MMU launches 10-year link up to offer postgrad courses across globe
Manchester Metropolitan University has launched a 10-year partnership with the world’s largest education company, Pearson, to develop and deliver new online postgraduate degree programmes for a worldwide audience.
The first three online programmes to be launched in September will be offered by the University’s Business School, including an MBA in strategic health and social care; an MSc in international HR management and an MSc in international finance and management.
The new partnership will be formally unveiled in a speech at the Northern Powerhouse Conference today (Tuesday, February 21).
Manchester Metropolitan University is one of the UK’s largest universities with 38,000 students, in the top three nationally for environmental sustainability and in the top 3% of global universities. The University is one of the first in the UK to partner with Pearson on this scale.
Pearson is already an online degree market leader in the US and Australia, with more than 45 partnerships, and has been responsible for over 300,000 online course starts worldwide. This fast-growing part of Pearson has seen double-digit growth in recent years and forms a significant part of Pearson’s future growth story.
Pearson chief executive John Fallon said: “Online degree programmes are a growing global trend in education and an important part of Pearson’s future. Universities are looking for ways to take advantage of technology to reach more students.
“Our partnership with Manchester Metropolitan will help deliver postgraduate qualifications in areas of high skill demand to thousands of students in the UK and around the world.”
Professor Jean-Noel Ezingeard, deputy vice-chancellor at MMU, said: “As a University, we are known for our innovation in education and the partnership with Pearson ensures students across the globe will be able to benefit from the same high-quality teaching and lectures as on our campuses in the UK. All teaching will be underpinned by the same rigorous standards and attainment targets we see with our UK-based programmes.”
Tony Lloyd, Greater Manchester Mayor, said: “Manchester is a global hub for commerce, trade and academic excellence. It’s fantastic to see this partnership being pioneered in our city. It will enable even more students to access the great education offered by one of our world leading universities and further strengthen Manchester’s international reputation. This is a real success story the City of Manchester.”
Announcing the partnership at the Northern Powerhouse Conference Andy Moss, SVP, UK higher education for Pearson, will say: “Manchester Metropolitan has a world-class brand that resonates in the UK and internationally. When combined with Pearson’s track record in delivering successful online degree programmes, this will ensure our partnership delivers value for everyone, most of all for students in the UK and around the world that are looking for flexible, employment-focussed education that will allow them to progress in their lives.”
