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The arrangement represents a ¡°step-change in the provision of distance and online learning in the UK¡±, the Midlands university claims, and will see the institution develop three master¡¯s programmes aimed at the professional development market.

The courses, including a master¡¯s in public administration and one in business administration, will be designed to offer ¡°those seeking professional development the same quality learning experience and qualifications they would expect from a full-time course¡±, the university said, but ¡°with flexibility to learn online anywhere in the world¡±. The MBA will carry Birmingham Business School accreditation.

Wiley will bring existing expertise of managing distance learning programmes, help advise on the curriculum and also provide a round-the-clock technical help desk for students.

Vice-chancellor David Eastwood said the alliance would allow Birmingham to offer ¡°exciting new modes of learning and teaching¡±.

Stephen Smith, president and chief executive officer of Wiley, added: ¡°We are extremely excited about our relationship with the University of Birmingham. It is a tremendous opportunity to partner with a prestigious Russell Group institution and help expand its brand and programmes to new markets through high-quality distance learning experiences.¡±

The three new master¡¯s programmes will launch in September 2015.

chris.parr@tesglobal.com