Be a Partner
Working in partnership with other organisations/institutions is fundamental to the way in which the University of Derby meets its strategic aims of promoting participation in higher and further education, contributing to regional economic growth and strengthening the internationalism of the University.
The scope of partnership activity is diverse and ranges from working with partners to increase access to further and higher education, through to collaborative ventures whereby the University enters into a formal partnership with an organisation/institution to meet educational needs.
The University welcomes discussion with organisations/institutions on joint ventures of mutual interest which will provide high quality learning opportunities both nationally and internationally.
All of our partnership arrangements are operated to the standards of the quality processes of the University and regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency of the UK.
Partnership arrangements are co-ordinated through the University's International Department (International Partners) and the Institute for Learning Enhancement and Innovation (National Partners) who seek to establish strategic partners that will expand the potential reach of the University's provision to all potential customers.
» Potential Partner Criteria
The following criteria are used for determining successful partnerships for the University:
- Strategic fit of the partner with the mission of the University and our over arching value that puts students at the heart of everything we do
- Preparedness of the partner to demonstrate appropriate quality assurance mechanisms and willingness to adopt our processes.
- Legal standing of the partner and ability to enter into partnership arrangements.
- Evaluation of the ways in which the partnership would support the strategic aims of the University.
- Financial health of the partner and financial viability of the proposed collaboration
- Level of risk associated with the collaboration and our assessment that the risk is manageable.
- Collateral value of the collaboration for both the University and the partner.
Interested? Why not fill in the Partnership Enquiry Form? Or, for further information and discussion please contact The Partnership Office on 01332 593033.
» Potential Partner in the UK
In addition to the criteria above the following guidelines have been developed to help determine the suitability of potential successful UK partnerships:
- Complementarity in their location and content (i.e. different programmes to the same markets as us, or the same programmes to different markets
- Good quality outlets for our programmes (as tested by IQAs or inspection reports, according to our Quality Assurance procedures)
- Strategic expansion of provision in which we have a niche or are distinctive nationally or regionally
- Progression routes to our higher level provision (e.g. top-up degrees)
- Access to additional HE numbers (e.g. own numbers, eligibility for ASN's) to expand our contract, or ability to utilise our contract numbers
- Accessibility to support from University of Derby by either geographical proximity or electronic infrastructure
- Ability to be supported effectively and efficiently
Interested? Why not fill in the Partnership Enquiry Form? Or, for further information and discussion please contact The Partnership Office on 01332 593033.
» Partner Benefits
For the potential student
- Clearer progression routes and wider opportunities for those traditionally underrepresented in Higher Education.
- More regular contact with the University throughout their course at school or college, or through engagement with the workplace.
- Raised aspirations and motivation through the incentive of secure progression, providing agreed criteria are met.
- Contact with students already studying in Higher Education who will act as positive role models.
For the partner institution or organisation
- Capacity to have a role in developing courses which are fit for purpose
- Improved student/employee retention and achievement.
- Increased participation of non-traditional students.
- Improvements in links with Higher Education and enhanced communication across sectors.
- Opportunity for staff and curriculum development.
