“What we want and seek to obtain is a co-operative journey that will end in a co-operative university.” (Rae, 1909)

A long sought after dream of the co-operative movement, the exploration of what a future Co-operative University might look like began in 2012 when we commissioned a report to explore the barriers to, and the enablers of, such a university.

What's made a future Co-operative University possible?

A significant legislation change, namely the Higher Education and Research Act 2017, removed some of the barriers for alternative providers.

How would a Co-operative University be different?

A Co-operative University would be different in a number of ways including:

• It would be based on social justice and co-operative values and principles, working for the mutual benefit of all.
• The focus would be on empowering students, enhancing their skills to develop new ways of thinking, working, researching and learning for life.
• Staff and students would be members of the university and have a real say in shaping the learning experience it offers.
• The degree programmes would be open to all, valuing life and work experience, not just academic record. From the very start, students would be introduced to the skills they need for collaborative learning, supporting each other's academic development.

Who are the key partners and organisations involved in bringing the Co-operative University idea to life?

We've been working closely with a diverse range of higher education co-operatives who all share the belief in a new type of university. Together we formed the Co-operative University Federation Steering Group, meeting regularly to debate and action ideas and plans about alternative higher education.

It brings together individuals and organisations committed to the ambition to offer co-operative learning opportunities across further and higher education, and revitalising community and adult education. You can view these partners below.

Feral Art School
Red Learning Co-operative
The Centre for Human Ecology
Preston Co‑operative Development Network
Leicester Vaughan College
East Marsh United
New School of the Anthropocene

What you can do to help bring a Co-operative University to life

During our efforts to create a Co-operative University we've heard from hundreds of people about how broken the Higher Education system is in the UK. Soaring student debt, staff on precarious contracts and Vice Chancellor’s taking home astronomical salaries. We think there’s a different way. A more co-operative way. And so do many of you.

There are a whole range of things that you can do to help us including:

• Support us across social media, using the hashtag #coopuni so that we can build a real movement for change
• Sign up to our mailing list to be kept up to date with the latest developments. Simply tick the Co-operative University option. 

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