Birkbeck and Capital City College partner to expand university opportunities for young people

Birkbeck, University of London and Capital City College (CCC) have announced a new partnership designed to provide people of all ages with clearer, more accessible routes into higher education, helping students build the confidence, skills and qualifications needed to succeed at university.

The collaboration will offer students studying at Capital City College access to a range of academic enrichment opportunities and will support progression opportunities across digital AI, humanities, social sciences, psychology and business.

Birkbeck's long-standing commitment to flexible, inclusive higher education makes it a natural partner for Capital City College. With evening, part-time and accessible study options designed around the realities of adult life, Birkbeck shares CCC's ambition to remove barriers to learning and create opportunities for people at every stage of their educational journey. Together, it will strengthen progression routes for adult learners, providing clear pathways from community and further education into higher education, professional qualifications and apprenticeships, helping more Londoners develop the skills needed to succeed and thrive.

The initiative aims to inspire more people to consider university and is designed to help them move smoothly from further education into vocationally aligned university study. The partnership will deliver clear benefits for both Birkbeck and Capital City College; students get progression routes into a leading London university, while Birkbeck benefits from a strong pipeline of talented students from across the capital. It also reflects both institutions' commitment to widening participation.

Birkbeck's commitment to support students from underrepresented backgrounds has long been recognised across the higher education sector and the University has sought to ensure that talent and ambition, not personal circumstances, determine access to higher education.

The new partnership with Capital City College builds on this historic mission by creating a route for college students to progress to university. By giving young people access to university facilities, expert academics, mentoring and tailored progression advice, the collaboration aims to raise aspirations and increase participation in higher education.

Professor Sally Wheeler, Vice-Chancellor said, "Birkbeck is delighted to have partnered with Capital City College to offer students progression opportunities across a range of subject areas. We have a strong affinity with Capital City College's vision, mission, and values: both rooted in London, together, we have a combined experience of over 400 years of offering high quality, accessible learning that empowers students from diverse backgrounds to succeed."

In recent years, Birkbeck has expanded its work with schools and colleges to encourage more young people aged 16-18 to consider higher education. Through its outreach programmes, campus visits and partnerships with further education colleges, the university helps students develop confidence, understand the university application process and experience life as an undergraduate before they apply. This year, for the first time, Birkbeck staff also attended Capital City College campuses on A-level results day to meet prospective students.

Angela Joyce, Chief Executive Officer at CCC, said: "We are committed to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to fulfil their potential. Through our collaboration with Birkbeck, we are expanding access to higher education, helping students build the skills and confidence they need to thrive, and showing that higher education is an achievable next step for learners from all backgrounds."

Mark Burrows, Group Principal for Adults and Higher Education at CCC, said: "It is a pleasure to collaborate with Birkbeck on this partnership, as it means greater prospects for future students. No matter their age or background, studying with us means a chance at great opportunities and links to progress into higher education, where students will be better equipped with the confidence and in-demand skills to succeed in London's busy job market."