AN East Lancashire college is expanding its university department after it secured funding for more places.

Bosses at St Mary’s College, Blackburn, have announced that they will be increasing the number of higher education courses as they have secured funding for another 83 full time places.

The Shear Brow college has secured places through the Marginal Fund which is available to education institutions so they can ensure that higher education opportunities are available at a local level and at an affordable price.

Bosses said they are finalising the titles of the degrees with Liverpool Hope University and the University of Central Lancashire.

But they confirmed they would be in areas of accounting and business, education and health and social care.

These courses will be available on a full or part time basis from September.

The courses vary from two year foundation degrees, offered over two days, through to honours degrees taught in the evenings and fees are from £5,500 per year.

St Mary’s College principal Kevin McMahon said: “We are delighted to have been successful in securing degree places from the Government’s Marginal Fund.

“This opportunity allows us to combine quality provision with competitive fees in a local environment where returning adults and young people alike can gain Higher Education qualifications at a local level.”