Thousands of students across the region will be given access to a wider range of academic opportunities after the University of the West Indies Global Campus signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) on Tuesday.
Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the UWI Global Campus, Dr Francis Severin, noted that the institution serves students in 17 English-speaking territories throughout the Caribbean.
He reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of the ACCA programmes across its network.
“Fundamentally our global campus has resolved, and I assure as campus principal this is one of my major objectives that I would like to see fulfilled in the near future, that we will pursue ACCA accreditation and programme exemptions for our global campus accounting programmes. Achievement of this aim will certainly fulfil the hopes and aspirations for would-be worthy, accounting graduates as they pursue the much-coveted ACCA qualifications.”
Head of ACCA Caribbean, Paula Marcelle-Irish, outlined what the new programmes would entail: “From accreditation and exemptions to the development of a dual award pathway enabling graduates to earn both the BSc in Accounting from the UWI Global Campus and ACCA’s advanced diploma in accounting and business to professional development opportunities and the exploration of postgraduate progression routes, this collaboration creates a seamless framework that supports students throughout their educational and professional journey.”
She added that the staff and instructors would also be supported through the programme.
“Importantly, this agreement also invests in educators. The strength of any education system is ultimately determined by the people who teach, inspire and guide the next generation. Through faculty engagement, tutor development and knowledge sharing opportunities, we will work together to ensure that students benefit from learning experiences that are relevant, current and closely aligned with the realities of a rapidly evolving profession.”
The UWI Global Campus is a blended learning institution that delivers fully online undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, as well as continuing and professional education programmes, supported by a network of 40 physical locations across the Caribbean.