AN influential committee of MPs has tried to de-rail University College Worcester's bid for full university status.

The Education Select Committee warned that upgrading colleges such as UCW could damage the reputation of British universities overseas.

The MPs, who were backed by Birmingham University, have called for the plans to be put on hold for a "thorough debate" to take place.

But city MP Mike Foster insisted the Government would not be blown off course and UCW should not panic.

The select committee stuck the boot into the proposals in a report into the Government's Future of Higher Education review.

The white paper opened the door for UCW by relaxing the rules for obtaining full university status.

But the MPs last week voiced "serious concerns" about upgrading institutions without research degree awarding powers, a very specific qualification such as an MPhil (Master of philosophy).

"There has been insufficient discussion about the implications this might have, particularly for the perception of the quality of the UK higher education sector in Europe and elsewhere.

"The power to award research degrees is an indication of the extent and maturity of an institution's research," they said.

In evidence to the committee, the University of Birmingham added awarding university status would "damage our reputation in vitally important and increasingly competitive international market".

Mr Foster said it was only right that UCW is awarded full university status.

"Clearly the Government and the select committee disagree on this point," he said.

"I believe places like Worcester should be given full university status not just because of the quality of research they do, but also because of the quality of the teaching.

"If I was still a member of the select committee, these comments would not have been in the final report."

Mr Foster, who left the committee to become a Ministerial aide in the Education department, said the committee may have been influenced by opposition from the Association of University Teachers and Universities UK.

He believes their objections are based on wanting to protect existing universities from increased competition.

The Government has already invited UCW to bid for full status and both Mr Foster and the college is confident of winning approval, possibly as early as next year.

"I am totally confident that UCW fully meets university standards under both the existing system and the proposed new system," said principal Prof David Green.

"In our most recent assessment, the report said 'The staff have been particularly effective at bringing their research into teaching' so any suggestion that our research is behind the ball is nonsense.

"I believe the select committee is giving way to those who have a vested interest in there being no more universities, and I expect to go on fighting this battle up to and including UCW getting full university status."