Cranfield University and Milton Keynes City Council to collaborate on the future of higher education as formal MK:U partnership comes to an end

Milton Keynes City Council (MKCC) and Cranfield University have mutually agreed to bring to an end their formal partnership relating to MK:U. The project has completed a successful two-year pilot and continues to offer a new model of higher education and an innovation hub in Milton Keynes.

The Council provided start-up support for MK:U and Council members welcomed its ongoing operation and future expansion.

Leader of Milton Keynes City Council, Cllr Pete Marland said: “We thank the MK:U team for their hard work and dedication in getting the project to this stage. We hope to continue working with Cranfield University on our shared ambitions for the future of higher education in the city.”

“I would like to recognise MKCC’s vision in proposing the project and thank the Council for its backing in getting MK:U to its current position. Whilst the formal partnership with the city council is ending, MK:U is now moving into its next phase of development,” said Professor Lynette Ryals OBE, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of MK:U.

“We’re continuing to work closely with local businesses to develop the critical skills they need and the entrepreneurs and innovators to support their growth. MK:U has become a key part of the city’s educational and tech ecosystem, helping to develop Milton Keynes as an important national centre in technical and digital innovation.”

Working with Milton Keynes City Council, MK:U has rapidly established itself as an innovative new institution providing relevant education to build skills that employers in the region need. It is on track to have over 400 students taught from city centre locations by mid-2024, applying their new skills in their workplace as they learn. MK:U continues to build its course offerings, recently announcing £100,000 of funding from the Office for Students to develop a new supply chain Degree Apprenticeship.

The 800-member MK:U Innovation Hub is also a central location for the Milton Keynes business community, providing the ideal space for business leaders, entrepreneurs, students and academics to meet, share ideas, and collaborate.