Wolverhampton University's new campus . . . in Mauritius

The University of Wolverhampton is growing - 6000 miles away from the city on an island in the Indian Ocean. more

It has opened a new building in Mauritius as part of plans to develop a major African education hub.

The move will mean that far more than the current 120 students will be able to study with the university in Mauritius and the new branch campus building will enable this number to expand significantly.

While temperatures plummet in Wolverhampton, students in Mauritius can bask in sunshine and up to 90F (32C) in the summer months of November to April.

The Branch Campus building will add to the development taking place in partnership with the Ramnath Jeetah Education Trust in the rapidly-growing Cyber City of Ebene, on the outskirts of the island capital Port Louis.

Helen Lloyd Wildman, University of Wolverhampton Registrar and Secretary, said: "Our vision for the Mauritius Branch Campus is for it to become our African hub, attracting students from across the continent. The campus also gives staff and students from Wolverhampton the chance to work and study in Mauritius.

"In November, we will host our first graduation ceremony there and this will also act as the official launch of our new building. Our key aim now is to further develop our course offer and grow student numbers, offering a fantastic student experience in the heart of Mauritius."

Courses being run there currently include law, education and sports management. The courses are validated by the University of Wolverhampton and accredited by The Mauritius Tertiary Education Council.

The Mauritius Branch Campus adds to the University's international agenda and was the first of its international branch campuses.

The University began to run courses there about a year ago and the new build was funded by the Ramnath Jeetah Trust that aims to widen and increase participation in further education on the island.

The Mauritius Alumni Association was launched in 2010, led by The Hon. Yatindra Nath Varma, the Attorney General of the Government of Mauritius and a former University of Wolverhampton graduate.

It comes as the university prepares to open a campus at the Shire Hall in Stafford, taking over the running of the historic site.

The hall will house a new advice and information centre for prospective students and provide a range of courses.