The University of Leeds and Pearson have announced a partnership to develop and deliver 12 online Masters-level degree programmes.
The first course, a fully online MBA taught and accredited by the University of Leeds’ award-winning Business School, is now open for applications.
The institution was the first Russell Group university to introduce credit-bearing Massive Open Online Courses, delivered through FutureLearn. Leeds’ online courses on the FutureLearn platform have attracted over 750,000 joiners since launch.
Sir Alan Langlands, Vice-Chancellor, University of Leeds said: “This initiative highlights our unfailing commitment to flexible and inclusive education and the adoption of cutting edge educational technologies. It will also give international profile to research-based learning, one of the hallmarks of a Leeds education.”
Online degrees have the power to transform lives, allowing ever more learners in the UK and around the world to benefit from high quality, flexible, career-relevant education
While courses can be completed over two years, students will have up to four years so that they can balance study and personal commitments. Study will include online video seminars and interactive engagement with lecturers and other students.
Pearson has been responsible for over 300,000 online course starts and serves over 70,000 students worldwide. John Fallon, chief executive of Pearson said: “Online degrees have the power to transform lives, allowing ever more learners in the UK and around the world to benefit from high quality, flexible, career-relevant education. Through this partnership with the University of Leeds we’ll be doing just that, combining Leeds’ world-leading reputation with Pearson’s expertise.
The University’s existing Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), delivered through Blackboard, will host the courses, with dedicated support for students throughout the enrolment process and while they are studying.
Under the partnership between Leeds and Pearson, online course development and content, teaching, assessment and award, and student services will be provided by Leeds. Pearson will be responsible for student recruitment, front line student support and retention services.
In the future the partnership plans to launch further courses in areas such as Business, Engineering and Medicine and Health.