Research published from Aston University and Keypath Education, the global specialists in online education, has revealed the diverse international spread of students studying online degrees at UK universities. A rise in the number of UK universities offering online degrees over the past five years has also seen a change in the landscape as numbers from North America, Asia and Africa surge.
Analysis of the latest data from the Higher Education Statistical Authority (HESA) reveals the extent of these increases. Since 2011 the numbers of American students studying at UK universities entirely via online degrees has increased by 26%, Canadian numbers have risen 41% and Australian and South African numbers have soared a staggering 125% and 135% respectively.
Rajay Naik, Europe CEO at Keypath Education, told Asian Voice, “It’s clear we are experiencing a global boom in the number of students studying online degrees, and it is fantastic that so many are choosing UK institutions for distance learning. But it is also clear that we are in a very competitive race to attract the world’s best and brightest students to study with British Universities. With Brexit on the horizon, it is more important than ever that British institutions are taking the lead on innovation in order that more learners can work, earn and learn.”
Jo Johnson MP, Minister of State for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation said:“We want to see more innovative and flexible courses offered, catering to the differing work and life demands of the widest range of people. That is why partnerships such as the one between Aston University and Keypath Education to deliver online degrees are so important. Aston University was recently awarded a gold rating in our Teaching Excellence Framework, and it is great news that they are extending their excellent offer to more people through this venture.
“Reforms we are bringing in through the Higher Education and Research Act will help more providers offer high quality degrees and introduce more flexible ways of working so that more students can benefit from excellent teaching and go on to secure a fulfilling graduate career.”
