Section 8.2 - Type of Partnership

There are a number of different types of partnership activity (also known as collaborative programmes).  The typology below gives brief definitions of the types of collaborative arrangements widely recognised across UK Higher Education.  It should be noted that this is not a definitive list and each type of partnership may have variations in delivery and services to account for specific circumstances or needs. Such variations will always be considered through the relevant approval processes outlined in detail below.

A collaborative partnership can relate to any level of taught provision or research supervision; be delivered through various methods of delivery including on campus teaching, distance and/or blended learning and via any of the various modes of study available. Advice to staff proposing collaborative partnership arrangements is to build relationships from low-risk partnerships before progressing to the further development of a high-risk collaborative provision project. Evidence of an existing successful relationship with an external institution increases the chances of successful approval at Committee stage.

Assessing Risk

A risk assessment process will determine the risk level of the collaborative project. The risk assessment necessary for low-medium partnership applications is contained within the Application and Initial Due Diligence forms. For Medium-high risk projects a separate comprehensive Due Diligence and Risk Assessment forms and reports are completed by Faculties and Registry, and a full Business Case completed and approved by Finance and Executive.

The risk associated with each type of collaboration depends upon the nature of the proposed arrangements. QAA requires the University to ensure that appropriate and proportionate procedures are in places to manage identified risks. An initial indicative risk level is noted for each of the types of collaboration according to the following scale.

Note that these are starting levels and thus the level may be increased as dictated by the nature of the proposed project and any proposed collaboration which is categorised as “Extreme” risk will be automatically declined and terminated by the appropriate Pro Vice-Chancellor.

Progression Agreements

An arrangement where the University guarantees students consideration for admission (but not guaranteed entry) after successful completion of an award at another institution.

Students who have successfully completed a programme at one organisation may be considered for entry (on an individual basis) to the beginning of a programme at Aberystwyth. Progression agreements are approved outside of the Collaborative Provision Committee and managed by Admissions and Academic Departments, as they do not involve the award of credit by the University.

It must be noted that credits completed in a partner Institution are not recognised nor do they contribute towards the final Aberystwyth degree award. Credits and/or awards are reviewed as part of the entry process only, and students must apply through the normal admissions process for consideration to transfer to an Aberystwyth University programme.  Normal admissions criteria and English language entrance requirements will apply.

Risk Level:  Low Management:  IRD/Admissions Approval:  IRD/Admissions

Articulations

An arrangement whereby students who satisfy academic criteria and successfully complete an approved programme of study in a partner institution are automatically entitled (on academic grounds) to be admitted with advanced standing to a subsequent part or year of an Aberystwyth degree-programme.

 

Students will typically complete two or more years of Undergraduate study at a partner institution and then transfer to Aberystwyth to complete the final two years of an Undergraduate degree.

 

Exceptionally, students may be allowed directly into the final year of the University degree. All entrants would also have to satisfy any other entry conditions set by the University.

 

Arrangements, which are subject to formal agreements between the parties, normally involve credit accumulation and transfer schemes.

Risk Level:  Low/Medium Management:  IRD/APO Approval:  CPC/Faculty

Validation

A process by which the University judges that a module and/or programme developed and delivered by another institution/organisation without degree awarding powers is of an appropriate quality and standard to lead to an Aberystwyth University award at a specified level and that the necessary resources are available to support the delivery of the programme. Students normally have a direct contractual obligation with the delivery organisation.

Risk Level:  Very High Management:  APO Approval:  Executive/Council

Collaborative Degrees/Joint Awards

This type of academic partnership involves two or more degree-awarding bodies working together in the development and/or delivery of a degree programme.  

  • Joint Degree: One award on one certificate (jointly signed by each party)
  • Double Degree: One award but two separate certificates (each party issues its own award)
  • Dual Degree: Two awards with two certificates (each party issues its own award)

Aberystwyth University's approach to this type of collaborative activity is underpinned by the Quality Assurance Agency's Characteristics Statement for Qualifications Involving More Than One Degree-Awarding Body (2020).  

Risk Level: High Management:  APO Approval:  CPC/Executive

Flying Faculty

An arrangement where a programme or aspects of a programme are delivered at a location away from the home campus (usually overseas) by staff from Aberystwyth University. The University will ordinarily be responsible for the academic standard and quality of learning opportunities, including assessments, however wider support may be provided locally. This type of arrangement will usually name Aberystwyth University as the degree-awarding body.

 

Risk Level:  High Management:  APO Approval:  CPC/Executive

Franchise

A process by which the University, as the degree-awarding body, agrees to authorise another organisation to deliver (and sometimes assess) part or all of one (or more) of its own approved programmes. Often, the degree-awarding body retains direct responsibility for the programme content, the teaching and assessment strategy, the assessment regime and the quality assurance. Students normally have a direct contractual relationship with Aberystwyth University as the degree-awarding body.

Risk Level:  Very High Management:  APO Approval:  Executive/Council

Split-site PhD

A split-site PhD is defined as a PhD which leads to an Aberystwyth University award and involves full and part time students spending part of or the majority of their registration period undertaking study at another approved organisation (which may be an academic organisation, a research centre or other workplace appropriate for the study, and which may be overseas).

Risk Level:  Medium Management:  APO Approval:  CPC/Faculty

Placements and Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

  • Non-credit bearing work based learning and CPD:  An arrangement which facilitates a placement in employment or the provision of learning opportunities for individuals already engaged in the labour market (whether or not they are currently employed) whereby participation does not earn credits towards any qualification.
  • Credit bearing CPD:  An arrangement which facilitates provision of learning opportunities for individuals already engaged in the labour market (whether or not they are currently employed) where credit towards a qualification can be gained.
  • Credit bearing work based learning:  An arrangement which facilitates a placement in employment in which the student can gain credits towards their qualification or placements required as part of study.
Risk Level:  Low/Medium Management:  Faculty Approval:  Faculty