Dr Andrew Lancaster, Founder and Director
Dr Andrew Lancaster is the founder and director of Lerna Courses, an independent education website established in 2013.
He leads the platform while remaining closely involved in its research, writing and editing. His work draws on experience in university teaching, Australian Government policy, graduate recruitment and digital publishing.
Role at Lerna Courses
Andrew directs the development of Lerna Courses and the methods used to examine and compare university courses.
His main responsibilities include:
- Setting the strategic direction of the platform
- Developing course analysis and comparison methods
- Deciding which subjects and study options to investigate
- Overseeing business partnerships
- Improving how readers find and use information
Andrew considers what prospective students need to know beyond the descriptions supplied by universities and other education providers.
Lerna Courses helps readers understand what courses involve, how study options differ and where qualifications may lead. The Lerna Courses editorial policy explains how articles are researched and kept independent from universities and course providers.
From Online Study Australia to Lerna Courses
The publication began in 2013 as Online Study Australia. Andrew created the website for prospective online university students seeking genuine information and comparisons beyond university marketing.
Online Study Australia initially concentrated on Australian university courses. Over time, the platform developed information and insights that could also help students elsewhere.
The broader Lerna Courses brand was introduced in 2021 to support international growth. Online Study Australia remained as the Australia-focused section of the platform.
More information about the publication is available on the About Lerna Courses page.
Education and University Teaching
Andrew holds a PhD in Economics from the Australian National University and a Bachelor of Economics with Honours from the University of Tasmania.
He taught Microeconomics and Quantitative Methods at both universities. His work included holding classes, explaining course material, guiding students and assessing academic performance.
Teaching provided insight into university education from the perspective of an instructor and grader, rather than only as a former student.
That background informs how Lerna Courses explains academic expectations, course difficulty and the skills developed through study.
Australian Government Experience
Andrew worked in the Australian Public Service from 1993 to 2012. His senior position was Director of the Strategic Policy Unit at the Department of Industry.
In that role, he advised government ministers and worked alongside senior public servants. He gained direct insight into executive leadership, public sector operations and the development of major policy decisions.
Andrew also held economic and policy advisory roles in the:
- Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
- Department of Finance
- Department of Education
- Department of Agriculture
He managed several large recruitment rounds during his government career. Assessing applicants provided insight into the qualities employers seek in graduates and experienced professionals.
The recruitment work also showed how qualifications, skills and employment history can affect career prospects.
Business and Publishing Experience
Andrew founded Unicurve in 2013. Unicurve is a digital publisher with a primary focus on education and is the publisher of Lerna Courses.
Building and operating the business has given Andrew direct experience in entrepreneurship, digital publishing and the work required to sustain an independent online business.
His private sector experience complements his background in economics, policy, management and university education.
Writing and Course Analysis
Andrew writes about university study, online education, careers, business and professional development.
His articles examine questions that course marketing often leaves unanswered, including:
- What students actually study
- How similar courses differ
- Which skills a qualification develops
- How study choices may influence career opportunities
The work goes beyond reproducing information from course pages. Andrew interprets the available evidence and considers what it means for people making significant education and career decisions.