Taking a flexible approach to learning
Studying for a degree is a huge commitment, for many students, juggling education with other responsibilities can seem overwhelming. Imagine being a carer, a single parent, or the sole breadwinner in your family with a demanding job. How can you prioritise learning when life gets busy?
Arden University offers a solution with its flexible learning approach. With campuses in London, Leeds, Birmingham, Manchester and Berlin, students can complete their degrees 100% online or opt for a blend of online and face-to-face learning.
Professor Dilshad Sheikh explains:
At Arden, we’ve positioned ourselves as widening access because we strongly believe that anyone, anywhere in the world, who wants to engage in higher education, should be given the opportunity
For many students, Arden’s open-minded approach makes higher education accessible when it might otherwise have been out of reach.
"These are students who perhaps didn’t have the chance to go to university because they’ve got lots of other responsibilities. Why take that opportunity away because they were focusing on life?" Professor Dilshad Sheikh says.
The impact of CMI Dual Accreditation
For Jeanne Volschenk, studying a BA in Business at Arden, the combination of flexible learning and obtaining CMI Dual Accreditation was a key factor in her decision to enroll,
"I thought to myself, this is too good to be true. Our household depends on my income. I couldn’t take that time out and just go to a ‘normal university’ Monday to Friday". Jeanne says
Once Jeanne discovered she could study at her own pace and that the course was backed by CMI, she knew it was the right fit.
I was very pleased when I saw that it was accredited by CMI. It was a big tick!
CMI’s recognition has added substantial value to her education, solidifying Arden as the right choice for Jeanne.
Giving graduates a head start
Professor Sheikh highlights that the CMI Dual Accreditation has been a huge draw for students as it also puts them on a pathway to becoming Chartered.
The biggest benefit of the partnership with CMI is that students not only get that additional qualification, they also become Foundation Chartered Managers”, she says.
This prestigious accreditation makes graduates more competitive and ready to take on management and leadership roles.
"CMI is a globally recognised brand. According to the feedback we’ve received from our alumni, it does give them a head start, compared to candidates without the CMI Accreditation".
The mix of practical and soft skills learned as part of a CMI Accredited course equips students to become effective leaders, setting them apart in the job market. “There are accidental managers where, because you’ve been at the right place at the right time, you're given a management role and it doesn’t really work out,” says Professor Sheikh, “I don’t want any of my students to be accidental managers. By choosing Arden, we add value to them, making them more competitive when they enter the graduate market.”
Unrivalled CMI support
For Robial Uddin, studying a BSc in Health and Care, the CMI resources, including online self-assessments, have been invaluable in his personal growth. “Having CMI and Arden qualifications at the same time made me look at the world in a different way,” Robial says, “CMI has a lot of resources for students, including online self-assessments, which makes you question yourself as a human being and highlight areas for improvement.”
Robial plans to continue his CMI membership after graduation, seeing it as a crucial tool for his career development and future business aspirations, “I am going to continue using CMI even after I complete my course and when I eventually start my own business, because I believe it's a very good partnership to have.” Robial is confident that the CMI qualification will make him more employable.
Having CMI on your CV is one of the best things you can have. It prompts an extra conversation with employers, allowing you to break down what you achieved at university
Work-ready graduates
Jeanne shares Robial’s confidence in the value of her CMI qualification, which she believes will help her stand out in a competitive graduate market.
Having a degree that’s accredited by CMI helps you demonstrate that you’ve got that knowledge and you’ve got that experience. It shows employers your dedication and that they can invest in you because you’re the full package. Be prepared to unlock your future.
With CMI backing Arden’s degree programs, students are more than just graduates- they’re work-ready leaders, poised for success.
Watch the full video case study
CMI talks to Professor Dilshad Sheikh and students at the Arden University, as they share their experiences on a CMI Dual Accredited course and the impact it's had for them.