The Power to Award Degrees etc. (BIMM University Limited) Order 2025
The Power to Award Degrees etc. (BIMM University Limited) Order 2025 authorizes BIMM University Limited to grant taught awards, including sub-authorizing other institutions, for a fixed term from March 13, 2025, to March 12, 2027.
The Office for Students made this order after considering advice on the quality and standards of the university's higher education provision.
The order notes that no impact assessment was required because it doesn't affect businesses, civil society, or the public sector.
Arguments For
Enhanced Educational Opportunities: The authorization allows BIMM University Limited to officially grant degrees, potentially expanding access to higher education and providing more choices for prospective students.
Institutional Growth and Recognition: Granting degree-awarding powers enhances the university's reputation and standing, potentially attracting more students and faculty, boosting research capabilities and overall institutional growth.
Streamlined processes: The authorization simplifies procedures for students earning BIMM credentials.
Legal Compliance: The order is made under the authority granted by section 42(1) and 43(1) of the Higher Education and Research Act 2017, demonstrating legal fulfillment and legitimacy.
Arguments Against
Potential for Quality Control Issues: Granting broader authorization to an institution could potentially lead to challenges in quality regulation and standards.
Limited Duration and Renewal Uncertainty: The fixed-term authorization (until March 12, 2027) creates uncertainty about long-term impact and necessitates renewal processes at a later stage.
Consequent impacts on other organizations: Could negatively impact on competitor institutions offering similar degrees, especially if BIMM expands aggressively.
Unforeseen consequences: The order may have unintended consequences which are difficult to foresee, and it is difficult to measure the effects of this order on broader educational outcomes.
The Office for Students, in exercise of the powers conferred by section 42(1) and 43(1) of the Higher Education and Research Act 20171, makes the following Order. The Office for Students has requested advice from the relevant body regarding the quality of, and standards applied to, higher education provided by the provider and has had regard to that advice in accordance with section 46(1)(a) and (7) of that Act.
The Office for Students (OfS) created this Order using powers outlined in sections 42(1) and 43(1) of the Higher Education and Research Act 2017.
The OfS sought and considered advice on the quality and standards of BIMM University Limited's higher education provision, following sections 46(1)(a) and (7) of the Act.
Citation and commencement
1.
This Order may be cited as the Power to Award Degrees etc. (BIMM University Limited) Order 2025 and shall come into force on 13th March 2025.
This Order's official title is the Power to Award Degrees etc. (BIMM University Limited) Order 2025.
It becomes effective on March 13, 2025.
Authorisation to grant awards
2.
BIMM University Limited (registered company number 06347465) is authorised to grant taught awards of the kind mentioned in section 42(2)(a) of the said Act.
BIMM University Limited (registration number 06347465) is authorized to grant taught awards as described in section 42(2)(a) of the Higher Education and Research Act 2017.
3.
The authorisation in article 2 is for a fixed term beginning on 13th March 2025 and expiring on 12th March 2027 at 11.59 p.m.
The authorization in article 2 is valid for a fixed period, starting on March 13, 2025, and ending on March 12, 2027, at 11:59 PM.
4.
The authorisation in article 2 includes the power for BIMM University Limited to authorise other institutions to grant such awards specified in article 2 of this Order on its behalf.
BIMM University Limited's authorization also allows it to permit other institutions to grant the awards described in Article 2 on behalf of BIMM University Limited.
This Order authorises BIMM University Limited to grant taught awards, including the power to authorise other institutions to grant such awards on its behalf. This authorisation is for a fixed term beginning on 13th March 2025 and expiring on 12th March 2027 at 11.59 p.m.
An impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as it has no impact on businesses and civil society organisations. The instrument has no impact on the public sector.
The explanatory note summarizes the Order, clarifying that BIMM University Limited gains the authority to grant taught awards and to sub-authorize other institutions to do so, for a defined time period.
It also highlights there's no associated impact assessment due to the lack of anticipated effects on businesses, civil society, or the public sector.