First fully sponsored degree launched by Nottingham Business School and Experian

Nottingham Business School and Experian, the global information services company, have launched a fully sponsored degree programme which offers students the chance to study for a degree and work full-time, while receiving a salary and having the cost of their tuition fees paid.

The new BA (Hons) in Management and Leadership will begin in autumn 2011 with the first intake of 15 undergraduate students working at Experian throughout their three year degree. Experian will also be involved in selecting curriculum modules to support students in their career.

In addition to work based learning, tuition will be delivered by Nottingham Business School, part of Nottingham Trent University, through a number of intensive study weeks, along with tutor visits and online support.  

Simon O’Halloran, Global Leadership Development Director, Experian, said: “This is an innovative way to attract talent to our organisation and at the same time being able to offer exceptional career opportunities to students embarking on the next stage of their education.  The combination of vocational and theory-based learning will give students a significant head start in their careers and we are delighted to be launching this in partnership with Nottingham Business School.”

Dean of Nottingham Business School, Professor Baback Yazdani, said: “This new degree is not only great for students who will be in a good financial position and will hit the ground running when they graduate, but also for businesses, like Experian, who are interested in talent attraction and developing their graduate level workforce. Nottingham Business School is the Business School for business, and once again we lead the way in collaboration with one of the world’s leading companies, developing and delivering programmes that integrate applied learning with academic excellence and produce world-class professionals who have an immediate impact on industry across Europe and beyond. This is a great ticket for global success.”

Dr Dawn Albery, Head of Commercial Activities and Executive Education at Nottingham Business School, said: “As this sponsored degree with Experian demonstrates, working and studying simultaneously allows the students to maximise their learning and develop their employability skills.  Graduates will be able to use this degree in all walks of life because it’s of interest to any employer who wants work-ready graduates to join their business.”

Experian will be holding an open day at Nottingham Business School on 30 June to outline the available opportunities and how to apply. To book onto the event please email nbs.business@ntu.ac.uk

As with traditional degrees, entrance to this programme requires suitable A-Level results. Applications will be made directly to the sponsoring company who will work with Nottingham Business School to ensure that applicants meet the usual entry criteria for its degrees, rather than through UCAS. Employees of Experian will also be eligible to apply.

Further information on other sponsored degree options can be found on online at www.ntu.ac.uk/nbssponsored

 ENDS

About Experian

Experian is the leading global information services company, providing data and analytical tools to clients in more than 80 countries. The company helps businesses to manage credit risk, prevent fraud, target marketing offers and automate decision making. Experian also helps individuals to check their credit report and credit score, and protect against identity theft.

Experian plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN) and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 index. Total revenue for the year ended 31 March 2011 was US$4.2 billion. Experian employs approximately 15,000 people in 41 countries and has its corporate headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, with operational headquarters in Nottingham, UK; California, US; and São Paulo, Brazil. 

For more information, visit http://www.experianplc.com.

Nottingham Business School sponsored degrees

Nottingham Business School (NBS) is one of the UK's leading full-service international business schools. Its mission is to transform business, industry and public service through knowledge and people.

NBS’ undergraduate programmes provide an international talent supply to business and industry across the globe. Its successful BA (Hons) in Business Management (In-company) was the first course of its kind when it was launched in 1998 and features a full-time company placement for the second and third years of study with some of the world’s top companies.

The Business School is currently in discussions with other blue chip companies interested in the BA (Hons) Management and Leadership programme, which can be run in cooperation with any organisation that currently has an established placement or graduate scheme. As well as benefiting from the students’ role within the business, the company will also have the opportunity to select modules relating to their sector.