Murdoch University partners with FutureLearn to deliver online degree courses

Murdoch University is among the first tertiary educators in the world to pioneer full digital delivery of degree courses through global social learning platform, FutureLearn.

Through the partnership, the University will offer a range of courses, up to full degrees, to FutureLearn’s audience of more than seven million online learners world-wide.

With course curricula developed by leading University academics and delivered in an engaging visual format, the online learning model has gained worldwide popularity for its short-course flexibility and accessibility.

Following the massive open online course (MOOC) format, Murdoch will offer free “taster” introductory courses in which learners can experience the level of learning, depth of knowledge and workload before committing to further study. Students can then opt to complete fee-paying units towards a post–graduate degree qualification.

In May, Murdoch is set to launch its first online degree course, a Graduate Certificate in Health Administration, Policy and Leadership with a free, open module, Healthy Futures: How Can We Create the Most Effective Healthcare System?

Participants will get a glimpse of ways to solve some of the world’s biggest healthcare problems and can go on to study additional units in health policy, economics and finance, data analytics and health informatics to complete the full qualification.

During the year, Murdoch will offer a Graduate Certificate in One Health which will utilise the University’s unique expertise in agricultural, environmental, animal and human health.

A mid-year, four-week free MOOC in security, terrorism and counter-terrorism will offer participants a pathway into completing an online degree with Murdoch University, including an option to study through Open Universities Australia.

Murdoch Deputy Vice Chancellor–Education Romy Lawson said the partnership brought the University’s expertise to the world stage and diversified options for delivering an enhanced, high-quality learning experience.

“The clean, media-rich FutureLearn platform will extend the accessibility of Murdoch’s expertise beyond our traditional geographic borders and deliver a high-quality, engaging learning experience,” Professor Lawson said.

FutureLearn Partnership Director, Mark Lester, welcomed Murdoch University as one of the social learning platform’s first degree partners alongside Deakin and Coventry Universities.

“Learners value the flexibility offered through MOOCs and particularly in the postgraduate space, the ability to gain accreditation at your own pace, in a location of your choosing, is key,” Mr Lester said.