Channel Islands university supported by Guernsey States

A move to create a Channel Islands university will be supported by Guernsey's government.

Susan Jackson Associates, a private group, has shown the States its plans to create a facility based in Guernsey and Alderney for up to 2,000 students.

Currently about 800 Guernsey students attend universities across the UK.

The States has not been asked to provide any funds but has agreed to support and encourage the project, which is due to begin in October 2014.

The private group needs £10m to develop the university, which it believes will take five years and will be financially self sustaining once it has 1,000 students.

The report approved by the States said some issues, such as the impact on housing stock and public services, would have to be further explored.

Andy Sloan, states economist, said a conservative estimate for a boost to spending would be about £25m a year plus any increase for the construction industry in the building of premises and accommodation.

The group aims to have 100 academics teaching at the university with just 20 permanently based in the island and the rest flown in on a regular basis, which is already done by the University of Reykjavik.

It expects 60% of students to come from Europe, 20% from the Channel Islands and 20% from the rest of the world, especially China, India and the Gulf.

Susan Jackson Associates aims to offer three course areas:

The group hopes to base its Department of Marine Sciences in Alderney.