Widening access to specialist education: A new land-based partnership

Merrist Wood College

Summary:

  • Partner: Activate Learning (Merrist Wood College and University Centre)
  • Sector: Higher Education and Land-based Industries
  • Challenges: Creating high-quality, inclusive routes into higher-level study for specialist land-based subjects while supporting learners who may not find traditional university routes suitable.
  • Solution: A validation partnership with The Open University (OU) to provide independent oversight and academic standards for land-based degrees.
  • Outcome: Strengthened educational pathways in courses such as Animal Behaviour, Wildlife Conservation, and Zoo Management, facilitating clearer routes into skilled employment.

Activate Learning and The Open University (OU) have launched a transformative partnership to expand access to specialist higher education. Formally approved in late 2025, this collaboration sees the OU validating degree provision at Merrist Wood College and University Centre—Surrey’s only land-based college.

The partnership is built on a shared mission: to break down barriers to education and ensure that students, regardless of their background, can access the skills needed for high-impact careers in the land-based sector.

Background: Opening doors to land-based careers

For many learners in specialist fields like animal welfare or conservation, traditional campus-based university routes can feel out of reach or disconnected from practical application. Activate Learning’s provision at Merrist Wood focuses on applied learning in a supportive environment, designed to build higher-level skills that are directly responsive to the needs of local employers and communities.

By partnering with the OU, Activate Learning ensures these programs meet the highest academic standards through a rigorous validation process, providing students with a qualification that is nationally recognized and respected.

This collaboration marks a significant milestone in our shared commitment to widening participation, strengthening educational pathways, and ensuring that learners are equipped with the skills and confidence they need to succeed.

Professor Dave Phoenix,
Vice-Chancellor, The Open University

A collaboration built on shared values

The partnership extends beyond a standard validation arrangement; it is a strategic alignment of two institutions dedicated to inclusive practice.

  • Widening participation: Creating flexible routes for those who might otherwise be excluded from higher education.
  • Specialist strengths: Rooting the curriculum in Merrist Wood’s unique land-based expertise.
  • Learner success: Providing a quality framework that supports excellent teaching and a robust student experience.

The Open University is nationally recognised for its commitment to widening participation and learner success, and we see a clear alignment in our ambitions to open up opportunity through flexible, high-quality education.

Gary Headland,
Chief Executive Officer, Activate Learning

Back to top

Specialist pathways: From Foundation to BSc

Starting in September 2026, the OU will validate a suite of specialist programs at Merrist Wood, providing students with a clear progression ladder from Foundation Degrees to full BSc top-ups.

Validated programs include:

  • Animal Behaviour and Welfare: Foundation Degree and BSc (Hons) top-up.
  • Wildlife and Conservation: Foundation Degree and BSc (Hons) top-up.
  • Zoo Management: Foundation Degree and BSc (Hons) top-up.

These courses are designed to transition students directly into skilled employment within the environmental and zoological sectors, or into further academic research.

Back to top

Conclusion: Cultivating a sustainable talent pipeline

The partnership between Activate Learning and The Open University proves that by combining specialist local delivery with a global leader in flexible education, we can solve regional skills gaps. Together, they are not just validating degrees; they are cultivating a legacy of opportunity for the next generation of land-based professionals.

Merrist Wood College and University Centre website

For more information, read the full in-depth case study here

Let's solve your skills challenge together

The Open University has a dedicated team of employer and partnership managers who can work with you to upskill and reskill your teams via a range of courses and programmes.

Whether you are a new business or an established employer, our team has a wealth of sector expertise and experience and can link you with our wider academic community to help to solve your organisation's challenges.

Get in touch

Back to top

Back to top