“The course is helping me to become a better role model for future generations.”
Patricia Taylor

“Having completed my studies in Estonia before moving to the UK, I was keen to continue my learning, particularly gaining a British qualification. KYRA appealed to me because of its ethos of encouraging people from a variety of backgrounds to study together.
"With the support and encouragement of the course lecturers, I have developed my leadership and analytical skills and now understand much more clearly how a business operates and how each team member’s activities fit into the wider picture.”
Annika Krefta

To apply, or for more information, please contact by email or
telephone 01564 778 141.

Trinity of faiths: Saiqa Andleeb, Monsignor McHugh, Professor Pardesi.

Kyra's Structure
KYRA is a company limited by guarantee and is a registered charity. It has a board of directors, an academic board, a quality assurance committee, a finance and development committee, steering groups and a course committee. KYRA is committed to the quality and relevance of its courses and draws on experienced, able and qualified staff to teach and train its students.

Monsignor James Daniel McHugh Ph.L, STD, MSc, D.Univ – Principal of KYRA
Birmingham-born Monsignor McHugh holds honorary doctorates from the University of Central England and the Open University, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to education and training. He founded the internationally renowned Maryvale Institute – the first national distance learning college for theology and religious studies – and has participated in prestigious regional organisations advising on community relations, youth issues, religious education and regeneration. He has been instrumental in the founding of KYRA. 

Professor Upkar Pardesi Mphil PhD, DipM, FCIM, FRSA, MIOD – Chairman of the Academic Board
Dean of the University of Central England Business School, Prof. Pardesi is accountable to the Vice-Chancellor for all management, organisation and academic leadership. He also oversees the external relations and development portfolio as well as specialising in marketing. He teaches and consults in areas such as strategic management, business start-ups and business development. The professor’s remit also extends to MSc and MBA programmes, supervising PhD and DBA students and examining research degree programmes.

Professor Anthony Damien Walmsley BDS, MSc, PhD, FDS, Cert Accreditation – Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, Certificate of Specialisation – General Dental Council – Chairman of the Quality Assurance Committee
Damien Walmsley is Professor of Restorative Dentistry at the University of Birmingham, on the executive committee of the School of Dentistry and consultant in Restorative Dentistry at South Birmingham Primary Care Trust. He is an external examiner for UK and international universities at undergraduate and postgraduate levels as well as sitting on a wide range of local and national dental committees covering research, teaching and managerial responsibilities.

Patrick Leary QTS, BSc, MA, F.BIM – Chairman of the Board of Examiners
Patrick Leary brings with him a longstanding career in education, from classroom teacher right through to principal and chief executive. He then became chief executive officer for the Council for National Academic Awards and director and chief executive of the College of Advanced Education (Australia). Since 1989, he has acted as a consultant in the UK in organisational development and planning, quality assurance and interdependence and co-operation between further and higher education.

Leoni Antoniazzi BA,DMS, DTM, MA – Course Director Foundation Degree
Leoni was Director of Continuing Professional Development at the Institute of Education, University of Warwick 2003 - 2006. Leoni has a special interest in university/employer collaboration and judges on the London regional panel of the National Training Awards for Vocational Education. As Course Director, Leoni is responsible for the oversight of the Foundation Degree Programme and co-ordinates the work of the Module Leaders.

Philip Rose MA, PGDip, AInstAM – Course Director Enterprise and Sustainable Communities
Phil has a wide range of experience in social enterprise development and delivering learning programmes in community settings. He is a researcher in social enterprise at the University of Central England and Chief Executive Officer of the Open College of the Black Country.

Saiqa Andleeb BA, MA, MSc – Outreach Manager
Saiqa has amassed a wealth of experience in voluntary and international work experience in education. She has an MA from the University of Birmingham in International Studies and an MSc in International Relations from Quaid-I-Azam University, Pakistan, as well as a BA Hons in Political Science and Psychology from the University of Punjab, Pakistan. Saiqa is responsible for promoting KYRA’s programmes, supporting students as a Learning Counsellor and gives information, advice and guidance.