Online Learning - Academic Framework

The Online Academic Framework confirms the online learning and teaching principles and ensures alignment with ever-changing innovations in technology, education and design alongside external sector influences as well as internal frameworks and models within the university. 

Online learning principles

1 Stakeholder designed curriculum

Learners will be a member of a diverse and global community with the aim of preparing graduates to contribute responsibly to interconnected societies. Learners will have opportunities to increase employability skills throughout their online experience and enterprise and entrepreneurship will be encouraged. Learners will experience purposely designed programmes influenced by stakeholder engagement and transferable skills.

2 Equivalent university experience

Learners will have multiple channels to access academic and non-academic support, including online learning advisers, personal tutors and academic programme teams. Learners will have online access to the University’s central services, such as the Centre for Student Life, Student Wellbeing, Library and Career services. Learners will have the opportunity to embark on their educational journey at multiple entry points throughout the year.

3 Unified digital infrastructure

Learners will benefit from the University’s investment in technologies that support a future-focused pedagogy and curriculum. Learners will benefit from guidance and support that is informed by data captured from multiple, linked technical systems. Learners will be able to access their virtual campus and programme resources regardless of location and learning needs.

4 Horizon scanning and applied research

Learners will be immersed in a research-informed learning environment. Learners will have exposure to and involvement in scholarship, discipline and/or pedagogic research, and professional practice.

5 Pedagogic foundation

Learners will benefit from flexible online pedagogy used to promote student transitions, independence and collaboration.

6 Intentional learning design

Learners will have a virtual learning environment that is purposefully designed to incorporate equality, diversity and accessibility. Learners will be supported to stretch their knowledge and access remediation at key threshold concepts. Leaners will benefit from a continuous improvement approach to improving activity-led learning design and ongoing pedagogic research. Learners will have distinct learning assets as part of the core learning infrastructure.

7 Applied learning experience and gain

Learners will interact with responsive facilitators who encourage relevant and supportive engagement in both synchronous and asynchronous modalities. Learners will have authentic assessment that are transformative, flexible and situated in practice. Learners will have access to secure digital assessment and invigilation technologies that are in alignment with accrediting bodies.