About Manchester Metropolitan University:

Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) is one of the UK’s largest higher education institutions, recognised for its innovative approach to teaching and its leading role in Degree Apprenticeships.

With over 38,000 students and deep links with industry, MMU is committed to making education accessible, practical, and high impact. Their Degree Apprenticeship programme is built to equip learners with real-world skills, while supporting employers with top-tier workforce development.

To deliver on their commitment the university invests in technology that enables flexible, responsive, and effective learning ­­– and partners with providers who share that same vision.

Modernising Apprenticeship Learning Through Smarter Systems and a Stronger Partnership

When the team at MMU reviewed their Degree Apprenticeship systems, it was clear that things needed to change.

Disconnected logins, inconsistent data, and fragmented learner records were leading to inefficiencies across the board. Learners struggled to engage with outdated or clunky systems, and the team spent valuable time managing avoidable admin issues.

“We were juggling too many tools. Our previous systems were creating friction, not just for learners, but for the staff trying to support them,” says Irfan Mulla, E-Learning Manager for Degree Apprenticeships.

 

Assessment & Learning, ePortfolio & Learner Management: A Strategic Shift

MMU made the decision to move to Assessment & Learning, ePortfolio & Learner Management System from OneAdvanced, three connected platforms that brought structure, clarity, and accessibility to their apprenticeship delivery.

Assessment & Learning enabled deeper learner management and compliance oversight, helping the team streamline audits, manage data effectively, and meet their regulatory obligations with confidence.

ePortfolio offered a unified, intuitive way for apprentices, assessors, and employers to track learning progress in one central place.

Learner Management System, empowers institutions like MMU to manage the full learner journey, from application to progression. It streamlines admin, supports compliance, and gives staff the insight they need to deliver a smoother, more responsive student experience.

“One of our key goals was to create a joined-up experience, for both learners and staff. With Assessment & Learning, ePortfolio and Learner Management System, we’ve now got that,” says Irfan.

The combination of these platforms brought everything together, from enrolment to completion, allowing for more strategic use of time and resources.

A Partnership That Works

The technology itself made a big difference, but it was the relationship with OneAdvanced that turned this into a true success story.

“We’ve built fantastic relationships with the OneAdvanced team, Ryan on Assessment & Learning, Mark on ePortfolio, and Kieran as our account manager. They’ve really listened, responded quickly, and involved us in shaping what’s next,” Irfan explains.

That involvement has been hands-on. MMU has played a key role in shaping the combined user experience (UX) journey, ensuring the future design of OneAdvanced’s platforms meets the day-to-day needs of modern education providers.

“We’re not just end users, we’re collaborators. It’s clear OneAdvanced wants to build solutions that actually work for education providers. That’s a big reason we’ve stuck with them.”

 

Real Results, Lasting Impact

The shift to OneAdvanced’s portfolio of products, has delivered tangible results for MMU’s Degree Apprenticeship team:

• Improved learner experience – With intuitive tools and clear progress tracking
• Reduced admin – Automated processes and fewer workarounds
• Better data visibility – Supporting compliance, audits, and strategic planning
• Stronger engagement – Across learners, staff, and employers
• Scalable infrastructure – Ready for growth and innovation

“The time we’ve saved, the clarity we’ve gained, and the smoother experience we’re delivering, it all adds up to a better apprenticeship programme,” Irfan says.

With Single Sign-On now in place as well, learners experience even less friction, and the support team fields far fewer login-related issues.