Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce plans business college

(CS/BB) The Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce is planning to open a business college offering professional Bachelor degrees, with hopes that the first students can begin their studies in 2016.

Director general of the Chamber of Commerce Carlo Thelen explained to the “Luxemburger Wort” that the economy needs well-trained staff, with good opportunities for studies and further training essential for the benefit of both employees and the country's competitiveness.

While Luxembourg's Lifelong Learning initiative already offers a multitude of certified courses, the business college is expected to add to academic training offers available.

The Chamber of Commerce envisions a programme of studies conducted alongside work in a company to deliver a more practical alternative to the University of Luxembourg's more research-based approach, according to Thelen.

The goal is a so-called “Bachelor Professional”, inspired by a German model of the same name, using the European ECTS credit point system. Subjects currently envisioned include energy efficient construction methods, logistics, ICT and finance.

Teaching would be carried out by professors, as well as experts from the field hired as lecturers.

Details unclear

If all goes to plan, around 200 to 250 students could start their studies at the Chamber of Commerce's business college with the 2016/17 academic year. The number of students could increase to around 700 to 800 in total over the years.

However, a number of questions remain. For example, while the Chamber of Commerce hopes to be able to run the college without state support, funding details, including tuition fees, are still unclear.

Additionally, while the business plan sans state funding is under development, the college will require state accreditation for its programmes.

The status of the professional BA degree also needs clarification, as many countries do not award it the same distinction as a Bachelor of Arts or Science. This could lead to difficulties should candidates wish to pursue further academic study, with the degree aimed primarily as an entryway to an occupation.

Talks between the Chambre de Commerce and authorities are set to start following the summer break.

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