Manchester Online: Flexible learning, global reach

08 Oct 2026

A new platform for teaching beyond campus, Manchester Online will connect more learners worldwide with flexible postgraduate study and the quality of a Manchester education.

Manchester Online is the university’s platform for teaching beyond campus, helping more learners around the world access the quality of a University of Manchester education. Responding to a growing demand for postgraduate education that can fit around work, family and other commitments, Manchester Online will help us reach learners who may never otherwise study at Manchester.

The initiative supports our 2035 ambitions for flexible, digitally enabled learning and will operate through a One University approach, bringing together Schools, Professional Services and specialist external expertise from our delivery partner, Risepoint.

Creating a Manchester experience online

Through a coordinated approach that builds on existing expertise, we will deliver online education at greater scale while maintaining the quality, standards and student experience that define a Manchester education.

Academic ownership will remain firmly with our Schools. Schools will continue to lead curriculum design, teaching, assessment and programme leadership, while the University retains responsibility for academic standards, quality assurance, programme approvals and the overall academic experience.

We are listening carefully to feedback from colleagues on topics such as academic ownership, accreditation and assessment, and using those conversations to shape our approach. By working closely with both colleagues and Risepoint, bringing our expertise together, we will ensure the quality of all Manchester Online programmes and deliver the experience students expect.

First programmes planned for 2027

The first phase will focus on a portfolio of fully online postgraduate taught programmes, with the first courses scheduled to launch in 2027. These initial programmes will help establish the foundations for a broader online portfolio and support our ambition to offer more flexible routes into Manchester education. The portfolio will continue to evolve in response to learner needs, employer demand and emerging opportunities for lifelong learning.

Supporting 2035

Manchester Online supports several of our ambitions:

Expanding our global reach by connecting more learners around the world with Manchester's teaching and expertise.
Increasing access to education through flexible study options that fit around work, family and other commitments.
Supporting lifelong learning by creating opportunities for learners to develop new knowledge and skills throughout their careers.
Driving innovation in education through the adoption of new approaches, technologies and insights that enhance learning and the student experience.

Building on existing expertise

Manchester Online is not starting from scratch. The University already has significant experience and expertise in online education across Schools and Professional Services. The new model will build on that expertise while introducing additional partner capability where it helps us accelerate development and reach more learners.

Risepoint will provide specialist expertise in areas including online programme development, digital marketing, recruitment, applicant support and student success. Academic ownership, programme approval, quality assurance, assessment and awards will remain the responsibility of the University.

What happens next

We are now entering the mobilisation phase. Over the coming months, colleagues from Schools, Faculties and Professional Services will work alongside the Manchester Online team and Risepoint to establish the academic, operational and technical foundations that will support the first programmes. This work will help shape a sustainable platform for teaching beyond campus, creating new opportunities for learners while strengthening the University's long-term capability in online education.

Over the coming months, joint University and Risepoint teams will work on:

programme development and academic readiness
marketing and recruitment
admissions and student support
technology and systems integration
operating processes and service design
people, roles and organisational impacts

Colleagues from Schools, Faculties and Professional Services teams will be involved as this work develops.

For more information including FAQs: Manchester Online - Home