One of Australia’s largest providers of distance education courses is establishing a UK headquarters in Birmingham.

Courses Direct is taking space at Hagley Court in Edgbaston as part of a major expansion.

It has taken just under 2,000 sq ft in a deal put together by Black Country property agents Bond Wolfe on behalf of landlord, AIM-listed West Midlands group Real Estate Investors.

James Mattin, managing partner of West Bromwich-based Bond Wolfe, said: “Significantly, with very few lettings taking place in Edgbaston, and an over-supply of stock, we were able to provide flexible terms and meet Courses Direct’s required timescales.”

He said the business, based temporarily in serviced offices at Quayside Tower in Broad Street, had outgrown the facilities and wanted its own premises.

It means there is just 4,000 sq ft left available at Hagley Court, a prominent building fronting Hagley Road, and enjoying lots of on site car parking.

Courses Direct already has more than 8,700 students across the globe – it delivers over 600 distance courses.

It offers a range of flexible study options including online courses, correspondence courses and a range of distance learning options that “fit in with the busiest of lifestyles”.

Kevin Thompson, of Courses Direct, said: “Our courses and programs are designed to produce results. So, if you looking to change careers, enter the workforce or up-skill, we are here to help.

“Courses Direct has formed key industry partnerships allowing us to deliver cost affective, high quality education and training. We proudly boast that our students achieve their desired employment outcomes upon course completion.

“Our global student body is supported by a network of tutors from Australia, New Zealand, UK and US.”

In Australia, Courses Direct has colleges in Brisbane, Sydney, Newcastle, Canberra, Melbourne, Hobart, Adelaide and Perth. Overseas, it is in England, New Zealand, Ireland, France and Singapore.