The University operates a range of partnerships in relation to its course provision.  These include arrangements with employers for the delivery of work-based learning and with other universities for study abroad.  Visiting lecturers and guest speakers from outside organisations may be used.  In addition, four formal categories are identified for collaborative provision with other educational or training institutions.

a)     Validated courses, taught by a partner institution leading to a University award.  Within this category ‘subject networks’ may be developed where a number of partners collaborate to offer the same course.  

b)      Joint courses, where the University offers a course in conjunction with one or more other institutions, and where typically, students undertake elements of the course at the University and the partner(s).  (There are usually equal contributions.)   

c)      Outcentre provision, where the University uses the premises of another organisation to deliver all or part of the course.  In addition the University may also contract with the institution to use its staff to teach or otherwise support delivery.   

d)      Articulation arrangements, whereby the University enters into a formal agreement with another institution to recognise a specific qualification of that institution as meeting part of the requirements for a University course, thus enabling admission with advanced standing. 

This table summarises the operational implications of each category. 

The University records information on each link in a collaborative register published on the University’s website (www.ulster.ac.uk/collaborativepartnerships/).

The University's partner institutions and approved courses are also listed here. A map of Northern Ireland identifying the location of local provision is available here.

The University's collaborative strategy is available here.

A Partnership Handbook describes policy and procedures for the initial recognition of institutions and their re-approval, and for the approval, management and monitoring of courses in more detail. See also Programme Approval and Revision: external provision.

For validated courses, an initial strategic assessment of prospective new partners is undertaken for consideration by the University's Senior Management Group. The Group must have determined that the link is in the University's strategic interest before course proposals are developed.  An institutional visit is made.  This may be timed to coincide with the evaluation of a new course.  Subsequent institutional re-approval may also take place at the time of an evaluation or revalidation event.  The Quality Management and Audit Unit manages the process of institutional approval.

For validated provision, Faculty Heads of Collaborative Courses are appointed as the identified link between the Faculty and partner institutions and they co-ordinate provision of subject-specific advice with other Faculty staff where appropriate. The role and responsibilities are described here. Contact details for Faculty Heads are available here.