BOLTON Institute is a step closer to securing university status.

The Institute is the only major academic body with research degree awarding powers which does not have the "university" title and has fought a long campaign to achieve its goal.

In a move announced by the Principal, Dr Bob Oxtoby, the Privy Council has granted the Institute powers to award research degrees.

This means that the Institute atisfies all the criteria for acceptance as a university.

"This is probably the best single piece of news we have had since the Institute was founded in 1982," said Dr Oxtoby.

"It is a major feather in our cap and must hasten the day when Bolton has its own university."

Bolton has more than 100 students working for research degrees which, until now, have been awarded by the University of Manchester.

Despite its lack of a university title, Bolton Institute has seen its student roll increase rapidly in recent years, especially since it was granted power to award its own taught degrees in 1992.

It now has around 7,000 students and is a recognised centre of excellence in several fields, attracting overseas as well as UK students.

Staff and governors of the Institute have been waiting two years for this latest Order in Council to arrive.

"We shall now be pressing for a speedy acceptance in respect of a university title for Bolton," added Dr Oxtoby, "but we recognise that there is bound to be a wait, probably of at least a year."

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