TWO colleges of higher education in Merseyside and Cheshire yesterday won full university status.

Liverpool Hope University College and University College Chester will become the University of Chester and Liverpool Hope University, once the Queen formally approves the titles.

The change will make Liverpool only the fourth city in England with more than two universities, after London, Birmingham and Manchester.

The Government has confirmed to both colleges they have met the strict quality criteria to earn the title.

Now both colleges' principals will become vice chancellors, as the two institutions get to work designing new crests and academic gowns and appointing chancellors.

A University College Chester spokesperson said: "Everything from traffic signs to College vehicles, from letter heads to the website and marketing material will proudly announce the existence of the new University when it comes into being."

Liverpool Hope University College rector and chief executive Prof Gerald Pillay said: "I'm honoured to lead what will become Liverpool Hope University into the 21st century as the only ecumenical university of its kind in Europe.

"This news is wonderful for Liverpool Hope and the city of Liverpool itself.

"Recognition of Liverpool Hope receiving university title status is long over-due.

'We've been providing access to higher education since before many of the now well-known universities were even established."

Until now, the 161-year-old college has awarded degrees through the University of Liverpool, and current students in the later stages of their courses will still receive those.

The news was welcomed yesterday by Hope's co-presidents Archbishop Patrick Kelly and Bishop James Jones. They said: "This is a great achievement both for Hope and the city. It shows the quality of the Christian education at Hope and will attract even more students to Merseyside.

Council leader and Hope graduate Mike Storey added: "This is more excellent news for Liverpool, which is already one of the most popular places for people to come and study."

Professor Tim Wheeler, of University College Chester, said: "This is a most exciting chapter in the 166-year history of the College.

"It recognises the achievements of staff, students and the Governing Body in pursuing the case for university status."

adrianbutler@dailypost.co.uk