Alternative providers

Education is built into the very DNA of co-operatives in the form of the fifth Co-operative Principal. For over 100 years, the Co-operative College led the way co-operative learning and education, for UK and international co-operators. While the College no longer provides this, there are many other organisations in the UK and around the globe who continue to work in this area. You can find details of some of these below:

Study tours

The UK is home to a vibrant co-operative eco system full of history, heritage and a variety of co-operative enterprises, ranging in size from multi-million-pound retail co-ops to small community-based projects, and everything in between. This makes the UK the perfect location for international co-operators to visit, learn and network.

For many years the Co-operative College provided bespoke co-operative study tours for international visitors, and now we’re pleased to hand over this important aspect of co-operative learning to our sister organisation, Co-operatives UK.

Co-operatives UK is the authority on UK co-ops, helping to grow the co-operative economy by being the voice of co-operation and member ownership. 

Co-operative learning provision

Saint Mary’s University International Centre for Co-operative Management (ICCM)

Based in Canada, ICCM at Saint Mary’s University is the go-to centre for education and research on co-operative management and governance. With a range of courses and events suited to all levels of learner, the centre offers rigorous and dynamic opportunities to those who wish to deepen their understanding of the co-operative approach to business.

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