During its summer graduation ceremonies, St Mary’s University, London celebrated the achievements of the first students to graduate from its SMU Online MBA programmes.
Launched in 2024, SMU Online enables students who might not otherwise be able to study at St Mary’s to undertake qualifications designed to support their career development.
Initially launched with online MBA programmes, SMU Online has since expanded to offer a range of postgraduate qualifications in Business, Computer Science, Education and Psychology.
The graduation of its first cohort marks a significant milestone for SMU Online and demonstrates the value of offering alternative modes of study to widen access to higher education.
Speaking about the graduations, St Mary’s Chief Information Officer Kevin Braim said: “Our first graduating class can be very proud of their achievements. We were delighted to welcome graduates to campus from across the world, including students travelling from Morocco and Hong Kong, to take part in the ceremonies.
“I know from my own experience of undertaking an online MBA how much hard work goes into it. Balancing work, family, and personal commitments alongside postgraduate study is a significant challenge, so I hope our graduates can take the time reflect on their considerable successes today. We look forward to hearing about their future success and to celebrating the achievements of SMU Online graduates at future graduation ceremonies.”
The SMU Online programmes offer the flexibility of fully online, part-time study, opening doors to learners who need to balance work, family and other commitments while developing their knowledge and progressing their careers.
Delivered through a purpose-built digital learning environment, the programmes allow students to study from anywhere in the world and access course materials at times that suit them. Students can also interact with academic staff and their peers through discussion groups and forums.