Academic collaborations
Partner across borders.Build programmestogether.
Bring institutions together around complementary strengths, shared learning and a programme worth developing.

01 / Programme formats
Choose a format that fits the ambition.
Exchange
Study or teach at a partner institution.
Twinning
Build a programme across two institutions.
Joint degree
Design a programme with a joint award.
Dual degree
Coordinate a programme with separate awards.
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.
Discuss this optionTwinning
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.
Discuss this optionJoint 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.
Discuss this optionDual 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.
Discuss this option02 / 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.
Discuss this optionCurriculum & 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.
Discuss this optionFaculty & 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.
Discuss this option03 / 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.
- 01
Agree the objective
Set the purpose and academic priorities.
- 02
Match institutions
Explore capability, interest and fit.
- 03
Develop the model
Clarify roles and programme structure.
- 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.
