Strategic Consultancy for Universities: Navigating Online Learning with Confidence
Introduction
As universities expand their online and digital education offerings, many face challenges in strategy, scalability, and faculty readiness. Moving to fully online, hybrid, or modular learning models requires more than just content digitisation—it demands strategic foresight, strong pedagogical frameworks, and sustainable implementation plans.
At Learning Design Solutions (LDS), we offer expert consultancy services to help universities design, develop, and implement online programmes successfully. Whether your institution is in the early stages of exploration or actively scaling multiple online programmes, our tailored consultancy services provide the strategic and practical support needed to ensure long-term success.
Defining a Clear Online Learning Strategy
A university’s online learning strategy must align with its institutional priorities, student expectations, and the evolving global education landscape. Through leadership consultations, strategic workshops, and data-informed recommendations, we help universities:
Clarify their digital education vision, ensuring alignment with institutional goals.
Position online learning effectively within the university’s broader portfolio.
Develop a roadmap that balances scalability, student experience, and pedagogical best practices.
By focusing on these core elements, we enable institutions to create sustainable online education models that attract diverse learners and maintain academic integrity.
Ensuring Quality & Consistency Across Online Courses
A major challenge in online education is ensuring consistency in quality, structure, and student experience across multiple programmes. LDS consultancy supports universities in:
Developing clear, institution-wide digital learning frameworks to maintain coherence across programmes.
Creating scalable online course models, ensuring flexibility while upholding rigorous academic standards.
Implementing quality assurance measures to maintain excellence in teaching and learning.
Through our strategic guidance, institutions can streamline course development processes, enhance learner engagement, and ensure long-term quality across all digital offerings.
Optimising Programme Structures for International Demand & Accreditation
With global competition increasing, universities need to ensure their online programmes meet international expectations and accreditation standards. Our consultancy provides:
Guidance on aligning programmes with UK, EU, and international higher education frameworks.
Advice on modular and stackable learning models, allowing universities to integrate micro-credentials and short courses.
Support in designing globally attractive degree structures, ensuring accessibility to a wider online student audience.
By working with Andrew Doig and our consultancy team, universities can create well-structured, high-value online programmes that meet both academic and industry standards.
Supporting Faculty in Transitioning to Digital Teaching
Many universities face challenges in equipping faculty with the skills, confidence, and resources needed for effective online teaching. LDS consultancy helps institutions:
Define a clear pedagogical model for online and blended learning.
Develop faculty training programmes that build digital teaching expertise.
Create resources and support structures to help faculty transition smoothly to digital-first teaching.
Through targeted support, workshops, and expert-led training, we ensure faculty feel empowered and prepared to deliver engaging, high-quality online learning experiences.
Proven Success: University Consultancy Case Studies
LDS has successfully supported universities across the UK in defining and delivering their online education strategies:
Glasgow Caledonian University – Supported the development of an institution-wide online learning strategy, ensuring alignment with the university’s long-term vision. Read the case study
Heriot-Watt University – Worked with university leadership to model and implement a new delivery model for their online programmes. Read the case study
ICAS (Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland) – Provided strategic consultancy in the development of their digitally transformed Chartered Accountant qualification. Learn more
These projects highlight our ability to guide universities through strategic decision-making, digital transformation, and scalable course development.
How Universities Can Work with Learning Design Solutions
We understand that different universities require different levels of support. That’s why we offer flexible consultancy models, including:
✔️ One-off strategic consultations – Advising leadership teams on digital education growth strategies.
✔️ Ongoing advisory partnerships – Providing long-term support as institutions scale online offerings.
✔️ Embedded consultancy services – Acting as an integrated expert partner to oversee programme development.
✔️ Bespoke leadership workshops & faculty training – Helping institutions build internal expertise for sustainable digital learning.
Next Steps: Let’s Shape the Future of Your University’s Online Learning
If your university is looking to expand its online education offerings, define a digital learning strategy, or scale multiple programmes, expert consultancy can make the process smoother and more effective.
Book a Consultation to discuss how Learning Design Solutions can support your institution’s online learning ambitions.