A suite of eight Business and Finance Fundamentals courses on FutureLearn has been awarded the EOCCS Certification. The massive online open courses (MOOCs) were produced in conjunction with The Open University Business School.
- Customer engagement
- Effective communication
- Effective networking
- Project management
- Managing the household balance sheet
- Financial planning and budgeting
- Investment theory and practice
- Financial services after the banking crisis
As part of a strategic partnership between EOCCS and FutureLearn, EOCCS reviewed and consequently certified the suite of eight Business and Finance Fundamentals MOOCs designed by The Open University Business School. The MOOCs are delivered via the FutureLearn platform which uses design, technology and partnerships to create enjoyable, credible and flexible online courses as well as undergraduate and postgraduate degrees that improve working lives. It partners with over a quarter of the world’s top universities and is also involved in government-backed initiatives to address skills gaps such as The Institute of Coding and the National Centre for Computing Education.
Kerry Houchen, the Director of Online Degrees at FutureLearn, said:
“We are delighted to be partnering with EOCCS and a certification system that shares our commitment to quality assurance and courses learners can rely upon for their rigour.
That The Open University courses granted EOCCS certification have already enjoyed several runs on the FutureLearn platform is testament to their popularity. The subjects covered on the eight courses really are fundamental to success in business, and we’re pleased that today’s announcement further illustrates the value and integrity of these courses.”
The Open University is the largest academic institution in the UK and a world leader in flexible distance learning. Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2019, the university was founded with a clear purpose: to open up education to all. Since those beginnings in 1969, the OU has taught more than 2 million students worldwide and has over 170,000 current students, including more than 15,000 overseas.
Professor Mark Fenton-O’Creevy, the Associate Dean External Engagement at The Open University Business School, said:
“The Business School is delighted to have received EOCCS certification for this suite of massive open online courses (MOOCs) which we run in partnership with FutureLearn. The extension of EOCCS certification to courses run on the FutureLearn platform recognises the increasing importance of open approaches to learning and should do much to further develop quality standards for MOOCs.”
With 95 certified courses from 19 institutions in 11 countries, EOCCS presents an international quality benchmark for online courses worldwide. The certification system is firmly embedded in the general philosophy of EFMD accreditations: internalisation, practical relevance and quality improvement. Doctor Keith Pond, the EOCCS director, remarked:
“We are very happy that the suite of eight Business and Fundamentals MOOCs have successfully completed the EFMD Online Course Certification System EOCCS. The Certification Board appreciated the efficient cooperation and communication between The Open University and FutureLearn as well as the committed course team that provides high-quality academic support.”
Institutions certified by EOCCS become part of a vibrant learning and networking community, which shares good practice in its virtual community of practice. EOCCS provides in-depth peer review and feedback as well as suggestions for improvements and sustainability. Students taking courses from EOCCS certified institutions, whether on a MOOC platform or a university, higher education or corporate, can be ensured that they will boost their career prospects with courses that are officially recognised and professionally relevant.
