The Open University - Working in Partnership

The Open University and The IIE / Varsity College are working together to offer graduates an opportunity to achieve an internationally recognised honours degree from the Open University. The agreement between The IIE / Varsity College and The Open University enables students who have successfully completed The IIE Bachelor of Arts degree in Corporate Communication or Bachelor of Commerce degree at Varsity College to progress with their studies by registering directly with The Open University for the equivalent of the final year of a BA (Honours) Open degree or a BSc (Honours) Open degree. The Partner Varsity College was founded 21 years ago and today enjoys the reputation of being at the forefront of private tertiary education in South Africa. There are Varsity College campuses across the country in Sandton, Midrand, Pretoria, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Durban North, Westville and Pietermaritzburg. The Independent Institute of Education (The IIE), of which Varsity College is an educational brand, is the largest, most accredited private provider of higher education in the country. The IIE has responsibility for registration, teaching, assessment and certification for all students registered for qualifications conferred by The IIE. The Project In May 2011, The IIE received accreditation by the South African Council on Higher Education for two new degrees; the Bachelor of Corporate Communications (BA CC) and Bachelor of Commerce (BCom). The Open University (OU) and The IIE / Varsity College are working together to offer graduates exemption of up to 240 credits towards the OU Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science Open Degrees, with Honours. Thus, students completing the IIE BA CC/ BCom degree through Varsity College will have the opportunity to continue studying and articulate their degree into an internationally recognised UK Honours degree. It is expected that the first students entering the OU system will register in May 2015, after claiming credit transfer early 2015. The Aim This project offers the high achieving graduates of The IIE at Varsity College a pathway towards an internationally recognised UK Honours degree with the Open University, a leader in supported open learning. The Benefits Students will be able to study online for an internationally recognised UK Honours degree, while remaining in South Africa. The learning design of The IIE Bachelors’ degrees offered on all Varsity College campuses through contact teaching and integrated student supports, ensures that students are prepared for OU online study. Contact: OU Partnership Manager: Viki Little Email: v.n.little@open.ac.uk Tel : 00 44 1908 858750 Web: www.varsitycollege.co.za Who is the Open University? The Open University promotes educational opportunity and social justice by providing high-quality university education to all who wish to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential. Through academic research, educational innovation and collaborative partnership the Open University has become a world leader in the design, content and delivery of supported open learning. The OU was founded to open up higher education to all, regardless of their circumstances or where they live. The institution supports students of all ages and backgrounds: school students wanting experience of university-level study, school leavers who choose to begin their careers while they study for a degree, people wanting to develop or update their skills, or change career entirely, and retired people wanting to explore new interests and keep mentally active. The OU is committed to promoting equal opportunities for all and monitor themselves to make sure they live up to these ideals. The Open University, IIE and Varsity College are working together to fulfil their shared commitment to student-centred learning and to enable South African students to successfully transfer to online study at The Open University. Testimonials: “The Independent Institute of Education (IIE) is the largest, most accredited private provider of higher education in South Africa, a point we have reached through an unequivocal commitment to quality and innovation in education. The Open University generally shares these values with us. Using this foundation, we have built exciting opportunities for students in our own degree programmes and beyond, by giving our students access to OU material, learning methodologies and eventually, qualifications.” Dr Felicity Coughlan Director and Head of Institute Independent Institute of Education (Pty) Ltd.“The synergy between Varsity College and The Open University is characterised by a shared set of values: openness; student-centered, innovative technology enhanced learning; global connections; and authentic relevant student support for careers and life-long learning. Through Varsity College, The OU is able to extend its reach into South Africa and the continent with huge potential for further learning opportunities at the OU for our students.” Odette Francesconi Managing Director Varsity College