exciting vision of a new University for the city.

The next steps will see an 18-month feasibility study being carried out – which will look at planning, design and financing the projects. Microsoft UK, one of the confirmed partners, said that the University would ‘align with Microsoft’s own mission to empower every person and every organisation on the planet to achieve more’.

Dr Julie Mills, Chief Executive Officer of Milton Keynes College, is also speaking on our Skills session at the Oxford Cambridge Corridor Economic Growth Conference, which will also hold panel sessions around industrial strategy, housing and infrastructure. She said: ‘’Everyone at Milton Keynes College is delighted at the news that our group of partners, led by Cranfield University, has been named lead higher education provider for the city’s planned University. According to the Centre for Cities think-tank, Milton Keynes is the largest city in Britain without a University, and as we race towards a population of half a million that situation cannot be allowed to continue. Coupled with the College’s plan to move to one campus, MK will become a real student city, with all the economic and educational benefits that entails. Both will also be at the heart of the business community which will be closely involved in ensuring out young people receive an education fit for the future.’’

MK:U will offer a distinctive undergraduate provision, including accelerated two-year degrees, intensive three-year degrees with project placements, part-time/apprenticeship pathways and short courses/continues professional development. It will be fully inclusive and promote social mobility, with an emphasis on experiential learning and flexible education style and delivery.

Make sure you’re at the forefront of the economy discussion at the Oxford Cambridge Corridor Economic Growth Conference in association with Bouygues Energies and Services UK.