Oxford Business College has unveiled a new campus located in Brentford, Hounslow. Positioned to provide a gateway to higher education for residents in West London, the college’s move aims to address educational disparities in the area.
The decision to establish the campus in Brentford stems from a dedication to address educational gaps prevalent in the area. Statistics from the 2021 Census reveal that a significant portion of adults in Hounslow lack formal qualifications, with approximately 19% having no certifications at all and nearly three-fifths devoid of a degree, foundation degree, or higher education diploma.
The campus sits on the banks of the River Brent and is a 10 minute walk from Brentford tube station. The Brentford site will initially be dedicated to its inaugural course in tourism and events management. Enrolment is now open, with the course due to start on 28th May. In addition, further programmes are set to be introduced in September 2024.
Security firm Verisure had occupied the 26,000 square feet office space previously, but moved its headquarters to North Tyneside in 2020.
Prospective students have been promised a curriculum finely tuned to meet the demands of the modern workforce, leveraging its location in the nation’s capital as a centre of tourism and hospitality. The two-year, full-time course will prepare students to work in the travel, tourism and events sectors, which together count hundreds of employers in Hounslow and surrounding boroughs – including Heathrow Airport and its supply chain.
In collaboration with New College Durham, Oxford Business College is offering classroom instruction with self-directed study. This method has proved to be popular with Oxford Business College students, with a third of them being over the age of 40. Flexible studying has become a popular choice for parents and those with professional and personal commitments.
Oxford Business College describes itself as the fastest growing independent higher education college in the country, offering undergraduate degrees to more than 7,500 students. This will be the institution’s fifth campus, alongside another campus in West London, as well as sites in Nottingham, Slough and its flagship site in Oxford.
Speaking about the announcement, Professor Fawad Inam, Executive Principal of Oxford Business College, commented:
“We’re delighted to open our Brentford campus, and are looking forward to welcoming local residents who may have felt that higher education wasn’t for them.
“Brentford’s proximity to both Heathrow Airport and London’s world-famous attractions make it a perfect place to study tourism, travel and events, and our course will prepare students for a career in these exciting sectors.
“Many Oxford Business College students are born entrepreneurs, and we love to support them as they launch and grow their own businesses.
“Our flexible courses make it possible for students to hold down a job while studying, making us the perfect place for mature learners and those who want a new career.
“If you’re passionate about travel, tourism or events, visit our website and learn more about how you can turbocharge your career in this exciting, fast-moving industry.”
