1^st Online Foundation degree class graduates!
First cohort of students successfully completes the 3 year Foundation degree in Business & Management

The Bournemouth University Graduation Ceremony on 8th of November was particularly special for the first five students to complete the online Foundation degree in Business & Management. One student, Joanne Dignam talks about her experiences on the course and her feelings on completing the course: "It has been an interesting 3 years with lots of learning curves some easier and more interesting than others. I think I realised how much my knowledge and understanding had increased when talking with associates, I actually understood and recognised the theories and principles they were quoting!

We have had some fun during this course as all our cohort were like minded, work and study hard but keep it fun and include lots of laughs as this is what gets you through the challenging times. An extra bonus for me was making what I hope will be a life long friend.

An opportunity was provided which I grabbed to achieve my ambition to get a higher education qualification whilst working full time and looking after a family. I'm hooked, and I'm now studying on the BA (Hons) Top-Up!"

Bournemouth University and Leeds Metropolitan University host Social Day for e-Learning students
Students travel from far and wide to meet and discuss course

On the 18th of November, 20 students attended Social Days in Leeds and Bournemouth. For some students, it was a good opportunity to put a face to a name of a coursemate or tutor. Many of the students had never met their fellow students in person so this was a good opportunity to network and share experiences. The day kicked off with an introduction from Harriet Ridolfo, Course Leader. Students were invited to share their experiences in e-Learning and were able to make suggestions of how to improve their online experience. Other sessions included a virtual tour of the Library's online resources with Library staff available to answer questions and a session with the Careers Office.

Harriet said: "The day was a wonderful opportunity to interact with our students. These events are a great way to help foster and build the online community."

Online learning in the national press
BBC online and The Times feature our degrees while looking at online study

The first students to graduate in November 2006 from our Foundation degree in Business & Management were acknowledged by the BBC online (BBCNews.com) to be the first in the UK. The article goes on to describe how the course allows students to work at their own pace from anywhere in the world. The article profiles one of our Army students, Stuart Brown, and how the course particularly appeals to the British Forces and those in full-time employment who would like to study for a UK University degree at home or overseas.

Online Top-Up course launches in September 2006
A 19 month part-time and online BA (Hons) International Business & Management top-up starts in September

The BA (Hons) International Business & Management (Top-Up) degree will be launched this September. This 19 month part-time course is designed for students who have completed the online Foundation degree or any other Foundation degree/HND in Business and Management and enables them to gain a full honours degree entirely online.

In particular the course will focus on global perspectives and most subject matter will be studied in the international context. Study will focus on organisations, their management and the changing external environment in which they operate.

Both the FdA Business & Management and BA (Hons) International Business & Management (Top-Up) courses' next start date is 18 September 2006, for further information or to download an application form, please browse this website.

Cyprus and the goat
The course marketing team visit Cyprus to present our online courses to British forces stationed abroad

Returning from Cyprus and reflecting on our experience, we were amazed at the fascinating history and culture contained within such a small island; from Greek/Roman temples, lovely meze and friendly locals to the more contentious issues surrounding the disputed North of Cyprus. The purpose of this visit was recruitment to the Universities' online degrees in Business & Management. The course is run in partnership between Bournemouth University and Leeds Metropolitan University and has the MOD as a major client. Our aim was to raise awareness of the opportunities for British forces to study a UK University degree whilst stationed abroad, the army acted as excellent hosts, facilitating meetings, presentations and open days across the sovereign base areas of Episkopi and Dhekelia.

Whilst at the Episkopi Learning at Work day, we were privy to an interesting military tradition, the Regimental Goat. William the goat (also referred to as Billy) was presented to the regiment by the Queen from her royal herd. He holds the rank of Lance Corporal, draws a wage and even eats his own cigarette rations (apparently it aids his digestion). On this occasion he did seem a little grumpy, possibly because we kept on trying to sign him up for our courses!

The course was very well received by soldiers and their families. We have noticed an increase in interest from Cyprus and plan to continue our international visits to bases in Germany and Northern Ireland this Autumn.