Higher education services

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Milton Keynes Council is seeking a Higher Education partner to lead the establishment of MK:U, a new technology university for Milton Keynes. The Council is inviting national and international Higher Education institutions who would like to be considered as a partner in driving forward this project to propose how they could join us in delivering the vision of a new university for Milton Keynes. The MK Futures 2050 Commission initiated by the Council identified the potential for Milton Keynes to grow long-term to a population of at least 400 000 people. The creation of a new technology university was considered as a critical project for the city's long-term success. A number of universities already operate in the city and nearby: The Open University, Cranfield University, The University of Buckingham and The University of Bedfordshire. Milton Keynes College also provides foundation degree level teaching. These all make valued and high quality contributions to the growth and vibrancy of Milton Keynes but the city continues to lack a stand-alone university of its own that operates at the scale and provides the specialist courses necessary to meet its long-term needs. Milton Keynes is one of the largest cities in the UK not to have its own dedicated university and this has an adverse impact on local economic growth and the attractiveness of the city as a destination. A new university offers the chance to establish a ground breaking new UK higher education facility that will specifically address the employment needs of organisations serving current and new national and international market sector needs. As a young and rapidly growing city, Milton Keynes is establishing itself as a recognised and globally important technologically ‘Smart City’, where existing flexible and contemporary infrastructure allows a wide range of planning opportunities. Milton Keynes is perfectly placed both geographically and developmentally to create such a new UK institution. This Procurement aims to appoint a suitable Higher Education Partner to develop the vision and manage a successful delivery of MK:U.