The programme started in July 2009 and allowed some 200 full-time business degree students to access the ILX's web-hosted APM training modules. Early results have been positive, and there now are plans to widen the scope of online learning to include students who are undertaking part-time courses whilst working.

Canterbury Christ Church University is the largest centre of higher education in Kent for the major public services. It has approximately 16,700 students based in five Faculties: Arts and Humanities, Business and Management, Education, Health and Social Care, and Social and Applied Sciences.

Bob Fielden, Senior Lecturer, Facility of Business & Management at Canterbury Christ Church University explains, "We wanted to accelerate the learning process amongst our students undertaking project-management modules. The ILX APM Introductory Certificate covered all the key elements of best practice project management and the pros and cons of managing complex workflows.

Early results have indicated that the students have benefited from a flexible knowledge- based learning approach that underpins lectures and seminars. The ILX hosted portal gives students the flexibility to work at their own pace and in their own time. The process also helps ensure that all the students cover all the core knowledge within the APM Body of Knowledge and quickly brings everyone to the same level of understanding."

Once the students have taken the eLearning courses, they are examined onsite at the University as part of the overall undergraduate or post-graduate qualification. The students then have the option to independently enter the professional exam at a fee of around £125 - £150 pounds sterling.

Fielden continues, "Linking the theoretical side to internationally recognised professional qualification is a real bonus for our students. It's a great way of helping them understand why projects work or fail, and this knowledge is transferable immediately to the work place."