Online learning specialist receives indefinite degree award powers

Arden University, the blended and online distance learning specialist, has been awarded Indefinite Degree Award Powers (IDAP) with effect from September.

With a study centre at Centre City on Hill Street in Birmingham, Arden is one of the few specialist, distance learning universities to launch in the last 50 years.

Following a year-long review by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA), during a worldwide pandemic, it has met the criteria to be awarded IDAP.

A major milestone for the university, Arden previously had the authority to award degrees, but that authority was time-limited.

“This is a true milestone in the development of the university,” says Carl Lygo, vice chancellor of Arden University. “Although we had the authority to award degrees it was time-limited, but we always believed in our vision and mission to work towards it.”

Arden University supports more than 13,000 students studying for foundation, degree, master’s and MBA programmes.

when and where it suits them best. It delivers distance learning programmes where all of the study is done online, face-to-face or as a blended combination of the two, in our centres in Manchester, London, Birmingham, Leeds and Berlin.

“The IDAP is a testament to the hard work of all our former and current colleagues who have shared in the journey of creating Arden University since 2015,” says Lygo. “This should strengthen not just our reputation, but the experience for our students and colleagues.”