A UNIVERSITY has joined forces with four further education colleges to help ease students into academic life.

The University of Sunderland has joined forces with East Durham and Houghall, South Tyneside, Hartlepool and Tyneside colleges to offer people the chance to study the first year honour degree on their own doorstop.

The scheme will offer students benefits including savings on travel, childcare and accommodation.

Areas of study chosen for this scheme are English, history and sociology. After studying the first year of a BA (Hons) degree at a chosen college, students then move on to Sunderland to complete the remaining two years.

The scheme has been designed to be flexible to fit in with modern lifestyles and commitments, and will enable students to study on either a full-time or part-time basis.

Wendy Jackson, recruitment officer for the scheme, said: "The franchise college agreement is great news for new students as they will save time and money being able to study locally.

"This will particularly appeal to those who may not have previously considered university as a realistic option, but are now being offered the chance to develop their skills and work toward a joint honours degree."

The new programme starts in September. For more information contact Ms Jackson on 0191-515 3193