The University of London and its member institution, the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), have expanded their partnership with edtech company 2U, collaborating on the launch of seven brand-new, innovative online degrees.
Both higher education providers are reinventing their textbook-based learning offerings, striving to replace traditional learning structures with ones that are both flexible and highly interactive. This shift to online represents a first for higher education powerhouse LSE.
“Bringing these degrees online is an extension of our founding charter to create programmes that remove traditional barriers and expand access to high quality education for students globally,” said Craig O’Callaghan, director of operations and deputy chief executive at University of London Worldwide.
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Four of the seven degrees are set to launch this year, including the BSc Data Science and Business Analytics (announced last year with applications now open), in addition to the BSc Economics, the BSc Economics and Management, and the BSc Business and Management. With computer science subjects, management, business and admin programmes, and economics standing as the 4th, 6th, 8th, and 10th most popular degrees in the UK respectively, these degrees are expected to draw a diverse range of applicants and are specifically designed to empower adult learners looking to progress their careers.
“Students will now be able to log on to a laptop or mobile device from anywhere to engage with courses designed by LSE’s world-renowned faculty and earn an undergraduate degree from the University of London, a pioneer in distance education,” said Christopher ‘Chip’ Paucek, co-founder and CEO of 2U. “Our expanded partnership with the University of London and LSE is a powerful example of higher education delivering on the promise of access, quality, relevance and flexibility.”
Professor Paul Kelly, dean of University of London programmes at LSE, said: “These degrees provide the means for talented students to access the academic excellence and social engagement that LSE is globally renowned for. LSE is a truly international institution, and we consider University of London students to be important members of our wider academic community. This partnership with 2U will enable the University of London and LSE to ensure the continued evolution of the student experience to remain engaging and relevant for our times.”