As we begin welcoming the first students to the University Centre’s purpose-built new building at Mabgate Campus, our Dean, Becky Fores, reflects on the path ahead.
Please can you describe a little about yourself and your background?
My background spans several sectors, giving me a broad perspective and a strong foundation for the work I do today.
I began my career in the Armed Forces (1998–2003), and after leaving the military, I moved into education as a part-time cover teacher. Between 2005 and 2008, I welcomed my two boys and completed my BSc (Hons) in PE Teaching.
Following two years in secondary education, I transitioned into further education, taking on roles at Rotherham College (formerly RCAT), DN Colleges, and the RNN Group. Since joining Luminate Education Group - the University Centre’s parent organisation - in 2021, I’ve continued to grow both personally and professionally.
Before becoming Dean of Higher Education (HE), my previous roles here were as Head of HE Sport and Health and Associate Dean of HE.
What are you looking forward to most in the coming year?
This year's focus is on the development of our curriculum. We have received Degree Awarding Powers which means that we can now award full BA and BSc degrees.
Our staff teams are busy working on adapting our curriculum portfolio to incorporate three-year degree programmes or programme packages that are right for the region, our audience and employers. Having the ability to award level 6 provision means that we can be fully responsive to the local skills needs of both our students and our area.
We are also really excited about our new campus at Mabgate! We have just opened the door to students and are looking forward to inviting staff and students from across the group to visit.
What do you feel is University Centre Leeds' best feature for students?
I'm proud of the way we blend high-quality education with integrated support
for students.
We offer a whole host of higher provision from full degrees to Higher Technical Qualifications, Foundation Degrees and Higher/Degree Apprenticeships.
We also cover a broad range of subject areas: Creative Arts, Law, Business and Management, Sport and Health, Teacher Education, Early Years and STEM; and produce students who are experts, practical and ambitious regardless of their background.
Our delivery pace is quite intensive (the provision is delivered over condensed timetables, usually two days per week for HE) so that students can work and study.
However, this doesn't mean they're rushed or left behind. In fact, the opposite is true. We have small class sizes and a real sense of wraparound support for our students. Ultimately, we are an experienced local institution offering local people a tailored approach to HE.
