Education

Public library access 

Queen Mary’s libraries provide access to members of the public who can demonstrate a genuine research need. Independent Researcher membership provides reference access to physical collections at Mile End and Whitechapel.

Free online courses 

We extend access to education globally, offering free online MOOC courses, certificates and specialisations through Coursera, enabling learners to develop new knowledge and skills regardless of location. Our offer includes 12 courses and 3 certificate or specialisation programmes which have reached more than 157,000 learners worldwide. Our courses our free to enrol onto and cover subjects such as Cloud Computing Law, Getting Started with Leadership, analysis and interpretation of data and Research Instruments and Research Hypotheses. These support lifelong learning, broadening access to higher education for learners beyond the University's enrolled student population.

Free public lectures 

Queen Mary's Department of Sociology, Politics and International Relations delivers a programme of free public lectures that provides lifelong learning opportunities members of the public. The lecture series showcases contemporary research and expert perspectives on topics including democracy, international relations, security, war and peace, climate change, and global politics.

Events are open to the public at no cost and feature contributions from Queen Mary academics and internationally recognised scholars, enabling people beyond the University to engage with current research and debates.

Centre of the cell: Free online learning resources 

Centre of the Cell provides a range of free online educational resources that support lifelong learning and widen access to science education. Through its Watch & Listen platform, members of the public can access videos, podcasts, talks and interactive learning materials covering topics such as human biology, biomedical research, health and medicine. Designed for learners of different ages and backgrounds, these resources enable people to engage with current scientific research and health-related topics at their own pace, extending the Centre's educational reach beyond in-person activities and supporting open access to science learning.

Outreach content hub 

The Outreach Content Hub provides free online access to a wide range of educational resources designed to support students, parents, carers, teachers and advisers throughout the higher education journey. The platform brings together webinars, courses, workshops and guidance materials covering topics such as university preparation, study skills, careers and higher education progression. By making these resources publicly available online, we are extending access to educational information and learning opportunities beyond enrolled students, supporting lifelong learning and widening participation in higher education.

Educational Excellence Awards

Queen Mary's annual Education Excellence Awards and President & Principal's Prizes celebrate innovative teaching, student support and educational practice across the University. The awards recognise initiatives that enhance learning, employability, accessibility and student success, including student co-creation, digital learning, AI literacy, placements, inclusive education and interdisciplinary teaching Through recognising and sharing educational excellence, the awards support continuous improvement in teaching and learning across the University.

Vocational training and executive education 

The Centre for Commercial Law Studies (CCLS) delivers a range of Executive Education programmes for legal practitioners, policymakers, government officials and business professionals. Through open, bespoke and module-auditing programmes, participants can update their knowledge and develop specialist expertise in emerging areas of law and regulation. In 2025, offerings included programmes in international investment law and arbitration, sustainable public procurement, trade and sustainable development, and international taxation, supporting continuing professional development and lifelong learning for professionals worldwide.

Help to grow – Management course 

Queen Mary Business School delivers the UK Government-backed Help to Grow: Management programme, a 12-week leadership and management course designed to support SME leaders and business owners. The programme combines training from academics and industry experts with one-to-one mentoring, peer networking and the development of a tailored business growth plan. Topics include strategy and innovation, digital transformation, marketing, finance, operations and leadership. Open to UK businesses with 5–249 employees and funded at 90% by the UK Government, the programme helps participants develop the skills and knowledge needed to grow resilient and sustainable businesses.

Healthcare leadership foundations 

Healthcare Leadership Foundations is a four-week online continuing professional development (CPD) course designed for healthcare professionals, managers and emerging leaders across the public and private healthcare sectors. Run by our Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, those enrolled develop practical leadership skills in areas including self-leadership, change management, conflict resolution, peer coaching and action planning. Participants benefit from flexible online learning, mentorship, networking opportunities and personalised feedback, with the course accredited for up to 16 CPD hours by the Royal College of Surgeons of England and the General Dental Council. In 2025, the course received a GMA Award recognising excellence in STEM education. By supporting the continuing professional development of healthcare staff, the programme contributes to lifelong learning and leadership development within the health sector.

Peer-Led Team Learning

Queen Mary’s Peer-Led Team Learning (PLTL) programme enables students to learn collaboratively through structured sessions led by trained student peers, strengthening subject understanding, confidence and belonging. The programme received a Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence in 2025, recognising its impact on student learning and its contribution to an inclusive, student-centred learning environment.

Learner Interns and student co-creation

The Learner Interns Programme enables students to work alongside staff as co-researchers and co-creators of education. In 2024/25, learner interns co-created a research project engaging more than 115 students.

Higher Education Achievement Report

Queen Mary’s Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR) recognises students’ achievements beyond their academic degree, providing a formal record of eligible extracurricular activities alongside academic results. By recognising activities such as volunteering, leadership and wider university participation, HEAR helps students evidence the broader skills and experiences developed during their time at Queen Mary.

London City Institute of Technology

London City Institute of Technology, a partnership between Queen Mary University and Newham College, helps create alternative pathways into higher technical education, apprenticeships and skilled employment. The partnership supports learners to develop industry-relevant skills in areas including engineering, digital technologies and construction, strengthening progression into technical careers.