Developing Successful Articulation Programmes Neil Slater International Office Northumbria University

International Education 20,000 full time students on campus Including 3,000+ international students from more than 100 countries. One third are recruited via partnerships and articulations 4,000+ enrolled on Northumbria programmes overseas – Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Germany, Sri Lanka

Newcastle upon Tyne

International Collaborations

Forms of Collaboration Franchise Validated Delivery Dual Awards Distance Delivery Articulated Advanced Entry Student Exchange

Principles of Articulations Start studies in the home country Transfer to UK university to complete degree course Must have option of completing home course Advanced entry with transfer of academic credit Ensure academic performance is comparable with other students and students enter programme at same level of ability Students thoroughly prepared for UK programme

Principles of Articulations UK university recognises credits (minimum 60) which form part of the overseas institution’s award Formal arrangement required for advanced entry of large numbers of students (10+ per year) or Entry from a non-end point qualification Northumbria does not provide substantial input to the design or delivery of the other institution’s programme (this may be possible under Augmented Articulation)

Quality Assurance Requirements Programmes must meet the regulations and requirements of both parties. UK institutions set their own procedures to comply with the requirements of the QAA (Quality Assurance Agency) for collaborative programmes Overseas institution sets its own Procedures to comply with its own national/ local regulatory framework

Nanjing Engineering Links “2+2 in Electrical and Electronic Engineering Nanjing Institute of Technology & Nanjing Normal University, China Students study 2 years of 4 year Bachelors in Nanjing - awarded 120 credits Then join the second year of 3 year BEng (Hons) in Electrical & Electronic Engineering - 2 years of study in UK = 240 credits

Shanghai Nursing Link “3 + 1” Nursing Programme with Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 3 year Nursing Diploma Direct entry to 1-year top-up programme – BSc (Hons) Nursing Science Staff development visits to Shanghai Work-shadowing visits by Shanghai lecturers

Zhengzhou University “1 + 1 Masters” Zhengzhou University, China 1 year Postgraduate Course in Management – including language preparation (60 credits) 1 year study on Northumbria MBA / MSc in Management (120 credits or 2/3 of full academic credit) Masters degree awarded Annual lecture and seminar visit by Northumbria staff

Initial Discussions Institution Selection Take into account: Mutual Compatibility Academic standing Relevance to international strategy and activities Status of awards – eg self-validated / national Identify potential course match

Initial Discussions Viability and Timescales Viable Demand ? Target numbers - minimum number limit - maximum cap Finances - funding of fees - funding of support / visit costs Plan Timescales including Start Date

Developing a Proposal Assessing students’ capability to perform successfully on a UK programme when they join with advanced entry Have they covered prerequisites in their home course ? Not assessing the teaching of the overseas institution

Developing a Proposal Gathering Course Documentation Syllabus (matching content) Learning outcomes Contact hours Coursework Examination papers Student attainments Portfolios / work based experience

Developing a Proposal Identify any skills gaps which need to be addressed for successful UK study experience Study Skills - eg IT literacy Correct referencing Course-specific needs, eg experience of using specific equipment

Professional Body Requirements UK Professional body regulations must be strictly observed where the proposed articulation is with a programme which they accredit.

Next Steps Evaluation Evidence in proposal considered by Departmental and University Academic Committees Approval Signing of memorandum of agreement Admission

Support and Feedback Visits to overseas institution to meet staff and students Pre-departure preparation for studies in the UK Feedback to partner institution on Student Performance during UK studies

Initial Discussions Compatibility Viability & Timescale Prepare Documentation Assess Capability Identify Skills Gaps Develop Proposal Evaluation & Approval Preparation of Students Admission Support & Feedback Evaluate Performance Life-Cycle

Challenges Quick & Effective Communication Designated contacts, eg Development and approval – eg Dean Link Tutor for ongoing liaison and support Advance Planning and Realistic Timescales Adjusting to Differences in Learning Environment and Culture

What are the Benefits ? For Students Opportunity to study in both the home country and period of study in the UK Reduced length of study in the UK For the Universities Reliable source of recruitment Confidence in quality of intake Mutual reputational benefits Staff involvement in international work

Thank you! Neil Slater International Office Northumbria University