Students learn about co-operative business on degree course

University students are set to learn about the co-operative business model during their degree course through a partnership with Anglia Co-operative.

The Peterborough-based retail society is spreading the co-operative message through links with Anglia Ruskin University and Social Enterprise East of England (SEEE).

Working with university’s centre in Peterborough, the society has developed two modules focusing on co-operatives to form part of the institution’s business studies degree course.

One module will develop students’ understanding of the opportunity, innovation, and entrepreneurial aspects of the co-operative model through the exploration of co-operative governance, finance, and business planning models.

The other will explore the values and principles of the co-operative movement, the structures of different co-operative organisations, and how co-operatives engage with their members.

The first students are set to take up these modules in September and the society is sponsoring at least 15 places. Although Anglia is funding the places, non-members, including members of other societies, can take them up.

Students can also take internships at Anglia Co-operative to extend their knowledge and they will hear from prominent co-operators during their course, which will include Anglia’s own Chief Executive John Chillcott.

In addition, the society is also providing four bursaries for students to take a two-year part-time course in charity and social enterprise management.

The course – run at the university’s Cambridge campus – is designed to develop the range of skills
and understanding needed to manage staff, stakeholders and projects and to help organisations achieve strategic objectives.

The first four students, two of from the Anglia Society, are about to complete their two-year course.

Both organisations are also jointly sponsoring SEEE, which supports social enterprises in the east of England with administrative and financial resources.

John Chillcott said: “The business of our respective organisations may be quite different, but they aligned upon the values and principles of supporting the economic development of the region through education.”

Liz Knight, academic director at University Centre Peterborough, added: “The relationship with Anglia Co-operative has enabled us to develop the understanding of our business students.

“We have been able to access an interesting and dynamic network of experts and opportunities. It is our intention to continue with this relationship and we welcome further developments that will benefit students.”