New delivery model from September 2021
We are delighted to announce that a new agreement between West Lothian College and Edinburgh Napier University has been reached relating to Level 9 of the BA Business Management degree. This is effective from September 2021.
Background
The news about the withdrawal of the current model of the Business Management degree was disappointing for staff and students at West Lothian College and colleagues from Edinburgh Napier University.
Over the past few weeks, both institutions have worked in partnership to identify positive alternative solutions and to explore the possibility of continuing the collaboration from September 2021 using a different delivery model that meets the needs of students.
This has been an exceptional year due to the pandemic. Throughout 2020-21, the degree was delivered via asynchronous lectures made available for local delivery which were complemented by tutorial support from West Lothian College tutors. This was welcomed by staff and students in the college.
Outcome
Discussions focused on a model where local support would continue, and allow Edinburgh Napier University to align with AACSB expectations and provide confidence that the primary engagement of students would be with Edinburgh Napier University as the degree provider (AACSB provides quality assurance for accredited business schools worldwide).
From September 2021, pre-recorded lectures will be delivered by Edinburgh Napier University. West Lothian College students will not be required to travel to the Craiglockhart Campus as learning will take place online. Any face-to-face teaching required will be undertaken by Edinburgh Napier University lecturers at the West Lothian College campus.
To support this, lecturers at West Lothian College will offer pastoral support throughout the academic year. This means that local delivery of the degree will be supported by the college lecturers who students have worked with closely since their first year of study at Level 7 (HNC).
Students will benefit from a refreshed, relevant degree programme that will enhance their employability, as well as regular engagement with staff from both institutions while studying locally in West Lothian.
The student voice has played an important part in these negotiations. West Lothian College students who are completing their HND sought clarification about maintaining the delivery of the degree locally.
This is a unique offer from Edinburgh Napier University Business School which is not being repeated in any other college.
In the first instance, the revised arrangement will be for two years to enable the operation of the delivery and give time to review the new model for future years.