University of Exeter and Keypath Education launch digital revolution in UK Higher Education

The partnership will initially see the creation of online MSc programmes in Finance & Management, International Business, and Marketing. The online courses will be provided by the University of Exeter’s Business School, one of a select group of Schools to be accredited by EQUIS, the leading system of quality assessment, improvement and accreditation of Higher Education institutions in management and business administration worldwide.

The courses will be available for enrolment from September 2017 and will cost £18,000 for both UK and international students. Additional programmes will follow in the New Year.

Digital revolution

A member of the elite Russell Group of twenty-four leading UK universities, The University of Exeter is the highest ranked university in the United Kingdom to launch a range of online Masters Degrees for both the UK and international market. The move is part of a fast-changing HE landscape with prestigious Universities such as Exeter embracing digital degrees, which are already increasing global access to higher education.

The online courses will offer students all of the same quality materials, teaching and assessment that on-campus University of Exeter students would receive, but will be delivered through high-quality technology and a network of academics and student advisers. The courses will be delivered over a two-year period and are designed to fit alongside work and family commitments.

Professor Sir Steve Smith, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Exeter said: “As our world becomes increasingly digital and international, we are embracing technology enhanced learning to deliver an internationally excellent education, which gives our talented students the ability to go on to make a difference in the world. Our online Masters students will have access to everything that makes our on-campus degrees internationally recognised for excellence, but in a flexible way that complements their work and family commitments. This is an incredibly exciting moment for the University of Exeter and the UK Higher Education sector.

“Keypath Education has already proven to be an impressive partner and we are looking forward to collaborating with them to develop and deliver exceptional online programmes that bring University of Exeter education and student experience to learners wherever they are.”

Next generation online degrees

The online programmes will be designed, marketed and delivered in partnership with Keypath Education, a leading global specialist in online learning, which is already working with other universities in the UK, US, Canada and Australia.

Using the deepest, most versatile understanding of student data and behaviour in the industry, Keypath Education facilitates the marketing and delivery of degree programmes behind the scenes. This helps to enhance the University’s front-end service and showcase the growing benefits of their reputation and portfolio, while maintaining complete academic autonomy. Keypath Education will work with the elite Russell Group University to create an internationally competitive programme, as well as managing and marketing the courses to prospective students in the UK and internationally.

Rajay Naik, CEO of Keypath Education (Europe), comments: “The University of Exeter will be one of the highest ranked universities in the world to join the competitive international market for online higher education. We are designing exceptional and immersive online programmes that bring the University’s exceptional student experience to learners wherever they are. We are seeing enormous and growing demand from students across the world looking to access the world’s best institutions without having to move home, leave their job or sacrifice their career. The expansion of online learning is accelerating social mobility internationally, increasing our nation’s exports and keeping our world-leading Higher Education sector at the vanguard of the world.”

Keypath Education have recently confirmed that they will be announcing a further partnership with another highly ranked UK university over the coming weeks and anticipate ‘a major inflexion point’ in the number of UK Universities launching online degrees over the next year.

Jo Johnson MP, Higher Education Minister, comments: “It is essential that courses are flexible and catered to fit around differing work and life demands. That is why it is fantastic to see partnerships such as the one between the University of Exeter and Keypath Education to deliver online degrees which enable students to work, earn and learn. Through our Higher Education and Research Bill we are giving universities further opportunities to introduce new flexible ways of learning that promote access to education and equip students with the skills required for the modern workplace. Our reforms, alongside this type of innovation, will help ensure our higher education sector retains its world class reputation for years to come.”