The University of Wolverhampton celebrated with students who have benefited from receiving scholarship funding to help them aim higher with their education. The University’s £360,000 Progression Scholarship funding is allocated to students who have been identified by their local college or school who have worked hard and applied themselves in their studies.  This year, 179 students have benefited from the fund from schools and colleges across the region, receiving £2,000 each during the first year to help them with their transition to University life.

People looking to take a new direction in the New Year are being encouraged to learn something new with Adult Education Wolverhampton. More than 120 courses are on offer starting in January and February, with something to inspire everyone. Subjects on offer include Access to Higher Education, Arts & Crafts, Adult Health and Social Care, British Sign Language (BSL), Business Administration and Office Skills, Childcare, Cookery and Floristry, English, Maths, ESOL, Languages and Teaching Assistants. There are also Erasmus + work experience opportunities in Italy.

The university city of Nottingham is celebrating securing Purple Flag accreditation for an impressive seventh consecutive year. Operated by the Association of Town and City Management, the accreditation of a Purple Flag (the scheme that recognises excellence in the management of UK town and city centres at night) indicates that Nottingham is a safe and vibrant place for a night out and therefore the ideal location for students to feel secure and at home during their time at university.

University of Wolverhampton scientists will share insights into their breakthrough research into the development of a male contraceptive pill at a festive lecture. Dr Sarah Jones and Professor John Howl have created a compound which can penetrate sperm and potentially stop them from swimming.  The research story that male contraception might soon become a reality was picked up by newspapers, magazines and online news outlets all over the world.

Walsall College Fashion students saw their creative designs on the catwalk at Clothes Show Live, held at the NEC Birmingham from 2-6 December. Clothes Show Live is the UK’s premier fashion event and every year it features the UK’s leading designers, top celebrities and expert stylists. The students’ outfits were modelled on The Graduate Catwalk show at the event, which showcases some of the best work produced by talented college Fashion students.

Birmingham City University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government’s Department for International Trade (DIT), in a bid to support West Midlands businesses to thrive in the global trading environment. Working with the DIT’s West Midlands team, the partnership will see Birmingham City University generate opportunities to engage with the local business community.