Innovative online Birmingham courses produce first graduates

Students from across the globe are the first to graduate from innovative online MBA and MSc programmes at the University of Birmingham - marking a major change in the way people around the world can access Higher Education.

Developed with the support of Wiley Education Services, the initial portfolio included Online MBA, Online MSc International Business and Online Masters in Public Administration courses - all specifically designed to meet the challenges of teaching in a digital environment.

The graduations of ‘online’ students mark a significant milestone for Wiley Education Services, as the collaboration with the University of Birmingham was the first of its kind outside the United States.

Professor Robin Mason, University of Birmingham Pro-Vice-Chancellor (International) , commented: “Congratulations to all our online graduates - they are at the forefront of digital learning and have benefited from the University of Birmingham’s teaching expertise through a programme allowing them more effectively to combine work and study.

“Our collaboration with Wiley Education Services has enabled us to deliver bespoke online learning programmes that we believe will change the way people access Higher Education.

“Employers and industry now see the benefits of learning being delivered online. With more flexible - and credible - modes of delivery available to them, I’m delighted that in this way, we can give more people the opportunity to develop and gain qualifications with the University of Birmingham.”

The three postgraduate qualifications were developed specifically to offer individuals seeking professional development the same quality learning experience expected from a full-time, campus-based course, but with the flexibility to learn online anywhere in the world.

“Studying online with the University of Birmingham exceeded all expectations. I was able to juggle work and study while also gaining valuable insight from peers around the world,” said an Online MSc International Business graduate.

Wiley Education Services will continue to work with the University to refine the online programs and support further development that propels their unique objectives.

The Online MBA was the first in the world to receive formal accreditation from the Association of MBAs (AMBA), who accredited Birmingham Business School’s distance learning MBA as a wholly online programme.

Previously, all AMBA accredited distance learning MBAs included a residential component, but the Birmingham programme is the first to be delivered completely online. Being wholly online, the programme makes it much easier for people around the globe to combine a busy professional life - and family life - with postgraduate study.

The online Masters of Science (MSc) in International Business is also delivered by Birmingham Business School, whilst the Masters in Public Administration (MPA) is overseen by the Institute of Local Government Studies (INLOGOV) - the University of Birmingham’s academic centre for research and teaching on local governance and strategic public management.

Accessible on computers and mobile devices, the University’s online learning platform allows for study with a prestigious academic institution while maintaining control over daily schedules in a way that goes beyond that of an on-campus degree programme. The courses are taught using live interactive tutorials, video lectures, case studies, webinars, interactive assignments, digital resources and peer-to-peer social interaction.