PGT online programmes project discontinued

Plans to introduce online postgraduate programmes at the University, agreed in 2022, have been halted after changing market conditions meant the project was no longer viable.

The project, in collaboration with CEG Digital Limited (CEGD), part of Cambridge Education Group, aimed to launch 10 new distance learning courses within three years to add to our on-campus offering, with the marketing and delivery of these to be led by CEGD.

However, work on this project has now ceased after it was agreed by both parties that changing external factors and market conditions had significantly affected the financial viability of the collaboration.

Although a difficult decision, the change in its forecasted performance made discontinuing the project necessary given the significant amount of investment and resources still needed to reach the delivery stage.

Colleagues in both organisations have worked very hard throughout the last year to start to develop the initial programmes, and the processes and systems to support them, and we thank everyone who has contributed considerable time and effort to the project.

As a University, we will reflect on our experience and lessons learned, together with colleagues involved, and consider if and how we continue to explore distance learning opportunities.

The CEGD collaboration was one of a number of pieces of work to support our aims to grow student numbers and generate additional income, and our financial forecasts remain on track following this decision. Other work to support these aims continues to be developed and delivered, including plans to increase our on-campus and transnational student intakes over the coming years.

Our separate agreement with Cambridge Education Group to deliver International Foundation Programmes continues and is unaffected by this decision.