Half of Manchester students to be studying online within the next decade

Half of the University of Manchester’s students are expected to be studying online within the next 10 years as part of its strategy for more flexible learning.

The suggestion has risen following concerns around remote students becoming isolated from the wider university experience.

The Russell Group institution’s head of teaching has outlined plans to introduce a “fully digital campus […] without borders” in the hopes of making learning more accessible to all.

Online programmes are intended to offer fewer barriers to entry for students balancing work, caring responsibilities, or part-time study.

Jenn Hallam, Vice-President for Teaching, Learning, and Students at Manchester, said that around 20% of its student cohort will be studying online only, while for a further 30% this will be hybrid.

The aim of the initiative is not to remove the traditional campus experience for those who want it, but to ‘expand it into the digital arena’

These students could be on traditional undergraduate or master’s courses, or on new workplace-focused routes developed with businesses to encourage lifelong professional development.

Students at the University of Warwick have also responded to predictions of increased online learning.

Anna Mead, a first-year Media and Creative Industries student who was previously home-schooled, said: “Increased accessibility to learning is an exciting privilege, and many students need that flexibility. However, where possible, learning in person should take priority, as it offers a stronger sense of community.”

Hallam said that the aim of the initiative is not to remove the traditional campus experience for those who want it, but to “expand it into the digital arena”. The university has stated that its “digital campus” will offer interactive, supportive spaces for all students to enjoy.

The University of Manchester has said that it will continue offering a mixture of in-person and remote study options. It has said that its aim is to “provide flexible, immersive, high quality learning and assessment opportunities for our diverse student community.”