Introduction

This Handbook sets out the strategy and academic approval processes governing academic partnerships entered into by UWE. It also provides guidance for UWE and partner staff on the process for selecting, developing, reviewing and maintaining academic partnerships.

The processes described in this handbook are designed to ensure that the quality and standards of UWE awards are maintained across all academic partnerships.  They are informed by section 2 of the Quality Assurance Agency’s Code of Practice. 

The term ‘academic partnerships’ covers a range of activities and partnership models which are described in more detail in the Forms of Academic Partnerships section.

UWE has a history of working in partnership with external institutions and organisations both in the UK and overseas.  Building on this experience, UWE is developing its portfolio of academic partnerships to meet the University’s strategic priorities and in line with agreed enabling strategies.  To find out more about UWE and its partnership working please see our ‘About us’ web pages. Click here to see our current partners.

Strategic Aims

This section covers the rationale for the strategic fit of proposed partnerships as well as exploring some of the reference points when investigating strategic complementarity.

Types of Academic Partnership

This section lists the categories of academic partnership which UWE has developed

Governance

This section notes the expectations of the QAA for the governance of Academic Partnerships and signposts how UWE meets these

Forming a New Academic Partnership

This section outlines the processes followed when developing an academic partnership.

Developing a New Collaborative Programme

Where to seek guidance on the procedures for validating a new programme which will be delivered by an affiliated institution.

Operation of the Academic Partnership (including programme review)

This page outlines how the operation of academic partnerships and the activity they cover is agreed and codified.

Financial Arrangements

This section provides an introduction to the financial arrangements that may be agreed to support academic partnerships.

Partnership Review

This section outlines the purpose and principles for the review of academic partnerships.

Appendices and Useful Links

• SharePoint site for Collaborative Partnerships (International and Non UWE Federation UK)
• Guidance available from UWE Library Services for colleagues developing Collaborative Provision Partnerships