THREE Glasgow colleges have signed a groundbreaking agreement with a leading university to improve access to higher education.

The deal between Strathclyde University and City of Glasgow College, Glasgow Kelvin College and Glasgow Clyde College will ensure students can move into more advanced courses more easily.

Under the agreement, students on one of a number of partnership programmes will have a guaranteed place at Strathclyde as long as they achieve the required standards. There will also be associate students of the university during their college studies.

It is understood to be the first time a research intensive university in the UK has entered into such an extensive partnership with further education colleges.

Professor Sir Jim McDonald, principal of Strathclyde University, said: "We are delighted to be further strengthening our links with Glasgow's colleges and through our partnership agreement we will be opening our doors to people who may not otherwise consider studying at university.

"The university prides itself on being the place of useful learning, and on our close collaborations with industry, and the launch of these new academies will deliver a range of learning opportunities through classroom study and workplace experience."

The initiative, which will focus on the subject areas of social sciences, business and enterprise and digital, was also welcomed by the three college principals.

Paul Little, principal of City of Glasgow College, said: "In setting up this exciting initiative we are not only widening access and providing unlimited opportunities for our students, but further developing a unique learning quarter in the heart of the city centre."

Alan Sherry, principal of Glasgow Kelvin College, described the agreement as a "landmark moment" for students who wanted to progress to degree-level studies.

He added: "The links built through our partnership with the university create greater opportunities for people from some of Scotland's most deprived communities to access a high quality university learning experience and it will ensure a smooth transition from college."

Brian Hughes, vice-principal of strategy and performance at Glasgow Clyde College, said: "Our strong links with universities and other colleges across Glasgow mean students benefit from a huge raft of knowledge sharing and team working."