Helping learners thrive in adversity: A Manchester course making a global impact
23 Jun 2025
A pioneering online course on resilience is helping global learners thrive in adversity, led by Senior Lecturer Natalie Cunningham as part of the University’s flexible learning pilot programme.
In a world where many professionals face instability, trauma, or crisis on a daily basis, how can we better equip them to cope, recover and lead with strength?
Senior Lecturer Natalie Cunningham (GDI, SEED, Faculty of Humanities) is answering that question through a powerful new short course designed to help people build the skills needed to navigate challenge and change. Delivered fully online and developed in collaboration with the Education Development Team, Developing Resilience in Turbulent Times is one of the University’s first micro-credentials — short, focused courses that allow learners to gain specific, career-relevant skills with formal recognition.
Natalie said: “The engagement from students and the calibre of students attending this micro credential series was exceptionally high and the impact of the learning is moving from the individuals who attended the programme to their places and communities in which they are based”.
Offered as part of the University’s Flexible Learning Programme pilots, Natalie’s course has already reached professionals in 22 countries — including those working in conflict zones or supporting communities living in extreme poverty. It’s the first course of its kind delivered by the University, and one that’s already making a measurable difference.
By helping leaders strengthen their ability to adapt, recover and thrive, the course not only empowers individuals, but creates a ripple effect — enabling them to support those around them, both professionally and personally. It’s a clear reflection of our University’s values, contributing to global social responsibility and meaningful, real-world impact.
What have learners said?
Watch what our learners have to say in this short video:
You can read more about what our learners say here.
What have we learnt from delivery?
The first cohort reported highly positive experiences after completing the micro-credential, rating the programme at 96% for its practical applicability and impact.
In 2024 alone, learners came from 22 countries — including conflict-affected regions such as Sudan, Haiti and Lebanon — and represented 29 partner organisations. By taking an integrative approach to resilience, specifically tailored to the international development sector, the course is nurturing the kind of resilient practitioners needed to alleviate poverty and improve lives around the world.
Crucially, by delivering this as a flexible online course, we’re able to reach a broader and more diverse group of learners — both nationally and globally — who may not have previously had access to a University of Manchester education.
What’s next?
Developing and evolving: A full evaluation of the pilot will be available in June. We have exciting possibilities — repeating the pilot across the international development sector with many more learners, adapting the programme of resilience for different sectors, and using the personal resilience modules to support students.
Guidance and shaping: This pilot has helped identify key guidelines for future development of micro-credentials — from course length and structure to the balance of theory and practice — supporting the creation of a framework for operationalising micro-credentials at the University.
Recognition: The pilot received a Commended award for Making a Difference from the Office of Social Responsibility at the University.
More information on our Flexible Learning Pilots
- Or email: flexiblelearning@manchester.ac.uk