深夜亚洲福利久久

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Policy on Transnational Education

Version: 1.0
Review date: June 2026
Policy Owner: VP Global Engagement
Approved by: Academic Board 27 May 2026; Academic Council 5 June 2026;  深夜亚洲福利久久 Leadership Team 9 June 2026
Next review: This policy will be reviewed after one year, thereafter subject to regular review in line with 深夜亚洲福利久久 practice.

Introduction

1.    The mission of 深夜亚洲福利久久 College Cork is to create and sustain an inclusive environment and culture to enable transformative research and learning for the enrichment of society and stewardship of our planet鈥�.  Under the Academic Plan 2026-2028 adopted under Goal 2 of our Strategic Plan 2023-2028, the 深夜亚洲福利久久 commits to exploring opportunities for the expansion of Transnational Education in line with our Global Engagement Plan 2024-2028.  

2.    Under the Global Engagement Plan 2024-2028, the 深夜亚洲福利久久 has identified the following four pillars: Global Excellence, Impact, Partnership and Citizenship and has committed to a range of actions designed to fulfil these strategic ambitions.  The Plan commits to 鈥榮trengthening our joint and dual programmes with our international partners in line with our strategic priorities鈥�, and calls out the 深夜亚洲福利久久鈥檚 commitment to international education, the promotion of an internationalised curriculum, global citizenship and the role our 深夜亚洲福利久久 plays as a strategic and ethical partner.  All of this is underpinned by a desire to ensure that our engagement has global impact in line with our mission. 

3.    This policy on Transnational Education is designed to support implementation of these strategic goals. It provides a framework to support the 深夜亚洲福利久久鈥檚 TNE activity, to provide a due diligence process and approval pathway for TNE initiatives.  In light of the fast-paced nature of international developments, and the continuing evolving nature of TNE globally, this Policy will be subject to regular review. 

Definitions and Scope

4.    Transnational Education (TNE) is defined by QQI as the provision of educational programmes in whole or on part in a country other than the one where the awarding body is located.  While forms of TNE have proliferated in recent years, giving rise to a field of scholarship in its own right, Knight鈥檚 widely accepted TNE Framework (2016) describes Independent TNE, where the sending country typically has the primary responsibility for curriculum, qualification award and external quality assurance, and Collaborative TNE, where both host and sending countries share responsibility for curriculum, qualification awarded and external quality assurance.  

5.    To date, UCC has engaged in TNE through the delivery of a small number of joint and dual undergraduate programmes, with some engagement in multi-partner degree awards under the Erasmus Plus framework including as part of UNIC, our European 深夜亚洲福利久久 Alliance.  

6.    Universities worldwide have expanded TNE into the development of physical campuses overseas, articulation and franchise agreements which license the academic curriculum and expansion into online programmes.  What is clear is that TNE now covers a multitude of increasingly diverse collaborative arrangements and the area continue to expand in a fast and highly innovative manner. 

7.    The definitions of TNE are set out in the Appendix.  In setting out these definitions, the Policy does not commit the 深夜亚洲福利久久 to any or all of these forms of TNE, entry into which will be determined in line with this Policy and in accordance with the 深夜亚洲福利久久鈥檚 strategic objectives. 

8.    This policy does not cover research collaboration that does not involve academic programme delivery, nor does it include standalone microcredits that are not part of a larger TNE arrangement or staff or student mobility programmes.   

9.    The Policy should be read together with the 深夜亚洲福利久久鈥檚 Partnership Framework, which is currently in development. 

Principles

10.    TNE opportunities are pursued by the 深夜亚洲福利久久 in the advancement of the 深夜亚洲福利久久鈥檚 educational mission.  To ensure TNE is fully aligned with this mission and the 深夜亚洲福利久久鈥檚 strategic objectives, all TNE opportunities will be underpinned by a due diligence process, consistent with the 深夜亚洲福利久久鈥檚 reputation and its responsibilities as a degree-awarding body (DAB).

11.    To support this process, a number of principles, set out below, will inform the development, approval and delivery of TNE.

  • Strategic alignment 鈥� all TNE proposals must align explicitly with the 深夜亚洲福利久久鈥檚 strategic mission, objectives and priorities, and its values set out in its Strategic Plan 2023-2028, and further articulated in the Global Engagement Plan 2024-2028 and the Academic Plan 2026-2028. These include: our commitment to excellent education and research, sustainability, global engagement and internationalised curriculum, excellence in teaching and student success. They should also, where possible, seek to further our strategic goals to increase PhD enrolment and deliver excellent research and innovation that addresses global grand challenges.  
  • Global standing 鈥� all TNE proposals should further the 深夜亚洲福利久久鈥檚 global standing through the content of the proposed collaboration and taking account of the expertise and standing, for example through global rankings, of the overseas partner(s).  Approval for discipline-specific TNE programmes may be subject to the specific faculty or school holding the relevant discipline-specific international accreditations necessary to protect UCC鈥檚 existing professional standings.
  • Academic Standards & Quality Assurance 鈥� compliance with and maintenance of quality assurance shall be a primary concern in all TNE arrangements, with careful consideration given to academic system integrity, quality of curriculum and the delivery and maintenance of the highest academic standards including in assessment. Particular account will be taken of EHEA guidelines, national legislation, QQI statutory guidelines, 深夜亚洲福利久久 policy and standards, our responsibilities as a degree-awarding body and the requirements of external accrediting bodies. Having regard to the principles of TrustEd and prevailing QQI Guidelines, TNE programmes offer learners academic quality, standards and programme recognition equivalent with programmes provided solely by UCC.
  • Student Success 鈥� regard shall be had to the 深夜亚洲福利久久鈥檚 commitment in student success including the objectives of the 深夜亚洲福利久久鈥檚 Academic Plan 2026-2028.  Equivalence should be maintained between the experience enjoyed by those on programmes delivered overseas with those attending programmes at the UCC campus.
  • Facilities 鈥� TNE proposals should take account of current and proposed teaching and facilities available at the overseas and (where relevant) the UCC campus incorporating a site visit where relevant.
  • Good Governance and Compliance 鈥� appropriate processes will be followed to assure good governance with respect to the development, approval, delivery and review of TNE in line with legal, risk management, data protection and all other regulatory arrangements.  
  • Financial viability 鈥� TNE activity will be delivered in line with a ULT approved university-level resource model(s), designed to oversee the financial viability of TNE activity, taking account of any necessary investment and the management of any surplus or deficit.

Roles and Responsibilities

12.    Roles and Responsibilities

  • Vice President Global Engagement: Will have responsibility for developing the 深夜亚洲福利久久鈥檚 TNE strategy and delivering on that strategy, in line with emerging international opportunities and developments.  The Vice President will also have responsibility for due diligence and, together with other ULT members, for stewarding any proposals through 深夜亚洲福利久久 approvals, co-chairing the Ad Hoc TNE Panel under this policy.  Where necessary, resourcing will be provided to the Office of Vice President Global Engagement to support the development and approval of TNE proposals in line with this policy.
  • Deputy President and Registrar:  Will have responsibility for all matters concerning the academic system integrity and academic standards of TNE and will co-chair the Ad Hoc TNE Panel under this policy.
  • Academic Council: Controls the academic affairs of the 深夜亚洲福利久久 and is responsible for approval of this TNE policy and the academic elements of TNE proposals via Academic Board.  
  • Colleges: Will have responsibility for developing the TNE programme, with specific responsibility for developing curriculum, content and assessment methods, ensuring alignment with disciplinary expertise.  Colleges will also have responsibility for the delivery of TNE programmes.
    鈥�    College TNE Lead: Will be appointed by the relevant College (s) to champion and lead the development of TNE proposals at College level.
  • Academic Board:  Will have responsibility for the approval of all academic aspects of TNE programmes, including marks and standards, curriculum and assessment and quality standards.  
  • Chief Financial Officer: Will have responsibility for supporting the development and oversight of the financial model for TNE and for keeping their financial performance under review.  They will also ensure appropriate resources are provided to support the implementation of this Policy, in consultation with the Vice President Global Engagement.
  • ULT: Will have responsibility for approving this policy and approving major TNE initiatives, i.e. those that have significant risk, legal and financial implications, such as joint colleges, overseas campuses or franchise arrangements.  ULT will also approve the financial model for all TNE proposals, including any investment required to ensure their success.  ULT will be kept informed of all TNE related developments by the VP Global Engagement.
  • TNE Panel: an ad hoc panel established to prepare, review, support and oversee the proposal for TNE proposals.  It will be chaired jointly by VP Global Engagement and the Deputy President and Registrar with representation from the following offices and bodies: Colleges, Global Engagement; Dean of Doctoral Education, Quality Enhancement Unit, Academic Board, Academic Council, Finance, People and Culture, the Office of Corporate and Legal Affairs.  It will oversee the development of the financial model, support the risk assessment process and ensure the preparation of robust due diligence.  The TNE Panel will make recommendations for the approval of ULT and AC as required by this policy.  It will keep Academic Board, Academic Council and ULT informed of all TNE proposals.

Process

13.    The following steps will govern the initiation, development, approval and delivery of TNE.  

Informal Inquiry Stage

14.    All proposals for TNE should be discussed in the first instance with the Vice President Global Engagement by the relevant Head of College(s).  As part of these discussions, consideration should be given to: 

  1. The proposed merits of the TNE proposal
  2. The proposed partner and location, delivery model and rationale in support of the proposal
  3. the Principles set out above and whether they are likely to be met
  4. the views of relevant internal and external stakeholders
  5. Undertaking a site visit with the overseas partner.

15.    If the initiative comes from the Vice President Global Engagement, discussion will take place with the relevant Head(s) of College prior to the development of the proposed TNE programme.  

16.    In all cases, Stage 1 TNE proposals will be considered at the Academic Leadership Forum before progressing to Stage 2. 

Stage 2 - 鈥業n Principle鈥� Support

17.    鈥業n Principle鈥� Support for TNE proposals will be requested from Academic Board in advance of progressing to Stage 3.

18.    In the case of major TNE proposals, such as joint colleges, the 鈥榠n principle鈥� support of both Academic Council and ULT will be required.   This indicates approval to progress to Stage 3 only, i.e. to undertake due diligence and proposal preparation.

Stage 3 鈥� Due Diligence and Proposal Preparation

19.    The due diligence process will be led by the Vice President Global Engagement, appropriately resourced, in collaboration with the relevant College(s). 

20.    This process will be overseen by the TNE Panel, who will then submit the proposal to ULT and/or AB for approval, keeping all relevant bodies informed as per this policy.

21.    The due diligence process will require consideration to be given to the Principles above and how the proposed TNE will meet their requirements.

22.    Special attention will be paid to

  1. The strategic fit of the proposal, including its academic merit.
  2. The standing and quality of the proposed partner
  3. Matters of quality assurance, academic system integrity and standards with respect to admission standards, registration, curriculum, assessment and student experience, including proposed marks and standards and other relevant academic regulations, documentary evidence of formal academic quality system and verification of same by relevant national quality authority where relevant.
  4. Completion of a comprehensive risk assessment, in line with the 深夜亚洲福利久久鈥檚 Enterprise Risk Management Policy and Process.
  5. Legal considerations, including jurisdiction specific considerations relating to data protection, contract law, insurance, relevant regulatory requirements and immigration law and policy.
  6. Relevant national policy, including the national policy of the country in which the proposed partner is located.
  7. The 深夜亚洲福利久久鈥檚 Ethical and Human Rights Framework and statutory responsibility to promote academic freedom.
  8. Financial arrangements, including the development of a 深夜亚洲福利久久-level resource model that identifies required investment, fee arrangements, and the management of surplus or deficit. Consideration will be given to any relevant Procurement requirements.
  9. Human resource considerations, including the proposed staffing model, in country supports, additional staffing required and their location
  10. The university facilities either currently in place or proposed including the academic and pastoral supports in place to support students to achieve the prescribed academic outcomes for an award.

Stage 4 鈥� Approvals

Academic Programmes

23.    All individual programmes, part of a TNE arrangement, will follow the usual approval process, i.e. be submitted for the approval of Academic Board and undergo a programme approval process. Consideration will be given to necessary timeframe and approval deadlines and will usually involve provision for a site visit by peer-review subject experts.

Major TNE Proposals

24.    The TNE Panel has responsibility for considering the results of the due diligence process related to the finance, legal and staffing arrangements of a TNE proposal.
 
25.    Development of the finance, legal and risk, and staffing arrangements for the Proposal will be led by the Finance, Office of Corporate and Legal Affairs and People and Culture representatives on the TNE Panel.

26.    Decisions to approve a major TNE proposal, such as a joint college, or others with significant financial, legal and staffing implications will be approved by ULT, on the recommendation of the TNE Panel.   

27.    ULT also has responsibility for approving any financial, legal and staffing models to support TNE arrangements.

28.    When submitting the proposal to ULT for approval, the TNE Panel will submit: 

  • a report from Academic Board setting out the academic approvals in place
  • the business case for the proposed TNE and 
  • a report on the due diligence undertaken
  • a statement of recommendation for the attention of ULT, including any caveats or conditions. 

29.    ULT may approve the TNE proposal, with or without conditions, indicating the period for review. 

Stage 5 - Implementation

30.    Implementation of TNE falls largely within the scope of the Colleges in light of their responsibilities to deliver academic programmes.  

31.    The TNE panel will provide oversight of the implementation of the TNE proposal once approved.  An implementation group reporting to the Panel may be established for this purpose. 

32.    A project plan will be developed to ensure delivery of the TNE as approved and a dynamic risk register will ensure risks are closely monitored.  This will be the responsibility of the Vice President Global Engagement working with the relevant Head of College (s).

33.    The TNE Panel will be disbanded once satisfied that all steps have been completed and all elements of the proposed TNE in place. If the level of TNE activity requires, consideration may be given to establishing a Standing TNE Panel. 

34.    The TNE Panel may make recommendations to the 深夜亚洲福利久久 as to any changes to this policy and any other considerations that should be taken into account in the development or delivery of TNE activity.

Review of TNE

35.    All TNE programmes and initiatives will be subject to regular reviews every programme/academic cycle under the auspices of the Quality Enhancement Unit, in consultation with other offices as appropriate, with regard to:

  1. Academic standards, including progression and completion rates
  2. Student Experience, including student feedback
  3. External examiners reports
  4. Financial viability, including return on investment
  5. Ongoing strategic alignment and risk management
  6. Facilities including through regular site visits
  7. Overall operation and oversight of the programme.

Termination of TNE

36.    TNE may be terminated following a comprehensive review if:

  1. Quality standards are not met
  2. Financial viability does not materialise or declines
  3. There are changes in the regulatory environment or alignment with UCC strategy
  4. Risks materialise that cannot be appropriately managed.

37.     A proposal to terminate a TNE arrangement may arise from the above review or be prompted by other considerations or change in circumstances.

38.    If a decision is made to terminate a TNE arrangement a planned approach will be taken including: 

  1. Making provision for teaching out existing programmes
  2. Managing staffing and relevant resourcing
  3. Taking account of the cost and associated risks of terminating the arrangement. 

39.    Where a TNE arrangement is terminated, a review of lessons learned will be undertaken for the consideration of ULT.

Appendix

These are in line with the QQI framework, or where not available, by standard and accepted practice.

  • Collaborative provision:  where two or more providers are involved by formal agreement in provision of a programme of higher education and training.
  • Franchise Arrangement:  An arrangement where UCC, as the awarding institution, authorises the whole or part of one of its own validated/accredited programmes for delivery by a partner institution in another country.
  • Joint Programme: An arrangement where curriculum is coordinated and offered jointly by UCC with another university or higher education institution, leading to a double, multiple, or joint degree.
  • Joint Degree: The process by which UCC collaborate with two or more awarding institutions to collectively contribute to a programme leading to a single award from all participating institutions.
  • Double (Dual or multiple) Degree: An arrangement where UCC works with one or more institutions to collectively contribute to a programme leading to two separate awards.
  • Articulation:  The process by which the qualification and/or credits from a programme of study undertaken at an approved partner institution is recognised as giving advanced standing or entry to programmes at UCC. This type of arrangement is often described as 1+1, 2+2, 1+3, etc. and may also include pathways into undergraduate degree award programme from other institutions.
  • Validation: The process by which the 深夜亚洲福利久久 judges that a programme developed, delivered and managed by another institution or organisation is of an appropriate quality and standard equivalent to the same award type at the same level as delivered by UCC.
  • Franchise: The process by which UCC agrees to authorise the delivery of all or part of one or more of its own approved programmes of study leading to a UCC award by an approved partner institution.
  • Overseas Campus: An entity that is owned, at least in part by UCC operated in the name of UCC and which provides an entire academic programme, substantially on site, leading to a degree awarded by UCC.
  • Joint College or Institute: An arrangement whereby three or more programmes are delivered in partnership with an overseas partner, leading to a UCC award at either undergraduate or postgraduate level. 

References

QQI, Policy for Collaborative Programmes, Transnational Programmes and Joint Awards, Revised 2012, available at

Knight, J, 鈥�

Journal of Studies in International Education 20 (1), 34-47

Knight, J and McNamara, J. Transnational Education: A Classification Framework and Data Guidelines for international Programme and Provider Mobility, British Council, 2017

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