Lancaster University, a top-ranked, research-intensive school committed to academic quality and worldwide impact, and 2U, a global pioneer in education technology, have formed a new partnership to deliver 15 new online postgraduate degrees over the next three years.
This development expands on Lancaster University’s existing online learning offering for students. It represents a significant milestone in the University Global Lancaster programme, which aims to increase access to high-quality education while encouraging digital innovation in teaching and curriculum design. The first five new programmes include an MSc in security, an MSc in Data Science, an MSc in Global Finance, an MSc in Marketing, and an MSc in Management and Business.
Lancaster University, a top 15 UK university, has allied with 2U to combine its academic excellence with 2U’s expertise in delivering transformative education. These offerings, designed to meet the growing need for flexible, career-relevant learning, represent Lancaster’s dedication to continuing its leadership in online education while providing a great student experience.
Speaking about the collaboration, Professor Simon Guy, Pro-Vice Chancellor Global of Lancaster University, said:
This partnership represents a significant step to further Lancaster’s mission to enhance student choice internationally. By partnering with 2U, we deliver best-in-class online degrees that will empower students worldwide to achieve their goals backed by Lancaster’s gold-standard quality.
The new online degrees will offer students worldwide access to Lancaster’s distinguished faculty and cutting-edge curricula, equipping them with the tools to excel in rapidly evolving fields. These programmes, which draw on Lancaster’s well-known strengths in cyber security and data science and its expertise in management, finance, and marketing, will enable students to handle complex global challenges and generate meaningful change in their careers.
Lancaster University mission is to work with academic and professional service colleagues to ensure that it can confidently show and constantly improve the quality and standards of its teaching and learning activities, no matter where they take place. Headquartered in northwest England, the University is well-known for its expertise in cybersecurity, data science, and management education. Its dedication to innovation and student success fuels the ambitious “Global Lancaster” effort to broaden its reach and influence worldwide.
Andy Morgan, 2U’s Chief Partnerships Officer, added:
Our work with Lancaster University exemplifies how 2U’s model unlocks new opportunities for world-class institutions to expand their global impact. Lancaster’s academic strengths and dedication to innovation make it an exceptional partner. Together, we’re delivering transformative education that equips learners worldwide to thrive in an ever-changing world.
The latest announcement contributes to the high demand for 2U’s flexible degree partnership model, which allows institutions to modify services and structures to meet their institutional goals. Lancaster will leverage 2U’s platform and data-driven insights to provide an excellent student experience while expanding educational access.
The partnership will also introduce additional courses in the future, including MicroMasters programmes, further strengthening Lancaster’s global presence.
Driven by its founding aim of increasing access to higher education, 2U has spent over 15 years developing technology and innovation to achieve world-class learning results at scale. Its online learning platform, edX, connects over 91 million people to thousands of affordable, career-aligned learning opportunities in collaboration with 260 of the world’s leading universities, institutes, and industry professionals.
