The courses will cover a wide variety of subjects from Artificial Intelligence to FinTech and will help to meet the global demand for lifelong and micro-learning opportunities from reputable universities.

Over 45,000 learners from 136 countries have already participated in DCU’s suite of online Irish Language and Culture short courses, Fáilte ar Líne, on the FutureLearn platform.

“Career-long, flexible learning is more important now than ever”

The announcement of the global partnership was made at the “Leading Learning Futures Forum” held at DCU on 12 June and attended by professionals across the education and technology sectors.

Announcing the initiative, DCU president Brian MacCraith said the partnership further strengthens the university’s commitment to increasing educational opportunities and supporting a culture of innovation in learning.

“By delivering a wide range of flexible, technology-enhanced programs, we can ensure DCU remains at the cutting edge of education’s digital revolution,” he said.

CEO of FutureLearn Simon Nelson added that FutureLearn’s mission is to transform access to education “at all stages of life.”

“Career-long, flexible learning is more important now than ever before as only by upskilling, and in some cases reskilling, can we hope to successfully navigate the ever-changing professional landscape,” Nelson added.

“Our global strategic partnership with DCU will help us address these challenges head-on. We’re delighted that DCU shares our commitment to lifelong and micro-learning, and… we are really excited about the opportunities this partnership will offer our global community of learners.”

Mairéad Nic Giolla Mhichíl of the Ideas Lab, DCU added that the future of work is changing rapidly, and working professionals need opportunities to learn how to respond to the challenges of flexibility, access and relevance.

“We are also excited about what we can learn from global learners and how we can improve the design and support of digital learning on a global scale,” she said.