UCL enters into partnership with FutureLearn to offer its first MOOC programmes

UCL has entered into a partnership with FutureLearn, the UK-based social learning platform, which will see it launch two massive open online courses (MOOCs) in the next 12 months. The two MOOCs will be drawn from UCL's range of programmes, and all UCL Departments have been invited to express their interest in taking part by 8 June, with an announcement of the successful bids to follow shortly after. FutureLearn currently has 57 partners around the world, with the inclusion of UCL, comprising some of the best known UK and international universities and cultural bodies. Close to 1.5 million people from 190 countries have signed up to follow its courses since it launched in 2013. Professor Anthony Smith, UCL Vice-Provost (Education and Student Affairs) said: "I am pleased that UCL is exploring a different aspect of online education through developing MOOCs using the innovative FutureLearn platform. We see this as an opportunity to improve our use of digital technology in teaching and learning and to extend the reach of our programmes, and we will monitor closely the success of these first two programmes to assess their potential for future use by UCL." Mark Lester, FutureLearn's Global Head of Education Partnerships, said: "The addition of UCL to the FutureLearn partnership is a truly positive step for our global community of learners, and for the platform as a whole. FutureLearn is successfully engaging its core audiences of general interest learners, working professionals and - I am pleased that UCL is exploring a different aspect of online education through developing MOOCs using the innovative FutureLearn platform.