OPM provider CEG Digital and the UK’s University of Portsmouth have announced the establishment of Portsmouth Online with the aim of delivering “high quality online postgraduate degree programs to students around the world”.
“The partnership will help us deliver high-quality online education to new student cohorts”
From early 2021, the University of Portsmouth, through Portsmouth Online, intends to offer an initial portfolio of postgraduate taught programs purposely designed for working professionals and primarily delivered online with opportunities for face-to-face workshops.
The initial program suite is going to cover curricular areas of data analytics, construction project management, resilience management, international human resource management and cybercrime.
The programs will be led by Portsmouth academic staff, supported by specialist tutors offering 24/7 support.
“The university has ambitious strategic objectives to widen its reach and expand its presence in international educational markets. I am confident that the partnership with CEG Digital will help us deliver high-quality online education to new student cohorts,” explained Paul Hayes, deputy vice-chancellor.
“This partnership shows our determination to grow the reputation of the university internationally and be recognised for academic excellence that helps create the workforce of the future.”
Geoff Webster, managing director of CEG Digital, added: “We are really excited to be working with Portsmouth and helping them fully access the global online learning market for the benefit of prospective students.
He said that global demand for post-secondary education is expected to rise to 263 million students by 2025.
“Universities will not be able to meet this level of demand by traditional delivery. Through our collaborative partnership model, we provide a unique combination of financial resources, pedagogical expertise in a sophisticated digital environment, global market knowledge and an international salesforce.”
“This partnership will significantly extend the range of digital learning opportunities across all levels of our study programs,” added Hayes.
“Increased digital innovation and flexibility will become an important feature of our on and off-campus courses, which will make our outstanding and innovative education available to students around the world, even if they don’t study on our campus.”
Universities have shown increased interest in developing online courses over the last few years, particularly this year due to the coronavirus outbreak which has led institutions turning to edtech to continue classes.
Most that do so opt to work with outside providers who offer a range of services including recruiting, marketing and technological know-how to develop courses.
