IBA Strengthens Its Collaboration with Leeds Beckett University on International Online Programmes

08. maj 202608. maj 2026

“The IBA is a very strong brand. You have an excellent reputation, which has only continued to grow over the twenty years I have worked with you.”

This is how Professor Phil Cardew describes his close relationship with the IBA over the past two decades. He serves as Deputy Vice Chancellor at Leeds Beckett University, which partners with the IBA to deliver English-language online bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes.

“At Leeds Beckett University, we look forward to developing our collaboration with the IBA even further. We have therefore agreed to establish a strategy outlining how we will strengthen our partnership over the next five years,” says Phil Cardew.

Foto af IBA's rektor Carsten Vikkelsøe og E-Learning Director Keld Hvam foran Koldinghus sammen med Phil Cardew (yderst til højre) Deputy Vice Chancellor hos Leeds Beckett University og George Lodorfos (yderst til venstre) Dean of Leeds Business School. — Phil Cardew (far right) is Deputy Vice Chancellor at Leeds Beckett University, while George Lodorfos (far left) is Dean of Leeds Business School. They are pictured here in Kolding together with the IBA’s Rector, Carsten Vikkelsø (second from left), and Academic Adviser Keld Hvam.

The IBA and Leeds Beckett University collaborate on a range of bachelor’s and master’s programmes within leadership, business and sustainability. All teaching is delivered online. The quality and content of the programmes are approved by the British university, which also awards the degree. However, the IBA is responsible for both teaching and student guidance.

Over the years, many students have studied online through the IBA. The academy was among the first institutions in Denmark to offer this flexible form of teaching for continuing and further education.

For many years, this has taken place in partnership with Leeds Beckett University, which enjoys international recognition. The online teaching format is highly flexible, as many students seek the freedom to organise their studies and assignments around their professional and personal lives.

Doto af IBA's rektor Carsten Vikkelsøe, der står og taler med Phil Cardew fra England — George Lodorfos is Dean of Leeds Business School, and naturally he wears the traditional English academic dress when attending the international graduation ceremony in Kolding. Here, he is speaking with the IBA’s Rector, Carsten Vikkelsøe.

“At the IBA, students can receive teaching both synchronously and asynchronously, which gives them considerable flexibility. You have been highly successful in developing your online teaching so that it supports participants regardless of the time zone they are in,” says Phil Cardew.

As Deputy Vice Chancellor, he helps shape the strategic direction of Leeds Beckett University, and Phil Cardew is a strong advocate of a strategy in which knowledge and higher education transcend national borders.

“The world has become increasingly globalised and digital, even over the past ten years alone. That is why international educational partnerships are so important, as they provide students with shared understanding and a broader perspective. This benefits both the students and the companies that employ them.”