The Open University (OU) has reached a significant milestone in its mission to expand access to higher education across Northern Ireland by establishing validation partnerships with all six Further Education (FE) colleges.

This achievement was celebrated at a special event attended by the Minister for the Economy and representatives from the FE colleges, who recognised the innovative collaboration supporting education and skills development in the region.

The partnerships now span Belfast Metropolitan College, Northern Regional College, North West Regional College, Southern Regional College, South Eastern Regional College, and South West College.

Together, these partnerships offer 51 validated programmes, providing a diverse range of educational opportunities for learners. Since 2019, over 1,200 students have graduated from OU-validated programmes, demonstrating the success and impact of these collaborations.

This development signifies a significant step forward in expanding access to higher education for learners across Northern Ireland.

Speaking at the event, Economy Minister Conor Murphy said: "This a remarkable achievement for The Open University and the further education sector in the North. These validation partnerships reflect the shared commitment to providing accessible, high-quality education and addressing the skills gaps that are vital to our future prosperity.

"The provision of regional access to higher education through further education colleges offers opportunities locally which can be especially important for those from disadvantaged backgrounds and those looking to upskill or reskill closer to home. By enabling more learners to gain higher-level qualifications within their local communities, we are investing in the talent and potential that will drive our economy forward by bringing more people into the labour market and equipping them with the skills needed by industry."

Damian Duffy, Principal of Belfast Metropolitan College, said: "This partnership with The Open University represents a significant opportunity for our students. By offering OU-validated qualifications, we are not only enhancing the education pathways available but also ensuring our learners can access flexible, world-class higher education while remaining rooted in their communities. This is a game-changer for further education in Northern Ireland."

This milestone aligns with the OU's strategic goal of greater reach of lifelong learning and supporting Northern Ireland's skills needs.

By combining the OU's globally recognised expertise in supported distance and online learning with the FE colleges' strong local connections and teaching capabilities, these partnerships will enhance opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds, including working professionals and those facing barriers to traditional education routes.

John D'Arcy, Director of The Open University in Ireland, said: "This is a proud moment for The Open University. By joining forces with all six FE colleges, we are creating a robust network that empowers students with greater access to education and skills development. These partnerships will play a key role in equipping Northern Ireland's workforce with the knowledge and expertise needed to thrive in a dynamic economy."

With Northern Ireland facing skills gaps in areas such as healthcare, technology, and engineering, these partnerships will offer programs designed to address industry demands.

Students will benefit from the flexibility of OU courses, allowing them to balance studies with work and other life commitments, while still accessing the supportive learning environment provided by their local FE college.

The partnerships also demonstrate the OU's commitment to regional collaboration and innovation in education delivery.

By strengthening the opportunities between further and higher education, these initiatives will make a lasting impact on Northern Ireland's educational landscape and contribute to building a skilled and resilient workforce.