MLA College
 | |
| Type | Private |
|---|---|
| Established | 2014 (as Marine Learning Alliance Ltd) |
Parent institution | Global Education Holdings |
| Affiliations | University of Plymouth |
| Principal | Professor Mohammad Dastbaz |
| Location | , Devon , 50°22′18″N 4°08′32″W / 50.3716°N 4.1423°W |
| Campus | |
| Website | www |
MLA College (formerly Marine Learning Alliance Ltd) is a private higher education institution based in Plymouth, United Kingdom. It offers distance learning higher education programmes, with a focus on maritime and environmental disciplines. The college's degree programmes are validated and awarded by the University of Plymouth.[1]
History
MLA College originated as the Hydrographic Academy, a distance-learning programme at the University of Plymouth providing education in hydrography and marine science. In November 2014, the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) acquired the Hydrographic Academy, and Marine Learning Alliance Ltd was incorporated as a separate company.[2][3]
In 2014, the college received the Times Higher Education Award for Outstanding Employer Engagement.[4] In 2019, MLA College was officially registered with the Office for Students (OfS) as a higher education provider in England.[5] In August 2023, the college was acquired by Global Education Holdings, a UK-based higher education investment company.[6]
Academics
MLA College delivers undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes through distance learning.[7] Its academic provision includes programmes in maritime operations, sustainability, and business-related fields.[8][9][10] The college also participates in professional training initiatives, including bursary schemes for women in the maritime sector.[11] The college collaborates with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) to deliver educational programmes related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).[12][13] This includes a series of short courses developed in partnership with UNITAR training networks.[14]
References
- ↑ "MLA College". University of Plymouth.
- ↑ "IMarEST Acquires Plymouth University's Hydrographic Academy". Offshore Energy. 20 November 2014. Retrieved 11 May 2026.
- ↑ "MLA College LTD overview". find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk. Retrieved 26 May 2026.
- ↑ Telford, William (18 December 2019). "Higher education firm expands with dream to become 'private university'". Business Live.
- ↑ "Marine Learning Alliance Ltd: Quality and Standards Review" (PDF). Designated Quality Body in England. February 2020.
- ↑ Stacey, Viggo (3 October 2023). "Global Education Holdings acquires MLA College". The PIE News.
- ↑ "MLA College: Making Learning Accessible To Students Beyond Borders". Higher Education Digest. 15 November 2021.
- ↑ "The place to learn is everywhere". www.nautilusint.org. Retrieved 11 May 2026.
- ↑ "MLA College | 16 Masters". www.mastersportal.com.
- ↑ "Bachelor in Global Sustainable Development". UNITAR.
- ↑ "Women in Maritime Bursary Scheme". WISTA UK.
- ↑ "MLA College launches 17 short courses on each of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals". EdTech Innovation Hub.
- ↑ "The promise and challenge of AI in building a sustainable future". The PIE News. 14 May 2024.
- ↑ "SDG ByteSize Courses". UNITAR.