WIGAN & Leigh College India is in the process of expanding its facilities in India. It is investing in a new campus in Kolkata for courses in hotel management, and planning two new campuses in Hyderabad and Pune with an initial investment of Rs.1-2 crore, according to Mr Vinay Pasricha, CEO. Wigan & Leigh (India) Ltd. Further, the Mumbai campus is being expanded, to be ready in two months. Delhi and Bangalore campuses too will soon be enlarged

According to Mr Pasricha, the Bangalore campus had proved most profitable mainly due to the lower rental and other fixed costs. He added that the college had witnessed an upsurge in demand for professional courses. On an average, the college receives 20,000 applications but accepts 1,000 students countrywide. This year, they expect one-lakh applications. More people, he said, were looking at professional degrees with an international pedigree to bag better paying jobs. This, he said, was also fuelled by the substantial rise in salary levels. The Indian arm sources its courseware, training and quality systems from Wigan & Leigh, UK.

The Indian arm provides professional education in graphic design, media studies, business management, fashion design, apparel merchandising, and international trade. Courseware and training methods are frequently updated and reviewed and students apprenticed with industry so that they are aware of the practical aspects of their chosen areas of study. Students are assured of placements if they meet required standards.

Meanwhile, in an arrangement with Fashion TV, the university is offering 5 full and 35 partial scholarships youngsters allover the country in a contest that will be open till May 14. The winners would be decided on creativity, technique applied and merchandising ability. The contest is also open to students appearing for their XII/HSC exams.

Wigan & Leigh College is a UK-funded college with approximately 25,000 students.