UY PROC 1240 - YORK ONLINE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

Procurement reference

UY PROC 1240

Procurement description

The University of York, a world‑ranked Russell Group institution, is seeking a high‑calibre strategic partner to accelerate the growth and global reach of its York Online portfolio. With a mature and successful postgraduate online degree presence, the University is now entering the next phase of its online strategy, with plans to expand its current degree portfolio and develop new offerings in short courses, stackables and micro-credentials.

The University of York's contract with its current partner for online programme management is due to expire in March 2027 and we are carrying out a procurement process to appoint a partner to support the next phase of our ambitious plans.

We are seeking an OfS registered (or in the process of OfS registration), innovative partner with a proven track record of delivering high-impact, data-driven marketing, lead generation and student recruitment at a global level across a diverse portfolio of degrees, micro‑credentials and short-courses.

Our future partner will excel in market insight, conversion management, the delivery of a seamless, high‑quality digital experience from a UK base for learner recruitment, as well as having capabilities in B2B sales and recruitment providing an authentic University of York experience. The University of York will remain the lead for all current academic pedagogy, teaching, and for the long‑term student success and pastoral journey.

Following an initial phase of transition for our existing online programmes, we will be looking to take forward new developments including but not necessarily limited to:

New and/or revised online Masters degrees

University- or partner-developed short courses, with credit-bearing options, that may provide pathways to degrees

'Stackable' short courses and awards

Innovative use of AI to support programme development and delivery (content, assessment and feedback) and to enhance the student experience and progression.

Initial contract estimated to be June 2026 to June 2031, with potential to renew for a further 5 or 10 years to June 2036 or 2041

Main category

Services

Delivery regions

• UK - United Kingdom

Contract dates (estimated)

30 June 2026, 00:00AM to 30 June 2031, 23:59PM

Extension end date (if all the extensions are used): 01 July 2041

University of York

Procedure type

Competitive flexible procedure

Reduced Tendering Period

Qualifying planned procurement notice

Is the total value above threshold?

Above threshold

Trade agreements

Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)

CPV classifications

• 79340000 - Advertising and marketing services
• 80300000 - Higher education services

Delivery regions

• UK - United Kingdom

Sustainability

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)

Contract start date (estimated)

30 June 2026, 00:00AM

Contract end date (estimated)

30 June 2031, 23:59PM

Extension end date (estimated)

01 July 2041, 00:59AM

Can the contract be extended?

Yes

Description of extensions

Optional extensions currently envisaged in 5-yr blocks up to 10 yr extension

Options to include a broader scope of courses by both subject matter and type of course.

Does the lot include options?

Yes

Description of options

Optional extensions currently envisaged in 5-yr blocks up to 10 yr extension

Options to include a broader scope of courses by both subject matter and type of course.

Participation

Publication date of tender notice (estimated)

16 March 2026

Expression of interest deadline

25 March 2026, 23:59PM

Date of award of contract

31 May 2026, 23:59PM

Submission address and any special instructions

This notice is launched to alert the marketDocumentation will be released via In-tend for the PMEplease register at https://in-tendhost.co.uk/york/aspx/HomeNo additional information will be released until the PME notice is released in February

May tenders be submitted electronically?

Yes

Languages that may be used for submission

• English