UY PROC 1240 York Online Strategic Partner - Preliminary Market Engagement

Tender description

The University of York, a world‑ranked Russell Group institution, is seeking a high‑calibre strategic partner to accelerate the growth and global reach of its York Online portfolio. With a mature and successful postgraduate online degree presence, the University is now entering the next phase of its online strategy, with plans to expand its current degree portfolio and develop new offerings in short courses, stackables and micro-credentials.<br />The University of York's contract with its current partner for online programme management is due to expire in March 2027 and we are carrying out a procurement process to appoint a partner to support the next phase of our ambitious plans.<br />We are seeking an OfS registered (or in the process of OfS registration), innovative partner with a proven track record of delivering high-impact, data-driven marketing, lead generation and student recruitment at a global level across a diverse portfolio of degrees, micro‑credentials and short-courses.<br />Our future partner will excel in market insight, conversion management, the delivery of a seamless, high‑quality digital experience from a UK base for learner recruitment, as well as having capabilities in B2B sales and recruitment providing an authentic University of York experience. The University of York will remain the lead for all current academic pedagogy, teaching, and for the long‑term student success and pastoral journey.<br />Following an initial phase of transition for our existing online programmes, we will be looking to take forward new developments including but not necessarily limited to:<br />New and/or revised online Masters degrees<br />University- or partner-developed short courses, with credit-bearing options, that may provide pathways to degrees<br />'Stackable' short courses and awards<br />Innovative use of AI to support programme development and delivery (content, assessment and feedback) and to enhance the student experience and progression.<br />Initial contract estimated to be June 2026 to June 2031, with potential to renew for a further 5 or 10 years to June 2036 or 2041