THURROCK will soon offer University education to youngsters.

South Essex College in Grays plans to redevelop the Thurrock Learning Campus on the High Street into the University Centre Thurrock – with new degree courses starting in September 2016.

The exact details of what will be on offer are yet to be confirmed, but existing higher education courses in construction, engineering and computing and systems development will be boosted by a series of new degrees including media to support the new £800 million TV and film studio project planned in Purfleet.

Students currently at the college said it was an exciting time for the borough.

Ailish Evans, 18, of Gordon Road, Corringham, is studying Public Services BTEC at the college.

She said: “It’s good because it’s just more local to have degree courses. You can study at home, go to the University Centre and live locally. I would definitely consider studying here.

“Grays unfairly gets a tough time from some people. I think the University Centre will change all that. It will give the area a better reputation.”

Student Ryan McCarthy, 16, of Lawns Crescent, Grays, said: “It’s a brilliant idea.

“Sure, I’d do my degree here. I think it’s good because more people will come here too and think of it as a better area. The news will spread, and fast.”

The college won the backing of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills to set up University Centres to house its higher education programmes, which includes its campus in Southend, where degree courses are already offered.

The Grays learning campus is set to get a £1million facelift as part of the rebranding.

Anthony McGarel, deputy principal and chief executive, said this was a “hugely significant moment for Thurrock”.

He said: “This will enable young and mature students to gain degree level qualifications that open up exciting new career opportunities. It is absolutely essential that local people are given the first opportunity to take the high level, skilled jobs that are becoming available locally.”

Currently just 22.6 per cent of young people in Thurrock are in higher education – the 14th lowest in England out of 406 local authorities.

Thurrock Council leader Councillor John Kent also welcomed the announcement.

He said: “I really welcome the South Essex College announcement. I have often said that we need to ensure local people have the training and skills needed to get the high-paid jobs that are coming to Thurrock and the University Centre will be a great boost to that."