Types of partnerships

We have a variety of different types of collaborative provision that each offer different ways of sharing our academic provisions. Our different types of collaborative partnerships are as follows:

Accreditation

Accreditation is defined by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) as “the approval of an HE course by an authorised body.” The University, as it has degree awarding powers, is an authorised body. The provision is that of the partner delivered to its own students on its own premises. The provision is accredited by the University and students receive an award of the University.

Distance learning

Distance learning is a mechanism where a student studies at a distance. In doing so, the University retains overall responsibility for the programme’s content, delivery mechanisms, assessment and quality assurance arrangements.

Dual awards

A dual award describes collaborative arrangements under which two or more awarding institutions together provide programmes leading to separate awards being granted by both, or all of them.

Franchise

Franchising is a formal process by which the University, as an awarding institution, agrees to authorise the provision of the whole or part of one or more of its own approved programmes by a partner organisation. The University retains overall responsibility for the programme’s content, delivery, assessment and quality assurance arrangements.

Outreach

Outreach is an arrangement whereby the University provides a programme of learning leading to an award of the University at a location remote from the University and receives support in this provision from a partner organisation. The provision is normally taught by staff of the University or made available through a form of distributed learning.

How to become a partner

A partnership with University of Staffordshire can bring benefits to your institution, its staff and its students.

in the UK for Quality Education

Sustainable Development Goal 4, Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

Top 5 for Social Inclusion

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

for First Generation Students

The Mail University Guide 2025

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021