Harris Institute Accelerates Post Secondary Education

TORONTO, Nov. 30 /CNW/ - Harris Institute, a leading Canadian media arts college, has partnered with two Scottish universities to accelerate the time required for students to earn college diplomas, university degrees and master's degrees.

Graduates of Harris Institute's 12-month diploma programs now earn degrees in 8 months at either the University of the West of Scotland or Edinburgh Napier University and MA's in an additional 12 months. The partnerships include UWS and Napier students completing work placements in Toronto, waived degree tuitions for Harris graduates, senior faculty exchanges and students in both countries coordinating overseas tours by Scottish and Canadian artists.

"The global recession has put more pressure on an already competitive field," explains John Harris, the college's President. "The unprecedented Scottish partnerships enable students to earn advanced certifications in one-third the time and gives them the skills they need to join the work force faster than ever before."

After completing the BA (Hons) in Popular Music at Napier, the first four Harris graduates began their Master's Degrees in Sound Production in September. The career-focused program offers training in the highly sought after Pro Tools Certification, audio post for film, TV & games, orchestral recording, sound design and theatre sound reinforcement.

"The partnership reflects the interests of both institutions in developing links, which will widen access for students and staff and create enhanced opportunities for both institutions," adds Alex Gilkison, Head of the School of Arts & Creative Industries at Edinburgh Napier University.

Founded in 1989, Harris Institute was the first to offer accelerated one-year college programs in audio production and arts management. Sixty-three industry leaders now teach the private college's 100 students and the audio facilities feature the 2009 TEC Award winning Solid State Logic AWS Console.

Accelerated programs taught by an international faculty will be a feature of Harris Institute West Indies - HIWI, the new Caribbean campus being developed with the government of Barbados.

The college recently reduced its average class size from 25 to 21 and increased the international student ratio from 10 to 20%. Harris Institute is the only college or university to have achieved 0% Student Loan Default Rates and it was selected in the US as a Mix Magazine "Finest Media Arts Institution".

About the Accelerated Programs:

Each year, up to eight Harris Institute graduates are awarded scholarships to earn degrees in 'Commercial Music'. The tuitions for this accelerated 8-month program at the Ayr Campus of the University of the West of Scotland are waived. Upon completion, students are eligible to apply for the UWS MA Music: Innovation & Entrepreneurship at the Centre for Contemporary Arts in Glasgow.

In addition, up to five Harris Institute graduates are selected annually for scholarships to earn honours degrees in 'Popular Music'. The program, which can also be competed in 8 months, is offered at Edinburgh Napier University. Tuition fees are waived. Graduates of the honours program are eligible to apply for Napier's MA in Sound Production.

Total tuition for the three levels of certification is approximately $30,000 CDN.

The typical time required to earn a:

College Diploma		6 semesters over 36 months
University Degree		8 semesters over 48 months
Master's Degree		3 semesters over 12 months
	Total:	17 semesters over 96 months

Harris/UWS/Napier time required:

College Diploma		3 semesters over 12 months
University Degree		2 semesters over   8 months
Master's Degree		3 semesters over 12 months
	Total:	8 semesters over 32 months

For more information please visit:

About Harris Institute:
www.harrisinstitute.com

About the University of the West of Scotland:
www.uws.ac.uk

About Edinburgh Napier University:
www.napier.ac.uk

For further information:

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