MLA College granted powers to award its own degrees

MLA College has been granted taught degree-awarding powers by the Office for Students (OfS), marking a significant milestone in the institution's development as a higher education provider. The authorisation, which took effect on October 25, 2026, enables the college to award its own taught degrees up to master's level within specified subject areas. The approval follows an assessment of the college's academic standards, governance and quality assurance arrangements.

MLA College said the new powers will allow it to award its own qualifications while continuing its validation partnerships with the University of Plymouth and The Open University. Established in 2012, the college supports students in more than 75 countries and specialises in flexible higher education for working professionals. Its academic portfolio includes maritime studies, sustainability, engineering, business and project management.

Professor Mohammad Dastbaz, principal and CEO of MLA College, said: "This is an incredibly proud moment for MLA College. Achieving degree-awarding powers is a testament to the dedication, expertise and commitment of our academic community, and reflects the care, ambition and hard work that have shaped the College over many years.

"Our journey began with a clear understanding of the challenges facing professionals who wanted to continue their education while working. The commitment to providing flexible, accessible and high-quality education remains at the heart of who we are, even as our academic portfolio, partnerships and global student community have grown.

"Degree-awarding powers mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter for MLA College. They provide an opportunity to build on our established strengths, further develop and diversify our academic portfolio, particularly across science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and introduce innovative programmes that respond to emerging skills needs and the evolving demands of industry."

Glenn Harris, COO of MLA College, said: "Reaching this point has been a long journey and one that has involved a huge amount of work from everyone at MLA College. I have seen first-hand just how much commitment, care and determination has gone into achieving this, alongside everything else involved in running and developing the College.

"I am personally very proud to have played a part in that journey, but even more proud of what the MLA team has achieved together. I want to thank everyone who has contributed along the way. This is a significant milestone for MLA, and one that belongs to the whole team.

"There is also a real sense of excitement about what this now makes possible for MLA. Degree-awarding powers give us the opportunity to build on what we have achieved, broaden what we can offer and take the College into its next phase with real confidence and ambition."

The college said the new status will support plans to expand and diversify its academic portfolio, particularly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines, while responding to changing industry skills requirements.