Scores of people have already shown interest in completing Bermuda's first-ever four-year Bachelor's degree course in business administration.

Bermuda College said that so many people had enquired about signing up for the course, that it was highly likely some would face disappointment and be unable to get a place.

The college unveiled the course last month after securing a partnership with Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

From September this year, students will be able to obtain a Bachelor's degree in business without actually leaving the Island.

Traditionally, students who successfully completed a two-year Associate degree programme in business at the college had to transfer to colleges and universities overseas for the final two years.

But, as of this year, students can do all their learning in areas of business, hospitality and tourism while remaining on the Island.

Last night, Duranda Greene, dean of the faculty of hotel and business administration, said she had been overwhelmed by the response.

"We have had great success so far, and I expect a lot more people will register their interest over coming weeks,'' she said.

"More than 100 people have filled out information sheets and of those about 27 of them have already completed the first two years of the Associate degree.

"For a new class starting, we will be able to take up to 20 people in a class and we will probably have two sections, so we are talking about 40 maximum.

"People should get in touch.

"It will be a case of first come, first served.'' Of those that have shown an interest in the course, most of them are Bermudian and some are in their 30s, 40s and 50s.

And a number of big businesses on the Island have also said they are interested in signing some of their employees up for the full-and part-time degree course.

Mrs. Greene added: "About 50 percent of the applicants so far are people over the age of 30 who, for whatever reason, have not been able to continue their education in business off the Island and would now like the opportunity to do so.'' Anybody interested in knowing more about the course should call the business administration department at Bermuda College on 236-9000.

Application forms will be ready for completion in late April.

Centre of excellence: Bermuda College library BUSINESS BUC