Power Leadership Skills with Oxford Saïd Business School New Self-Paced Courses on edX

Article6 min read

July 29, 2025

Develop future-ready leaders with self-paced courses from Saïd Business School, University of Oxford. Now available in the edX Enterprise subscription.

Bring Oxford-Caliber Learning Into Your Organization

According to the World Economic Forum’s 2025 Future of Jobs report, leadership skills rank among the top core competencies employers are seeking, alongside essential soft skills like analytical thinking, resilience, flexibility, and agility. These qualities are vital for both emerging graduates entering the workforce and experienced professionals navigating today’s complex business environment. Whether your focus is closing leadership pipeline gaps or preparing students for real-world success, one thing is clear: today’s workplace demands more than just online learning content. It requires trusted, expert-led learning that equips professionals to lead with agility, solve complex challenges, and drive long-term career growth and business success.

That’s why Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, has reimagined some of its most impactful Executive Education modules into self-paced online courses which are now available through the edX Enterprise subscription. This launch is part of an expanded partnership between Oxford and 2U. Read more in the official press release.

Learn from Oxford’s Business Experts

These are not generic business courses. Each self-paced module is built in collaboration with Oxford Saïd Business School, drawing directly from their world-class Executive Education portfolio. Designed and taught by Oxford faculty and expert practitioners, the courses offer academically grounded, real-world instruction in high-demand topics across business, management, economics, and finance.

Caroline Williams, Executive Director of Oxford Saïd Online commented “We’ve built learning experiences rooted in the world-class expertise of our faculty and shaped by the real demands professionals face today. From core skills to executive insight, we’re opening Oxford’s doors to learners worldwide, flexibly, accessibly, and on their terms.”

Structured as introductory, standalone learning experiences, each course includes a minimum of six hours of content and is fully online and self-paced. Ideal for busy professionals and learners on the go. 

Through graded assessments and verified certificates; learners gain more than just knowledge; they build meaningful credentials that support career mobility and professional growth. For organizations and institutions, it’s a low-barrier, high-value way to offer Oxford-caliber learning at scale, with the flexibility to grow into deeper learning pathways over time.


Courses Oxford Saïd Business School Now Available in the edX Enterprise Subscription Catalog

A total of 16 open courses on leadership, finance, strategy, sustainability, innovation, venture finance, and entrepreneurship will be launching over the coming months. The first 6 are now available to explore:

  • Private Markets Foundations: Gain expertise in private markets by mastering buying, selling, and managing assets and understanding key industry characteristics.
  • Leadership Development: Elevate leadership skills with a focus on motivation, adaptability, diversity and influence to drive team success and long-term impact.
  • Corporate Sustainability Foundations: Drive sustainable value creation by balancing shareholder value and stakeholder engagement, embedding corporate sustainability into profit and purpose.
  • Strategy Foundations – A Broader View: Craft a robust organisational strategy by aligning partnerships, processes and key players, ensuring clarity of vision in a complex business landscape. 
  • Essentials of Leading Strategic Projects: Enhance project leadership in VUCA environments, turning project risks into strategic opportunities and leading initiatives with confidence and agility.
  • Marketing Psychology: How We Decide: Explore marketing psychology and consumer behaviour to master decision-making in marketing, uncovering cognitive biases and psychological drivers behind buying choices.

Why It Matters For Businesses

  • Leadership gaps are growing and skill demands are shifting fast: Across industries, companies are struggling to keep pace as the need for strategic thinking and leadership outpaces existing capabilities. Oxford’s courses help teams build the real-world skills required to lead through change and drive business growth.
  • Not all content libraries deliver value. This one does: Many L&D teams have invested in platforms that looked promising, only to see low engagement and little impact. Oxford’s reputation commands attention, and its academically rigorous content keeps learners coming back with insights that apply directly to the work.
  • Deployment needs to be seamless, not another headache: In a world of complex systems and stretched teams, ease of access matters. Companies need learning solutions that are easy to roll out and prove their value quickly. These Oxford courses are included in the edX Enterprise subscription that can seamlessly integrate into your LMS or accessed directly with licenses. 
  • Flexibility that powers upskilling at scale: Modern workforces are distributed, busy, and diverse. Oxford’s self-paced format allows organizations to roll out learning across teams, geographies, and job levels without sacrificing depth, quality, or impact.

Ready to bring Oxford-caliber learning to your teams? Get in touch to learn how these self-paced leadership and strategy courses can help meet your organization’s goals.

Why It Matters For Higher Education

  • Support Student Employability with Recognized Credentials: Institutions are under growing pressure to demonstrate workforce outcomes. Oxford’s leadership and business courses help students build practical, in-demand skills and earn a verified certificate from the world’s #1 university. It’s a powerful way to boost graduate confidence and career prospects.
  • Enhance Business School Curriculum Without Adding Workload: Business schools need future-focused learning that’s global, practical, and easy to integrate. These self-paced Oxford courses complement existing programs with real-world case studies, strategic insight, and flexible delivery without requiring faculty to develop new content from scratch.
  • Stand Out in a Competitive Education Market: Oxford’s globally respected brand doesn’t just add academic value it strengthens recruitment, retention, and reputation. Offering these courses signals quality and prestige, while verified certificates offer students a tangible return on their education investment.
  • Seamless, Scalable Access for Your Institution: Already included in the edX Enterprise subscription, these courses offer a plug-and-play solution. Institutions can provide top-tier instruction at scale without added administrative overhead or custom integrations.

Want to offer Oxford learning on your campus? Contact us to learn how Oxford’s self-paced leadership and business courses can support student employability, enrich your curriculum, and deliver globally recognized credentials at scale.

Ready to Upskill Your Teams with Oxford-Caliber Learning?

Scalable, Subscription-Based Access via edX Enterprise

Oxford’s new collection of self-paced leadership and strategy courses is now fully integrated into the edX Enterprise subscription alongside 2,300+ offerings from world-class institutions like MIT, Harvard, IBM, and Google. Whether you’re enabling 50 team leads or thousands of students and professionals across regions, this content is built to scale and bring lasting impact to your organization.

Let’s start the conversation. Fill out the contact form and a team member will be in contact with you. 

Related Resources

AI Upskilling for Leaders – Drive Responsible AI Innovation with New ExecEd Programs on edX

Article5 min read

July 24, 2025

Is your organization ready to harness AI’s full potential? Discover how new executive education programs from Saïd Business School, University of Oxford and the London School of Economics and Political Sciences can equip your leaders to develop effective AI strategies, adapt business models, and respond to changes in AI policy, ensuring your company keeps pace with innovation.

Leaders’ lack of upskilling may be slowing down AI transformation

Are your leaders lagging in the AI race? A 2025 McKinsey report shows that C-Suite executives are more inclined to identify employee readiness as an obstacle to AI adoption than their own leadership alignment. This is despite the fact that employees are currently using generative AI at three times the rate leaders expect. C-suite leaders must prepare their organizations and employees for the impending impact of AI on their business, and also anticipate changes to their own roles. edX research shows CEOs express greater apprehension about integrating AI into their roles and are more concerned about falling behind than their employees.

Source: 2024 edX AI Report – Harnessing AI for a Sustainable Future

This gap between employee adoption and leadership strategy is further highlighted by the fact that while employees are readily embracing AI, they also express concerns about its impact on their roles.  A recent edX survey found that nearly half of current workers believe that advancements in AI will impact their immediate career goals – and 62% are upskilling or reskilling in response. 

Leaders are responsible for driving AI transformation. If leaders don’t recognize the role they play in ensuring strategic alignment around AI adoption, and don’t increase their own AI capabilities – they could put their organizations at risk. 

Imagine a financial services company where the CEO viewed AI only as a tool, not a strategic priority. When the CTO proposed pilot projects for AI integration – they were rejected or stalled due to budget cuts, perceived risk and a lack of understanding from the C-Suite. Given the pace of AI innovation in the industry, in a short period of time, the company starts to fall behind – losing its competitive edge, delivering a subpar client experience and ultimately losing talent due to frustration from forward-thinking employees. The company could have turned this around by creating a unified, forward-looking AI strategy for their company.

Industries leading the way in AI Upskilling for Leaders

Leaders must champion high-quality, credible AI upskilling for their employees and lead by example through their own continuous learning. Enrollment data from edX Executive Education programs, including both company-sponsored and self-funded learners, reveals key learning trends among leaders. The ranking below shows the top industries by enrollment within the AI vertical, highlighting the leading sectors for AI upskilling1:

  1. Financial Services
  2. Health Care Or Biotech
  3. Information Technology Or Services
  4. Consulting
  5. Education
  6. Engineering Or Construction
  7. Energy Or Mining
  8. Public Sector
  9. Manufacturing
  10. Advertising, Media, Or Communications

 12U internal data. (2025). 2U, LLC. Retrieved July 2025

Leaders are committed to their own AI development. To support this, learning and development managers can offer tailored programs and resources designed to meet leaders’ specific AI upskilling requirements and strategic goals.

New Executive Education Programs in AI Innovation and AI Policy from Saïd Business School, University of Oxford and the London School of Economics and Political Sciences

The new programs are designed for leaders who need to balance speed, innovation and risk — in a time when companies are facing fast-paced AI advancements, changes in the regulatory environment and pressure to remain competitive. The Oxford AI-Driven Business Transformation Executive Programme is one of edX’s most comprehensive AI programs for leaders. The program serves as a learning pathway which combines content from three leading Oxford programs in Artificial Intelligence, Strategic Innovation and Executive Strategy. Over the course of 5 months, leaders from diverse industries will engage in an in-depth learning journey, participating in live sessions with faculty and a cohort of peers. Leaders walk away with a playbook to immediately implement what they learn in their organizations. 

The LSE AI: Law, Policy and Governance course focuses on current regulatory changes in Europe, with direct coverage of the new AI Act. This 6-week course will be highly relevant to companies operating or doing business in Europe, but also takes a global perspective, comparing national approaches to AI regulation in the UK, US and China. As employees look to their companies to balance speed, innovation and risk – the course offers timely and critical lessons to prepare leaders for the future.

In addition to the two new featured programs, edX offers an extensive portfolio of leadership, AI and digital transformation programs, including:

Why it Matters for Learning and Development:

The programs are the perfect fit with high-priority initiatives aimed at senior leaders and managers in the leadership pipeline. The programs can support organization’s learning and development goals through: 

  • Increased ROI on training: The cohort-based programs yield higher completion rates, and offer playbooks and frameworks for application in the context of your organization.
  • Improved talent retention: The programs offer an opportunity to invest in innovative and forward-thinking leaders, motivating them to build towards your companies’ most ambitious goals. 
  • Reduced business risk: L&D managers can mitigate business risk by offering high-quality, credible learning opportunities from trusted institutions and experts. This empowers leaders to make well-informed decisions.

Ready to develop confident, AI-savvy leaders?

Contact us today for a tailored consultation on how these programs can fast-track your organization’s AI readiness.

Related Resources

Net Positive: Thriving in a Resource-Constrained World

Article6 min read

Anna Lungley, Head of Sustainability Consulting, Fujitsu

June 19, 2025

For years, businesses have strived for sustainability, aiming to minimise their environmental impact. But what if we could go further? What if companies could contribute more to the planet and society than they take? This is the core concept behind the growing movement towards “Net Positive”.   

Net Positive goes far beyond compliance. It’s about actively creating positive impacts that enhance long-term sustainability and contribute meaningfully to societal and environmental well-being, exceeding the negative impacts of business operations. This approach drives cost transformation, strengthens supply chains, builds brand and reputation, and drives innovation. As Paul Polman, former CEO of Unilever, and author of Net Positive, states: “It’s the most compelling case in existence for why business and government should tackle climate change and widening inequality.”

But how do organisations know where to start, and what actions to take? That’s the driver behind Fujitsu’s innovative collaboration with Economist Impact to develop the Advancing Net Positive Agenda, including the Net Positive Index (NPI). 

What is Fujitsu’s Net Positive Index?

Fujitsu’s Net Positive Index is a comprehensive tool designed to quantify an organisation’s overall impact. It goes beyond traditional Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) metrics by focusing on the net effect – the balance between positive contributions and negative impacts. The index considers a wide range of factors, including:

  • Environmental Stewardship: Reducing carbon emissions, conserving resources, promoting biodiversity, and minimising waste.
  • Social Impact: Promoting fair labour practices, investing in communities, ensuring ethical sourcing, and fostering diversity and inclusion.
  • Economic Value Creation: Driving innovation, creating jobs, supporting local economies, and ensuring responsible financial management.

By assigning quantifiable values to these factors, the index provides a clear and actionable roadmap for organisations to improve their overall Net Positive score.

Data and Evidence: The Power of Positive Impact

The shift towards Net Positive isn’t just about altruism; it’s a smart business strategy. Studies have shown a strong correlation between sustainability performance and financial success. Companies with robust environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices often outperform their peers in terms of profitability, innovation, and risk management.

For example, a 2020 study by McKinsey found that companies with high ESG scores had a 10% higher valuation multiple than companies with low ESG scores. This highlights the growing investor demand for sustainable businesses. And consumers are increasingly choosing brands that align with their values, driving demand for products and services that contribute to a positive impact.

Case Studies: Net Positive in Action

Leading organisations are already embracing the Net Positive approach. Interface, a global flooring manufacturer, has been a pioneer in this space, striving to create a restorative enterprise that leaves a positive footprint on the planet. Through initiatives like closed-loop manufacturing and carbon-negative products, Interface is demonstrating the potential for businesses to actively regenerate ecosystems.

Another example is Patagonia, a clothing company known for its commitment to environmental activism. Patagonia’s Worn Wear programme encourages customers to repair and recycle their clothing, reducing waste and extending the lifespan of their products. These examples illustrate how businesses can integrate Net Positive principles into their core operations and create a positive impact across their value chains.

These examples demonstrate that Net Positive is not just a theoretical concept; it’s a practical approach that can be implemented across various industries.


Course Spotlight

CISL: Business and Climate Change: Towards Net Zero Emissions

The Business and Climate Change: Towards Net Zero Emissions online short course from the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) provides a comprehensive understanding of how to mitigate the business risks of climate change and oversee a transition to net zero emissions for long-term resilience and overall value. Learner will gain insights into the organisational risks and opportunities posed by climate change, and learn to lead a transition to net zero emissions and rewire your business model for long-term value and resilience


Recommendations for Accelerating Your Net Positive Journey

For organisations looking to embrace the approach, here are some recommendations:

  1. Assess Your Current Impact: Use tools like Fujitsu’s NPI to understand your current environmental, social, and economic footprint.
  2. Set Ambitious Goals: Define clear and measurable Net Positive targets that align with your business strategy.
  3. Integrate Sustainability into Your Core Operations: Embed sustainability principles into all aspects of your business, from product design to supply chain management.
  4. Adopt advanced technologies for sustainability: Explore technologies that improve decision-making, optimise supply chains and drive greater efficiency. Implement guidelines for its ethical use.
  5. Build a future-ready workforce: Ensure sustainability responsibilities and opportunities are accessible across your organisation and supply chain while developing a workforce with the skills prepared for evolving challenges.
  6. Transparency and Reporting: Publicly report your progress towards your Net Positive goals to build trust and accountability.

Building the Skills for a Net Positive Future

To accelerate progress towards Net Positive goals, organisations must invest not only in strategy and tools, but in people. During the recent AI for Good: How Businesses Utilise AI for Sustainability webinar, fellow sustainability leaders to explored this critical link. It was highlighted how addressing sustainability challenges requires both technical skills such as data analysis and AI fluency, as well as soft skills such as systems thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving. Empowering employees through targeted upskilling ensures sustainability isn’t siloed, but embedded across all business functions. 

An example of this in action is Hydro, one of the world’s largest aluminium companies, which has embedded sustainability into its workforce development strategy. “Driving sustainability by becoming a net‑zero company, protecting biodiversity, and reducing our environmental footprint are key strategic ambitions for us,” says Jeanine Lerdahl, Global Lead Learning at Norsk Hydro. In partnership with edX, Hydro launched a global learning initiative that upskills thousands of employees on key sustainability topics, thereby enabling them to drive innovation, cut emissions, and contribute to long‑term environmental goals. This investment in people ensures sustainability is not just a top‑down mandate, but a shared responsibility across the organisation Read more ›

Conclusion

The journey towards Net Positive is a challenging but rewarding one. By embracing this approach, organisations can not only mitigate their environmental and social risks but also unlock new opportunities for innovation, growth, and long-term success. Fujitsu’s Net Positive Index provides a valuable framework for navigating this journey and building a more sustainable future for all.

Take the first step toward positive impact.

Connect with our team to learn how edX can help your organisation upskill for sustainability and long-term success. Contact us to start the conversation..


Related Resources

How Credit-Bearing Micro-credentials Are Reshaping University Learning

Article7 min read

May 29, 2025

The traditional university degree is evolving—and academic institutions around the world are rethinking how they deliver high-quality, accessible education at scale in a rapidly changing landscape. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report, 60% of workers will require retraining by 2027. In response, micro-credentials are playing a central role in this shift, emerging as a vital tool to bridge the skills gap. As a result, we’re seeing micro-credentials reshaping universities learning by enabling flexible, stackable learning pathways that support both learner outcomes and institutional goals.

While the term micro-credential often brings to mind standalone short courses or up-skilling programs, a growing category of credit-bearing micro-credentials is designed with academic rigor and recognition in mind. These programs, like the MicroMasters® and MicroBachelors® on edX, are offering universities new ways to expand curriculum, attract learners, and deliver measurable impact on student outcomes.

edX MicroMasters website

How micro-credentials are reshaping universities

Micro-credentials are compact, skills-focused learning experiences—typically delivered online—that target specific areas of knowledge or capability. As Times Higher Education describes, they are “bite-sized learning… designed to focus on specific skills or knowledge in a flexible way.”

For universities, micro-credentials offer more than just flexibility. They are emerging as strategic building blocks that can complement or even stack into full academic programs. When thoughtfully integrated, they support both institutional goals and learner needs—especially when they’re eligible for university credit.

Why Institutions Are Embracing Micro-credentials for Credit

As the demand for flexible learning pathways, affordable programs, and career-aligned education continues to rise, micro-credentials present a timely opportunity for university curriculum innovation. Institutions are embedding credit-bearing micro-credentials into academic pathways to serve a more diverse learner base—working professionals, adult learners, and international students—without compromising academic standards.

By integrating programs into degrees, universities can:

  • Expand access to high-quality content from top-tier institutions 
  • Offer learners stackable credentials that contribute toward a degree
  • Respond more quickly to labor market needs without launching new full degree programs

These programs enable institutions to support online university credit pathways while giving learners the flexibility to begin their education remotely and progress toward full qualifications.

How Universities Are Innovating with Credit-Eligible Micro-credentials

Transforming Student Employability: UTAR’s Credit-Eligible Micro-credential Strategy

Globally, universities have already leveraged micro-credentials to expand access and enhance lifelong learning. For example, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) aimed to increase self-directed study opportunities for their students and strengthen lifelong learning skills—key pillars of their innovation strategy. Recognizing rising employer expectations and industry shifts, UTAR partnered with edX to integrate online learning into credit-bearing elective modules across the university. These courses, focused on technology, entrepreneurship, and soft skills, were curated as compulsory courses for students. Faculty also participated in the courses, reinforcing a culture of continuous learning.

This partnership helped UTAR differentiate its student offerings and improve employability. As MK Khaw, Deputy Head of the Centre for Curriculum Development & Innovation, noted, “We know industry is increasingly concerned with soft skills and demonstrable willingness to learn — edX directly supports this. Moreover, lecturers have the opportunity to learn from world-class MOOCs and professionally develop.

Unlocking Potential Across India with edX Enterprise Subscription Learning Solution

The Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE) in India sought to boost employability and expand access to quality education across 36 universities and 900+ colleges. To equip students with in-demand skills in AI, data science, and digital technologies, APSCHE partnered with edX to offer free access to over 2,000 online courses from top institutions including MIT, Harvard, and Google. With support from more than 5,000 qualified mentors, students received real-time guidance while completing courses leading to verified certificates.

Within months, over 590,000 students enrolled and completed 318,000+ courses, logging more than 1 million learning hours. The most popular certificates aligned with job market demand: computer science, data analysis, business, and communication skills. This initiative not only bridged educational gaps but also provided the government with real-time insights into emerging skills trends.

These examples showcase how institutions have successfully embedded credit-eligible micro-credentials to:

  • Test new content at scale before full program development
  • Reach a more diverse group of learners worldwide seeking academic recognition
  • Build agile, modular curricula responsive to workforce needs

Through edX, universities can access a growing catalog of MicroMasters® and MicroBachelors® programs, already aligned with credit-bearing pathways at graduate and undergraduate levels. Covering fields such as data science, business management, finance, and computer science, these offerings enable institutions to deliver flexible, stackable learning that supports both academic rigor and career relevance.


Course Spotlight: edX’s Most Popular Credit-Bearing Micro-credentials

As part of your strategy to enhance access and credential value, consider featuring top-performing edX programs that align with in-demand skills and credit pathways. Here are just a few that institutions frequently incorporate into their offerings:

MicroMasters®:

  • MIT MicroMasters in Supply Chain Management: Gain expertise in the growing field of Supply Chain Management through an innovative online program consisting of five courses and a final capstone exam. The MicroMasters Program in Supply Chain from MITx is an advanced, professional, graduate-level foundation in Supply Chain Management. It represents the equivalent of one semester’s worth of coursework at MIT.

  • RIT MicroMasters in Cybersecurity: In this Cybersecurity MicroMasters program, students will gain the essential knowledge and expertise in network security and forensics needed for cybersecurity in enterprise environments.

  • UC San Diego MicroMasters in Data Science: In this MicroMasters program, students will develop a well-rounded understanding of the mathematical and computational tools that form the basis of data science and how to use those tools to make data-driven business recommendations.

MicroBachelors®:

  • Harvard University MicroBachelors® Program in University Chemistry: Students will learn the foundations of chemistry in HarvardX’s University Chemistry MicroBachelors Program. Taught by Harvard University Professor James Anderson, learners in this MicroBachelors program are given a robust understanding of chemistry, atomic structure, the principles of energy, thermodynamics, and electrochemistry. Each course builds on prior coursework, applying concepts and analysis to real-world case studies and from students daily lives.

  • IBM MicroBachelors® in Full Stack Application Development: Job-ready full stack development skills in just 6-8 months, plus college credits, valuable hands-on experience, a capstone project, and an industry-recognized certificate employers value. No prior programming or cloud experience required. 

These programs are just a few examples of micro-credentials designed with academic credit in mind and offer learners a direct, recognized path into full degree programs—either at the offering institution or one of edX’s university partners.


The Path Forward: A Strategic Shift for Higher Education

As the line between academic education and professional development continues to blur, micro-credentials provide a much-needed bridge. They allow universities to meet learners where they are—whether they’re seeking a full degree or building specific skills for career advancement—and give institutions the tools to respond with agility and academic quality.

For academic leaders, the question isn’t if you should integrate micro-credentials, but how. With the right partners, content, and credit frameworks, these programs can become a powerful extension of your university’s mission to educate, empower, and innovate

Explore how edX for Campus can support your institution in embedding flexible, credit-eligible micro-credentials into your curriculum.

Learn more about edX For Campus

Related Resources

Related Topics:

edX Enterprise recognized by Fosway as a Core Challenger in the digital learning landscape

Article6 min read

April 28, 2025

edX was recently named a Core Challenger in the Fosway 9-Grid™ for digital learning by the Fosway Group, Europe’s leading HR industry analyst. The Core Challenger designation signals a robust core suite, a strong reputation for customer advocacy, and strong regional performance. Reinette McLean, Senior Director of Strategy and Product Marketing for edX Enterprise, spoke with us about what this distinction means for the company, the value of cohort-based learning, and more.  

Core challenger badge


Can you explain the importance of edX being identified as a ‘Core Challenger’ in Fosway Group’s latest 9-Grid™ report?

Being recognized as a Core Challenger by Fosway reflects our robust position in the digital learning landscape, particularly due to our diverse catalog of credential-granting programs. 

This recognition really highlights the strength of our offerings — specifically, our ability to deliver both cohort-based and self-paced learning experiences that resonate with the needs of today’s workforce. Being named a Core Challenger not only validates our current strategy but also positions us well for future growth.

The modern workplace is evolving rapidly. How does edX help companies and employees adapt to these changes?

In a world of constant change, organizations are only as adaptable as their people — and the skills they bring. Today, nearly half of learning and talent development professionals report a skills crisis, with 49% saying, “My executives are concerned that employees do not have the right skills to execute our business strategy.”

Employees feel this gap too. But what motivates them to learn isn’t just skill-building — it’s career progress. When employees don’t see a path forward, they disengage or leave, taking their skills elsewhere.

That’s where edX comes in. We bridge the gap between the skills businesses need to stay competitive and the skills employees need to grow in their careers. Millions of working professionals around the world use our platform to advance their careers through our credentialed, career-relevant programs — from technical skills to leadership training — all designed to align personal growth with business needs.

This powerful link between learning and career development is what drives adaptability and ensures that when employees see progress, companies see results. 

How does edX’s approach to credentialed learning programs balance the needs of both businesses and their employees?

The first rule of L&D: align with business strategy and needs! So the skills needed by the business are going to guide the organization’s learning and content strategy. The challenge, though, is that it’s equally important that initiatives support employees’ aspirations and needs. edX aims to serve both the business and the learner by providing deeper, more intentional learning that awards learners with certificates validating their newly gained skills from some of the most notable institutions. Plenty of other generic, short-form content libraries provide materials that might check the boxes. But the question is: do employees actually gain skills and confidence in their new knowledge after they’ve gone through those courses and collected badges?  

We believe we’ve struck the right balance here: We’re helping businesses meet their needs with the right content and, at the same time, providing learners with deeper, more intentional learning experiences. Those experiences give learners the chance to validate their new skills by earning credentials from some of the most notable institutions on the planet. It’s a win-win scenario for employers and employees alike.

Can you share an example that illustrates how edX’s solutions have made a positive impact within a company?

A great example is our collaboration with Infineon Technologies and the Technical University of Munich. By aligning our learning solutions with Infineon’s critical business needs — specifically, in high-stakes manufacturing environments — we’ve been able to provide targeted education that supports both operational excellence and employee career growth. The Lean Six Sigma certification, for example, not only maintains high-quality standards but also equips employees with credentials that have long-term career value. 

Can you talk about why cohort-based learning is so important to both learners and companies?

Cohort-based learning is more than just delivering content; it’s about creating rich, interactive learning experiences that drive real engagement. They’re learning from subject matter experts and faculty, alongside other professionals in their field. Students aren’t just watching videos; they’re actively engaging in class discussions, participating in Q&As during live sessions, and getting personalized feedback from instructors. That way, we’re not just facilitating information transfer; we’re facilitating actual growth. And this makes for a better experience for everyone involved. 

Our person-centered approach is especially vital in the age of AI. While AI-driven content creation has its place, going from knowledge to capabilities happens when we engage with experts, collaborate with professionals from diverse industries, and apply knowledge to real-world business contexts. It’s in these human interactions—discussions that connect theory to practice, mentorship that shapes future leaders, and perspectives that challenge our thinking—that the most valuable insights and learning occur. That’s why we believe meaningful, people-centered learning isn’t just relevant—it’s more valuable than ever.

Is there an example that comes to mind when you think about how edX is facilitating  growth?

A great example is Hydro’s use of edX’s Oxford Leading Sustainable Corporations Programme. This initiative was specifically designed to align with the busy work schedules of employees by extending it from 6 to 12 weeks, to ensure deep immersion and skill acquisition, and to align with Hydro’s strategic sustainability goals.

The program curriculum is designed to take an executive-level perspective on business sustainability. Students learned how to integrate environmental, social, and corporate governance factors into their business practices. 

Not only was the student cohort enthusiastic about the initiative, but this program also tied into multiple pillars and goals the company had set toward sustainability and access to quality education. All of this goes to show that when classes are designed with both learners and company objectives in mind, everyone wins. 

How can companies integrate edX’s solutions into their learning strategies?

We love having these conversations with companies who are looking to adapt their learning strategies. We specialize in learning solutions that help clients develop their leaders, drive org-wide transformation initiatives at scale, and stay competitive in their industries. By integrating our credentialed courses into their L&D strategies, organizations can address their specific business challenges and support employee development at the same time. This dual benefit is what makes our offerings so unique and so impactful. 

To learn how edX can enhance your learning strategies through accredited courses, reach out to our team.

Related Resources

Related Topics:

Unlock the Future with New Microsoft AI Courses on edX

Article3 min read

March 24, 2025

87% of C-Suite leaders struggle to find talent with AI skills, and 77% say AI is already disrupting their business strategy. As AI continues to reshape industries, professionals at all levels need to understand how to integrate it into their workflows. In response to this need Microsoft is introducing a series of AI courses with edX, designed to build foundational AI literacy and practical skills from business to technical users. The first six Microsoft courses will launch on edX April 8th as part of the 50-day Microsoft AI Skills Fest, and will be available in the edX subscription catalog for enterprise clients.

With Microsoft’s long-standing commitment to innovation and skills development, these courses provide a practical foundation in AI, helping professionals understand its applications and integrate AI-driven solutions into their work.

Here’s a look at the first courses set to go live in April and the key skills they focus on:

1. Microsoft: Use AI For Everyday Tasks

Learning how to use Gen AI for everyday tasks, understand the basics of writing effective prompts and identify useful prompt resources. Business users will be able to use different AI tools to prompt and build on results, as well as understanding how to use AI ethically.

  • Who is this for? Business Professionals
  • Level: Beginner
  • Duration: ~1 hour
  • View course details here

2. Microsoft: Getting Started with AI Agents in GitHub Copilot

GitHub Copilot Agents are custom tools embedded in Copilot Extensions that provide additional functionalities tailored to the end users’ needs. Course attendees will take part in a hands-on exercise to build a Copilot extension for a practical developer workflow.

  • Who is this for? Tech Professionals
  • Level: Beginner
  • Duration: ~1 hour
  • View course details here

3. Microsoft: Prompt Engineering for Microsoft 365 Copilot

Learning how to write effective AI prompts is an emerging skill. This course teaches practical AI productivity strategies to generate meaningful insights, automate tasks, and enhance collaboration.

  • Who is this for? Business professionals, knowledge workers, Microsoft 365 users
  • Level: Beginner
  • Duration: ~2 hours
  • View course details here

4. Microsoft: AI Foundations for Business Leaders

A foundational course explaining AI in business, its real-world applications, and how companies can adopt AI-powered solutions for efficiency and growth.

  • Who is this for? Non-technical professionals, managers, executives
  • Level: Beginner
  • Duration: ~2 hours
  • View course details here

5. Microsoft: AI for Workplace Productivity

AI is increasingly being used to streamline workflows and optimize efficiency. This course highlights practical AI tools that can support better decision-making and automate repetitive tasks.

  • Who is this for? Professionals looking to improve workplace productivity
  • Level: Beginner
  • Duration: ~1 hours

6. Microsoft: Azure AI Fundamentals: Build & Deploy AI

For those looking to deepen their technical understanding, this course provides an introduction to Microsoft Azure’s AI capabilities, guiding learners through building and deploying AI-powered applications.

  • Who is this for? IT professionals, developers, AI enthusiasts
  • Level: Beginner
  • Duration: ~3 hours

More AI Career-Aligned Learning Opportunities Coming Soon

For 50 years, Microsoft has been a leader in technological transformation, and today, AI is the next frontier. Through this collaboration with edX, Microsoft is making AI skills accessible, relevant, and actionable for professionals worldwide. And this is just the beginning—new courses aligned to latest technical careers will continue to roll out, ensuring ongoing learning opportunities for the workforce of tomorrow.

Start building your AI skills today with Microsoft and edX and chat to a Learning Solutions Consultant today.

Related Resources

Related Topics:

Women in Leadership: Executive Education Programs That Drive Impact

Article4 min read

February 25, 2025

The need for strong, diverse leadership has never been more important. As organizations work toward greater gender equity, policies such as the EU gender pay gap directive are reinforcing the importance of investing in women in the workplace. However, true impact goes beyond compliance—it requires a proactive approach to empower women leaders, and equip them with the strategic skills and confidence to lead at the highest levels.

For Learning and Development (L&D) leaders, investing in Executive Education programs designed for women in leadership is a key step toward fostering inclusive, high-performing teams. These programs provide structured learning opportunities that help women navigate leadership challenges, strengthen decision-making capabilities, and build the networks needed to advance.

If your organization is looking to develop the next generation of women leaders, these three world-class programs are designed to help provide the skills and insights needed to drive lasting impact.

Programs To Empower Women Leaders

1. Yale School of Management Executive Education Women’s Leadership Program

Leadership is about more than expertise—it’s about empowering individuals to drive organizational success. This program is designed to help women:

  • Strengthen leadership presence and influence within teams
  • Enhance strategic decision-making in complex business environments
  • Navigate gender dynamics and develop resilience in leadership roles
  • Build networks with peers in similar leadership positions

This program is ideal for organizations looking to support mid to senior-level women leaders in refining their leadership approach and preparing for high-impact roles.

🎥 Watch the program trailer:

This Yale SOM program is delivered in collaboration with GetSmarter, an edX partner.

2. University of Cambridge CISL Women Leading Change: Shaping Our Future

Organizations need leaders who don’t just adapt to change but actively shape it. The University of Cambridge’s Institute for Sustainability Leadership offers this program to help women:

  • Develop adaptive leadership skills to navigate uncertainty and complexity
  • Master negotiation and influence strategies for executive decision-making
  • Build resilience to overcome leadership challenges
  • Drive meaningful transformation through innovation and sustainability

This course is well-suited for organizations aiming to develop women leaders who can lead change initiatives, drive innovation, and create sustainable impact.

🎥 Watch the program trailer:

This Cambridge CISL program is delivered in collaboration with GetSmarter, an edX partner.


3. Oxford Women’s Leadership Development Programme

The University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School provides a transformative program designed to help organizations develop strong women leaders by focusing on:

  • Enhancing self-awareness and leadership style development
  • Building resilience and navigating workplace challenges
  • Strengthening strategic networking and mentorship opportunities
  • Driving organizational change through innovative leadership practices

This program is particularly valuable for companies looking to prepare high-potential women leaders for senior roles and foster an inclusive leadership pipeline.

🎥 Watch the program trailer: 

This Oxford programme is delivered in collaboration with GetSmarter, an edX partner.

Conclusion

Developing strong women leaders isn’t just about individual career growth—it’s about shaping the future of business. When organizations invest in women’s leadership development, they’re not just advancing careers—they’re driving business growth, strengthening their talent pipeline, and fostering diverse decision-making that leads to long-term success.

These programs are just a glimpse into edX’s portfolio of 200+ Executive Education courses, covering leadership, strategy, and business-critical skills for the future of work.

Support your leadership development goals. Explore our full range of Executive Education programs and take the next step in building a more inclusive, high-performing leadership team today.

Explore More Executive Education Programs

Ready to Take Invest in your women leaders?

Not sure where to start or what programs are best for your organization? Chat to a Learning Expert today

Related Resources

Related Topics:

Introducing Groups: A New Way to Empower Admins and Streamline Learner Management

Article2 min read

January 23, 2025

At edX, we’re constantly evolving to make learning and development more efficient for your organization. That’s why we’re excited to launch Groups—a powerful new feature that gives admins more control and flexibility when managing learners.

What are Groups?

Groups is a powerful feature that allows you to create groups of learners from anyone in the organization, regardless of the plan they’re part of—whether it’s Subscriptions or Learner Credit. Groups are also not tied to a specific budget, giving admins the freedom to organize learners in ways that make sense for their organization.

With Groups, admins can:

  • Filter the Learner Progress Report to track performance for specific groups.
  • Streamline bulk course assignments and enrollments (available for Learner Credit budgets).

How It Works

Adding Learners to a Group

Learners can join a group once they become a registered user. A registered user is anyone who:

  • Accepts an invitation to a budget (e.g., Learner Credit, Subscriptions).
  • Is assigned and accepts the invitation to a course by an admin.
  • Creates an account via Universal Link if your organization uses it.

Why You’ll Love Groups

For Admins

Managing learners just got easier. No more juggling spreadsheets or manually tracking progress. With Groups, you can:

  • Bulk assign or enroll courses for Learner Credit budgets.
  • See exactly who’s benefiting from edX with customized reporting filters.
  • Filter Learner Progress Reports to track learner progress in specific groups.
  • Take control of learner management with an organized, all-in-one solution.

For Learners

The Groups feature operates seamlessly in the background. Learners won’t see any changes, but they’ll benefit from the improved organization that helps admins optimize their learning journey.

Who Can Use Groups?

Everyone! While bulk enroll & assign is exclusive to Learner Credit budgets, all admins can create groups and use them to filter the Learner Progress Report.

What’s Coming Next?

Up next is the Learner Profile—a dynamic tool that will allow admins to view a learner’s budgets, groups, and enrolled courses all in one place.

Ready to Take Control of Learner Management?

With Groups, you’ll gain the flexibility and insights you need to help your teams thrive. Start organizing your learners today! Chat to a consultant today

Related Resources

Related Topics:

edX Launches AI Course Translations

Article3 min read

December 17, 2024

We are excited to bring to you the latest edX feature aimed at improving learner experience and expanding access – AI course translations. 90% of the edX Subscription Catalog is now available in Spanish and Arabic to all verified learners, including MIT and Harvard courses. Google Cloud API Technology was selected to offer dynamic translations, providing a high quality experience for learners at 85%-90% satisfaction with the translated content. 

How do Xpert AI Course Translations benefit our learners?

They make edX courses accessible to millions of learners globally that could not access it before, especially opening up the Latin America, MENA and Africa regions. 

How do Xpert AI Course Translations benefit our clients?

They open learning on edX to your international employee base, expanding reach, and improving engagement for existing learners where English is not their first language. Arabic and Spanish were selected as priority languages for translations, as they cover a lot of our existing client base and regions that have shown significant interest in learning on edX. Finally, translating our catalog into widely spoken languages helps us better support our edX For Campus and edX For Government clients, who are often serving diverse learner groups globally. 

What exactly are we translating? 

Video subtitles, transcripts, unit page text and assessments. Effectively, the entire course. This means that learners who don’t speak English could take the course in their preferred language from start to finish. 

Which languages are available?

We started with Spanish and Arabic. We are currently reviewing which languages to bring in next.

Which partners are included? 

The vast majority! Including our most in-demand content providers like MIT, Harvard, Stanford, IBM and Cambridge. We plan to have a hundred percent of the edX course library translated in early 2025.

Who will this feature be available to? 

To all edX clients and all verified edX learners. Translations can be easily turned on within the course, using the Translate button. A drop-down of language options appears, learners select their preferred language, and within seconds all course content is dynamically translated. They can change the language as they go if they need to. 

AI course translations example

What’s next? 

We are planning on rolling out more languages in early 2025 covering all courses in the edX Subscription Catalog. We are looking at Portuguese, French and Indonesian, and more. Stay tuned.

Do you need certain courses translated into a language not currently available? Get in contact and we can discuss your options including translations across 130+ languages for your required content.

Related Resources

Related Topics:

edX launches Videos in the Self-Paced Course Library

Article2 min read

December 17, 2024

In the world of corporate learning, more content doesn’t mean better results. Massive libraries can overwhelm learners and leave Learning and Development (L&D) leaders struggling to identify resources that truly drive skill-building and career growth. At edX, we believe the key to impactful learning is relevance and quality, not just quantity. 

That is why edX is thrilled to announce the launch of Videos in the Self-Paced Course Library —a carefully curated collection of short-format videos that make it easier for organizations to connect employees with focused, high-quality learning. These videos are designed to do more than just deliver knowledge quickly; they serve as stepping stones to comprehensive, credentialed courses, helping learners build meaningful skills and achieve professional milestones.

Videos example

The edX Difference: Curating for Quality

Unlike platforms that rely on volume, edX uses a rigorous selection to ensure only the best content is included. Each video is selected from popular, highly-rated courses offered by top global institutions like Google, IBM, AdelaideX, IIMBx and DelftX, covering in-demand topics like business management, data analysis, and communication.  These videos serve as previews of the learning experience, giving learners the confidence to complete full courses and earn a certificate. 

Why It Matters for L&D

Videos makes it easy for organizations to:

  • Upskill Quickly: Provide learners with bite-sized, actionable insights.
  • Increase Engagement: Align learning with employee preferences for short-form content.
  • Guide Deeper Learning: Videos are a stepping stone to comprehensive courses where learners can earn credentials from leading institutions.

How can customers access videos?

Videos are a part of the edX course library subscription plan. Customers who have access to the course library can explore Videos today. 

Find Videos in the Self-Paced Course Library

Ready to transform your L&D strategy? Explore edX Courses.

Related Resources

Related Topics: