The University of Newcastle, Australia

GradSchool.com has secured top place in the online business category of the 2008 MAP Marketing Fastest Growing awards.

The University of Newcastle-owned company - GradSchool.com - is a leading online learning provider, offering some 60 postgraduate qualifications and a range of corporate study options.

CEO of GradSchool.com and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Kevin McConkey, said the award recognised the impressive growth of the company in recent years.

"GradSchool.comexperienced an 83 per cent growth from 2005-07. The high quality of programs matched with the freedom to study anywhere, anytime has positioned GradSchool.com as a leader in the field of online learning.

"Over recent years, we have increased the programs on offer to include studies in education and arts, and health, as well as other disciplines - these strategic decisions have enhanced GradSchool.com and ensured that it is delivering a strong product for postgraduate coursework students looking to study online.

"The enhanced offerings together with our strong academic standing have attracted more than 3,000 postgraduate coursework students in 2008 from 60 countries to study through GradSchool.com."

GradSchool.com's most popular postgraduate coursework programs are the Master of Occupational Health and Safety, the Master of Nursing Advanced Practice, the Master of Educational Studies, and the Master of Aviation Management. The University of Newcastle's programs - Master of Business Administration and Doctor of Business Administration - continue to be a key attraction for students studying through GradSchool.com.

GradSchool.com also provides tailored executive and professional development programs to private organisations.

The MAP Marketing Fastest Growing awards are a major private enterprise event that recognises business with growing turnover against 22 industry categories.

Photo opportunity and media comment: Professor Kevin McConkey, CEO of GradSchool.com and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), is available for photos with the MAP Marketing Fastest Growing award trophy or for interview by phoning the number below.