New programs create an accessible pathway to degrees in Mathematics and Statistics

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. and LONDON – September 22, 2022 – The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), a member institution of the University of London, and edX, the global online learning platform from 2U, Inc. (Nasdaq: TWOU), today announced the launch of LSE’s first two MicroBachelors® programs in Statistics Fundamentals and Mathematics and Statistics Fundamentals as well as An Introduction to Pre-University Mathematics, its first Massive Open Online Course. LSE is the first university to expand its degree partnership with 2U to launch a series of edX microcredentials that provide learners with a flexible, stackable pathway towards pursuing a fully online undergraduate education. Enrollment is open at edx.org/school/lse.                                        

MicroBachelors® programs deliver immediately transferable skills while providing a pathway towards pursuing a full Bachelor’s degree. Each of LSE’s new MicroBachelors® programs includes four university-level courses from leading LSE faculty. Learners who successfully complete a MicroBachelors® program from LSE and are admitted into select online undergraduate degree programs from the University of London, with academic direction provided by LSE, will be eligible to apply for recognition of prior learning (RPL), creating an accessible pathway into the degree program.

The Introduction to Pre-University Mathematics MOOC, which is free to audit, will expand access to a foundational mathematics education worldwide. It will also teach the competencies required to succeed in university-level courses, including LSE’s new MicroBachelors® programs. 

“Over the past five years, our partnership with 2U has enabled LSE to become a leader in digital education, bringing high-quality education to life online. We’ve reduced barriers, removed international borders, and extended our reach,” said Wim Van der Stede, Academic Dean for Extended Education at LSE. “Building on our partnership, the new innovative offerings from LSE on edX create an incredible opportunity for us to further increase our global impact by providing a vast community of learners with a clear pathway to gain the critical mathematics and statistics knowledge to achieve academic success.” 

The school’s initial partnership with 2U has played a role in LSE’s strategy to expand its educational offerings and make teaching, learning, and research accessible to people who wouldn't have been able to access the institution in traditional formats. To date, over 26,000 learners have completed online certificate courses offered through LSE and 2U, and over 1,000 students have enrolled in its online undergraduate degrees powered by 2U. The addition of the MicroBachelors® programs and MOOC will help further expand LSE’s reach to over 45 million learners around the globe.

“The launch of LSE’s first MicroBachelors® programs and MOOC demonstrate the power of 2U and edX to expand access and increase the affordability of higher education at one of the world’s most renowned social sciences institutions,” said 2U Co-Founder and CEO Christopher “Chip” Paucek. “Creating new pathways to degree attainment is an essential part of edX’s mission to unlock the potential of our community of 45 million learners worldwide, and we’re thrilled to expand our partnership with LSE to bring that mission to life through the first truly stackable path to a fully online undergrad degree.”

For more information on LSE’s online education offerings, and to enroll in programs, visit www.edx.org/school/lse and 2u.com/partners/london-school-of-economics-and-political-science.

About London School of Economics
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is an internationally renowned university specialising in the social sciences. Its expertise spans a wide range of disciplines from economics, politics and law, to sociology, health policy, accounting and finance. As one of the most international universities in the world, the School’s diversity of people, ideas and interests make it an exciting centre for research, teaching and public engagement.   

Established in 1895, the original vision of LSE as ‘a community of people and ideas, founded to know the causes of things, for the betterment of society’ remains true to this day.  It continues to use its research-led expertise to influence governments, NGOs, businesses and others to help tackle the world’s most pressing problems. For more information visit  lse.ac.uk .   

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