Kingston University could see a return to its roots as a polytechnic as Universities Secretary John Denham emphasised the importance of vocational courses in England. 

The university, which switched from a polytechnic in 1992 as part of a nationwide move to elevate the status of UK education, is already renowned for its vocational based arts, engineering and architectural courses.

Although the university was unable to comment on the minister’s proposals, Olrick Coker, the Student Union President said: “Having more vocational courses will increase student numbers which is good on one level, but as a London university, we’ve got limited spaces and there is not much room for expansion.”

Mr Coker added that if the University was to grow to accommodate more students attracted to a poly-style system, the balance of support must remain just as equal for every student. 

The proposal put forward by Mr Denham comes as increased pressure mounts to serve the needs of the national economy with skills and training programmes. 

Students at the university recognised the benefit of expanding into professional training alongside their degree to boost their employable skills. 

Sami Mouellef, a 19-year-old Psychology and French student said: “Nowadays with the economic crisis people need to expand. I think it’s better, if say you have English behind you, to focus on a specialist course when you’ve graduated. It branches you out and you can build up experience so that employers are more likely to take you on.”

However 21-year-old English literature student Tim Davies saw a relapse to a polytechnic system as stilting a student’s prospects. He said: “If it went back to a polytechnic it would be harder for people to get jobs afterwards because of the economic crisis. [Employers] are looking more for degrees rather than courses. Your degree is going to have more standing if it’s coming from an older university.”

Polytechnics, known for adopting flexible teaching schemes such as part time education, adult education and evening classes, were welcomed by Kingston’s locals. 

Tom Exley, a leaflet distributor said: “The priority’s got to be on giving people quality education.  Kingston’s generally got a pretty good reputation and I don’t think it would matter whether it was a polytechnic or not.  I know the Knights Park campus already do other courses for adults so it would be good if the university could provide a service to the community as well.”