Almost all – 93% - European universities plan to expand their use of e-learning over the next two years, according to a survey.

The survey, commissioned by e-learning provider WebCT, also found that 74% of the 150 universities polled said e-learning already played a major role across a majority of university courses, or believed it would within the next three years.

Nearly two-thirds - 63% - of the universities planned to partner with other institutions to create joint e-learning courses - both nationally and internationally.

The survey also revealed that almost half of universities consider increased quality of education as the major benefit of e-learning followed by greater access to education and greater cost efficiencies.

Carol Vallone, WebCT president and CEO, said: "Universities are becoming increasingly student centric across Europe as they compete for student enrolment. They now recognise e-learning as a way to make learning more effective and therefore provide students with a richer educational experience."

Anne Trotter, Deputy Associate Dean of Education Practice Development, Homerton School of Health Studies, Cambridge explained the e0learning aims of her institution.

She said: "We are in the early stages of e-learning development, however, we are aiming to increase student flexibility and to maximise their access to resources, communication tools and high quality, educationally robust learning materials."