Institutional Services/Academic collaborations

Academic collaborations

Partner across borders.Build programmestogether.

Bring institutions together around complementary strengths, shared learning and a programme worth developing.

Academic colleagues discussing curriculum maps and programme plans
Collaboration in focus

01 / Programme formats

Choose a format that fits the ambition.

Exchange

Agree the duration, participant support and recognition of learning undertaken at a partner institution.

Start with: The participants, subject area, length of stay and how learning would be recognised.

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Twinning

A learner completes agreed parts of a programme at each institution, with the award and responsibilities defined by the applicable framework.

Start with: The home programme, partner contribution, credit mapping and student support.

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Joint degree

Institutions develop a shared academic programme and joint award, subject to the rules and permissions that apply.

Start with: The academic purpose, curriculum, assessment and awarding responsibilities.

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Dual degree

Two institutions coordinate an academic pathway that leads to separate awards where the applicable framework permits.

Start with: The learning outcomes, award requirements, workload and recognition in each jurisdiction.

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The available structure depends on the institutions, their eligibility and the relevant academic framework. Programme names and award arrangements should be checked in each jurisdiction.

02 / Broader opportunities

More ways to collaborate.

Research & joint centres

Connect complementary research strengths around a defined question, shared facility or centre. Agree governance, resources and how the work will be reviewed.

Start with: The research area, capabilities available and intended outputs.

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Curriculum & short programmes

Develop focused learning, summer schools or professional programmes around a shared academic purpose.

Start with: The audience, learning outcomes, delivery format and academic ownership.

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Faculty & student mobility

Create meaningful exchange, visiting teaching and academic contact with a clear purpose and practical support.

Start with: Who would participate, where they would go and how the experience fits the programme.

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03 / What makes a strong partnership

A good partner is more than a name.

Academic fit

Aligned subject strengths and strategic goals.

Shared ambition

A shared commitment to quality, participation and success.

Delivery readiness

People, systems and capacity to make the programme work.

Key considerations.

  • Subject strengths and programme purpose
  • Learning outcomes and student experience
  • Teaching, assessment and quality assurance
  • Credit and qualification recognition
  • Resources, fees and responsibilities

04 / How it works

From first conversation to a defined programme.

  1. 01

    Agree the objective

    Set the purpose and academic priorities.

  2. 02

    Match institutions

    Explore capability, interest and fit.

  3. 03

    Develop the model

    Clarify roles and programme structure.

  4. 04

    Plan a pilot and review

    Agree a manageable start and milestones.

Further reading: UGC: academic collaboration regulations.

What could your institutions build together?

A partnership, a programme or a new campus. Let’s explore it together.

Discuss your programme