A EUROPEAN management college with a branch in Oxford can now award a British master's degree, validated by City University, London.

ESCP-EAP European Management College students will now be awarded a European MSc in Management.

Masters students spend a year in three European countries from a choice of four.

The college aims to produce managers with sound knowledge of business management who have developed experience working in different countries and learning with people from different cultural backgrounds.

ESCP-EAP's dean, Prof Jean-Louis Scaringella, said: "City's validation is historical. For the first time three national educational authorities are validating an integrated, cross-border programme in Europe.

"This signals the willingness of national validating authorities to recognise the value of education in different countries, without setting additional requirements.

"It is a major step forward - a pioneering contribution to a genuinely European model of higher education."

City's vice chancellor, Prof David Rhind, said: "This is an opportunity to intensify our involvement in cross-border management education."

"It is also the opportunity to develop a strong academic partnership with an institution that has an established track record in transnational business education and intercultural skills development."

Professor Jean-Louis Scaringella, added: "UK validation of our course, already recognised in France and Germany, will make our graduates even more attractive to European employers.

"Today's business world is characterised by intense cross-border competition, far-reaching technological innovation and on-going change. In this context of globalisation, an ability to cope with the diversity of business practices and management styles around the globe is a critical success factor for individuals and organisations alike."