What is TNE?

The best definition of the term is provided by the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

‘All types of higher education study programme, or sets of courses of study, or educational services (including those of distance education) in which the learners are located in a country different from the one where the awarding institution is based. Such programmes may belong to the educational system of a State different from the State in which it operates, or may operate independently of any national system.’

Internationalisation

Internationalisation at the national, sectoral and institutional levels is defined as the process of integrating an international, intercultural, or global dimension into the purpose, functions or delivery of postsecondary education (Dr. Jane Knight 2003)

Global demand for UK Higher Education

0

200,000

400,000

600,000

800,000

1,000,000

1,200,000

1,400,000

Study in own country

Study in UK

Numbers of students HESA 2008/09

1 Malaysia 42,535

2 Singapore 40,360

3 Pakistan 23,145

4 Hong Kong 22,170

5 Nigeria 15,670

6 China 15,010

7 Ireland 13,975

8 Ghana 13,420

9 Trinidad & Tobago 13,080

10 Greece 11,675

UK Institutions - Why TNE?

Triggers

• Assist countries to meet developmental goals through education:• Raising standards through sharing

methods and philosophies, revenue and growth, expansion.

• Creating new revenue streams: • Protects against economic downturn

–lower cost for overseas education.

• Enriching students and staff: • International exposure and sharing

of knowledge and teaching methods: Improves standards on both sides

“If I look at it from a British perspective, the trends have got to be towards transnational education. The British market is a stagnant one. It’s as simple as that.” (UK institution)

“A really good TNE project is one where both partners can see a benefit; both partners can see new directions to go beyond the current activity. “(UK institution)

“It actually leads to other projects because the institutions will get tied to each other more strongly. Your relationship will evolve and the types of things you’re doing will also evolve.” (UK institution)

Local Institutions - Why TNE?

Triggers

• Greater participation in the global community.

• Meeting goals for building educational capacity:• Broadening educational offer.

• Knowledge sharing for staff and students.

• Creating a higher quality of education.

• Gaining accreditation, attracting students, higher fees.

• Building credibility and popularity locally and internationally.

“The point is why should we go international? It is because we need to strengthen our competitive ability and high competence alumni.” (Indonesia)

“Our role is to be an institution that can provide opportunity for students in many fields.” (Thailand)

“Having partnerships like dual degrees means that our standard is already internationally recognised. They (overseas institutions) have admitted that we are equal to them in terms of quality. If this was not so, the partnership would never happen.” (Indonesia)

Importance of TNE

Provides access to a UK qualification for a wider range of students than traditional methods can reach and meet goals of increasing access. This has allowed UK institutions to tap into new markets which can be defined as the new emerging middle class in country + third nationals who are drawn to educational hubs such as Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong due to the number of UK qualifications available on offer.

The more successful programmes develop a wider and deeper range of partnerships beyond the delivery of the programme.

Have influence in globally significant regions and assist governments in developing own capacities.

Issues to Consider

• How do you ensure it benefits all sides of the relationship?

• How do you maintain quality assurance?

• How do you ensure sustainability?

• How do you ensure student experience is comparable?

• How do you ensure staff and student identification with both institutions?