Scope
Reference
UY PROC 1240
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
Contract dates (estimated)
- 30 June 2026 to 30 June 2031
- Possible extension to 30 June 2041
- 15 years, 1 day
Description of possible extension:
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.
Options
The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.
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.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79340000 - Advertising and marketing services
- 80300000 - Higher education services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Participation
Legal and financial capacity conditions of participation
A non-disclosure agreement to be signed before sensitive information is shared
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
16 March 2026
Submission type
Requests to participate
Deadline for requests to participate
25 March 2026, 11:59pm
Submission address and any special instructions
This notice is launched to alert the market
Documentation will be released via In-tend for the PME
please register at https://in-tendhost.co.uk/york/aspx/Home
No additional information will be released until the PME notice is released in February
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
31 May 2026
Other information
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
Procedure
Procedure type
Competitive flexible procedure
Competitive flexible procedure description
This PPN alerts the market to the following process:
Preliminary Market Engagement (PME) will launch in February 2026 with a brief turnaround time. We will release our draft outcomes-based specification, the heads of terms intended to underpin the contract and our quantitative reply form for consideration and comment. There will be a reply form to complete.
We may ask one or more respondents to an online meeting to discuss the responses to the PME.
Under a competitive flexible procedure, in March we will release the Invitation to Negotiate which will require a number of reply forms to be completed and returned. The University reserves the right to accept an initial bid or to undertake rounds of negotiation.
By early summer the University intends to be finalising and executing a contract for mobilisation. Delivery of services is intended for [XXXXXX]
Reduced tendering period
Yes
Qualifying planned procurement notice - minimum 10 days
Contracting authority
University of York
- UK Register of Learning Providers (UKPRN number): 10007167
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PRDQ-5539-WTHX
Heslington
York
YO10 5DD
United Kingdom
Email: procurement@york.ac.uk
Website: http://www.york.ac.uk
Region: UKE21 - York
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government