Rethinking Education: Innovation in learning design through technology

Author by Trevor Humphreys

Business Engagement Manager for Lifelong Learning and Professor Angela Davies- Academic Lead for Lifelong Learning

In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, higher education must evolve to stay relevant. Universities are not only tasked with teaching and assessing students using modern tools—they must also prepare learners for the rapidly changing needs of the workforce. This demand requires bold innovation in both learning design and the use of cutting-edge technologies.
Innovation in learning design: A necessity, not a luxury

Higher education institutions can no longer afford to treat digital transformation as a future goal, it’s a present imperative. From AI and big data to immersive virtual simulations, technology is transforming how knowledge is delivered, accessed, and applied. Teaching and assessment strategies must keep up with this wave of innovation to remain effective.

But it’s not just about using the latest tools. It’s about rethinking the design of learning itself. Innovative learning design means creating experiences that are flexible, inclusive, and deeply aligned with the real-world challenges learners face. Having these experiences is particularly vital in an age where learning needs to be lifelong, continuous, and adaptable.

The role of industry in shaping learning

To ensure relevance, higher education must stay closely connected to industry trends and technological advances. Staying relevant not only means using technology in teaching but also training students and staff in the tools and methods shaping today’s workplaces.

The University of Manchester is pioneering this approach through its Pathfinder Programmes, a flagship initiative in Flexible and Lifelong Learning. These programmes are built around a novel co-design model that puts industry at the centre of course development.

Pathfinder Programmes: A new model for innovation

Rather than academics designing content in isolation, the Pathfinder Programmes bring together university researchers and industry professionals in structured co-design workshops.
The result? 50-hour micro-credentials that are academically rigorous, directly relevant to industry needs, and immediately applicable to real-world challenges.

Each of the current programmes under development focuses on a unique industry challenge in collaboration with a major partner:

• Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health with AstraZeneca: Exploring the Use of Generative AI in Complex Organisations
• Faculty of Humanities with Fujitsu: Advancing Digital Sustainability
• Faculty of Science & Engineering with Tesco: Addressing Sustainability and Net Zero in Fashion

By embedding continuous evaluation and feedback into each course, this model promotes ongoing innovation and ensures learning stays relevant as industries evolve.

Global access, local impact

Technology allows education to transcend traditional boundaries. With innovative delivery models, these micro-credentials can be accessed by learners across the globe—supporting professionals who need flexible, on-demand learning that fits into their careers and lives.
Set to launch with pilot cohorts in September 2025, and a full release in January 2026, the Pathfinder Programmes promise to reshape how universities and industries collaborate. This agile learning framework supports both career development and sector-wide evolution, ensuring learners are equipped not just for today, but for tomorrow’s challenges.

The future is now

The future of education lies in the fusion of academic insight, technological innovation, and real-world application. With initiatives like the Pathfinder Programmes, The University of Manchester is setting a new standard for how we educate, collaborate, and innovate.
If you would like to know more about the professional and lifelong learning opportunities at the University then please contact [email protected] or visit https://www.manchester.ac.uk/collaborate/business-engagement-knowledge-exchange/skills-and-talent/professional-lifelong-learning/