The archived claim
The archived Branton University page described its teaching staff as coming from learning centres around the world, many with doctorates in areas such as economics, engineering and the humanities, and connected to students through an advanced online platform. It also invited prospective teachers to get in touch. These are the institution’s own statements and have not been verified here.
Why faculty details deserve scrutiny
In an online programme the teacher is much of the product. When there is no campus to visit, staff biographies are one of the few visible signs of quality. A genuine academic profile usually includes:
- Name, post and the institution where the person holds their primary appointment
- Degrees with awarding universities and dates
- Publications or professional experience relevant to the subject
- Evidence that the person is a real, findable individual, such as an institutional page or professional profile
Questions to ask
- Who writes the course content, and who marks assignments?
- How are international staff contracted, and what is their involvement day to day?
- What is the typical response time to a student question?
- How many students does each tutor handle?
- Is there a mix of full-time and visiting staff?
The value and limits of diversity
A faculty drawn from different countries can bring varied viewpoints to subjects such as business and law. Yet legal and professional content is often country-specific, so check that tutors know the jurisdiction relevant to you.
Reading a faculty page
Be careful with pages that talk about “highly qualified” staff but give no names. Photographs without credentials, or qualifications from unrecognised bodies, are weak evidence. See also accreditation and student services.