EDHEC - Top distance learning centre

How does a distance learning centre work?

What is a distance learning centre?

A distance learning centre is a school or university that offers full-time or part-time courses for people who cannot attend in-person programs. Classes are held over the Internet and involve personal work at home.

The diplomas and certificates that you will receive offer the same high-quality knowledge and skills to their participants as the traditional on-campus degrees.

How to apply to a distance learning centre?

The application to a distance learning centre is not much different from an in-person programme. Everything can be done online. First, you will have to submit an application form with your personal data and to send relevant documents. Then, upon reviewing your application, the admission team will contact you for a formal interview to discuss your project and its adequation to the program.

Your application will be approved if you can demonstrate that you have the right profile to join. Each program has different prerequisites and your current qualifications, your work experience, your goals and motivations will all be taken into account.

How do you learn?

Once you have joined the program, you will start attending classes. At EDHEC Business School, all programs are organised in the same way, with minor variations from course to course.

You will follow different modules, each with deliverables to be completed individually or in a group. You will not be left alone, as weekly meetings and workshops are scheduled. You will also be able to interact with other students through chat tools and a dedicated Slack group. EDHEC aims to maintain a link between the students and with the professors. Distance learning doesn’t mean lonesome learning and group work and interactions are actively encouraged. The distance learning platforms are available 24/7.

The weekly workload varies according to the program, but in all cases, the emphasis is put on maintaining your work/life balance. You can expect to have to work between 5-7 and 10-15 hours per week.

Who are the professors?

The teaching staff is the same as for in-person programs. You will have multiple professors, who are specialists in their fields. Many of them hold a Ph. D.

You will learn with professors, but also with working professionals from large companies (such as L’Oréal, Société Générale) or startups and SMBs. They will share their practical experience with you, making the programs perfectly in touch with current business needs and trends. You can find out more about our faculty on the program pages.

To improve your experience, you will also have an academic mentor that will support you throughout the program.

Types of programs

Executive Bachelor Management & Business Development (in French)

The Online Executive Bachelor in Management and Business Development enables you to structure and strengthen your skills to progress toward managerial roles in environments profoundly transformed by digital technologies.

Designed for early- to mid-career professionals aiming for first-line management positions, this program prepares participants to actively contribute to corporate strategy, understand its key challenges, and support its implementation within organizations that have become increasingly hybrid and complex.

Executive Master Management (in French)

The Online Executive Master Management is a rigorous and comprehensive general management program that combines a strong collective dynamic with personalized remote support.

Designed for immediate application in a professional context, this immersive and engaging program places a strong emphasis on the transformation of business models and management practices, inclusive leadership, and supporting major transitions, particularly digital and climate-related.

Online MScs

An MSc (Master of Science) is a master’s level course that is dedicated to STEM and social sciences such as management. It is a widely-recognised program offered by many institutions, including business schools, for students and professionals who want to acquire advanced skills in their domain.

When it comes to distance learning for professionals, these programs are the longest to complete. At EDHEC Business School, they last 18 months. They are the best choice if you want to get an in-depth knowledge of a large subject.

Our distance learning centre offers 4 online MSc programs:

• Financial Management
• Strategic Marketing
• Corporate Finance
• International Business Management
• Data Management & Business Analytics

MOOCs and open programs

A MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) is an online course open to anyone, with no limit on the number of participants. There can be several sessions spread over months.
For example, with our distance learning centre, you can choose programs that include 35 hours of class over 5 weeks. The total duration can vary considerably depending on the program and subject.

With EDHEC Business School, you can pursue 4 different MOOCs:

• Strategic Foresight
• Investment Management – EDHEC Risk Institute
• Climate Change and Sustainable Investing
• Introduction to EdTech

Most of these programs require you to apply through Coursera.

Online certificates

An online certificate is a short program created by distance learning centres. The duration of the course, usually less than a year, is an advantage for professionals who want to develop their skills in the shortest possible time. These programs are usually focused on a specific topic. This is the perfect choice if you want to develop a particular skill quickly.

EDHEC Business School offers 3 online certificate courses:

• Corporate Finance
• Strategy & Business Model Transformation
• Leadership & Transformation Management (in French)
• CSR Strategy Certificate (in French)
• AI & Digital Transformation Certificate (in French)

How to be sure of a distance learning centre’s quality?

One of the best ways to ensure that a distance learning centre is recognised is to check if it is accredited. There are several organisations that can attest the quality of a school and its programs. International rankings are also a good indicator of a program’s quality. For example, EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA all recognise EDHEC’s diplomas and the Financial Times has ranked our school in the top 10 European Business School in 2022.

The teaching staff is also important. By how will classes be held and what kind of support can you expect? As mentioned before, at EDHEC Business School, our professors will provide you with constant and personal support to help you achieve your goal. You won’t be left alone in front of your screen. Thanks to this support system, the success rate of our online programs is 96%!

Choose EDHEC

EDHEC is a pioneer in distance learning: we co-founded International Future of Management Education (FOME) with Imperial College London and multiple world-renowned universities and schools.

EDHEC is the perfect distance learning centre for professionals who wish to develop high-end skills in business management and finance. With our varied offer and personalised support, you will benefit from programs that will help you achieve your goals and advance in your career.