SE7 councils’ degree course attracts interest

Surrey leader David Hodge

SE7’s new master’s degree to train the next generation of public sector managers has already attracted interest from organisations involved in road maintenance.

The National Roads Authority in the Republic of Ireland and Aberdeenshire Council have got in touch to find out more information about the course.

The two-year MSc in highway engineering was launched last month by the seven major South East authorities and Brighton University.

In addition, Derby University has asked for more details about the two-year course that sees students’ time divided between learning on the job at one of the seven SE7 councils or their contractors and university lectures.

Surrey County Council has the lead role in SE7 for finding ways to improve highway services and cut costs. The other councils involved are East Sussex, West Sussex, Kent, Hampshire, Brighton and Hove and Medway.

Leader David Hodge said: “Our course was set up to make sure we have highways engineers ready and able to go the extra mile and it’s encouraging to know that others are interested in following our lead.”

Ends

Notes for editors

SE7 was formed to find ways to save millions of pounds and improve services.

The total amount spent by the SE7 councils on roads each year is more than £700 million.

Each council focuses on a specific area of work. Surrey is responsible for highways, with other councils in charge of areas such as IT and special education needs.