Our Global Reach

The School of Health Sciences (HSC) is committed to developing and sustaining meaningful international partnerships that promote excellence in education, research, innovation, and healthcare practice. We believe that international partnerships are a powerful mechanism for transformation, through the sharing of knowledge, insights, expertise and ambition.

These partnerships may involve universities, healthcare providers, employers, professional bodies, governmental organisations and other stakeholders committed to improving healthcare education and practice.

International Partnership Principles

We believe that international partnerships: 

• require an alignment of organisational and professional values

• should build on the collective academic and professional strengths and expertise across participating organisations 

• should add value to the students and disciplines within collaborating organisations and countries 

• should contribute, where appropriate, to student recruitment, workforce development, portfolio sustainability, international reputation and global engagement

• should be reciprocal and benefit participating organisations 

• should be driven by the desire to improve both student and healthcare outcomes 

Partnership governance and approval 

All international partnership opportunities will be subject to appropriate academic, professional, financial, legal and reputational due diligence processes in accordance with University policies and procedures. Partnership activity should demonstrate mutual benefit, alignment with School and University priorities, and a clear contribution to educational, research, workforce or healthcare outcomes. 

International Partnership Options 

Staff exchange and development 

These are collaborative arrangements that enable academic and professional staff to share expertise, teaching practices, research knowledge, and leadership experience across institutions. Staff exchange programmes, both inbound and outbound, support professional development, strengthen institutional relationships, and encourage innovation in healthcare education and practice. 

Student interaction 

This is the development of opportunities for students from partner institutions to engage in shared learning experiences with HSC students through virtual collaboration, joint projects, seminars, workshops, and cultural exchange activities. Such interactions promote global perspectives, intercultural understanding, and professional networking. 

Student mobility 

This is the opportunity for HSC students to undertake part of their studies, clinical placements, or elective experiences at a partner institution in another country. Student mobility programmes enhance academic learning, personal development, cultural awareness, and employability. 

Student progression 

This is the establishment of agreed academic pathways that enable students to progress from one institution to another to complete undergraduate or postgraduate qualifications. Progression agreements support widening participation, international access to education, and academic advancement. Examples may include a top-up degree for international registrants. 

Dual degrees 

These are programmes developed collaboratively between partner institutions that allow students to gain awards from both organisations upon successful completion of an agreed course of study. Dual degree programmes strengthen international academic collaboration and increase graduate opportunities in global healthcare environments. Currently, we are exploring dual degree opportunities across our postgraduate post-registration programmes, including the Professional Doctorate. 

Joint research and innovation programmes 

These are collaborative initiatives, such as Summer schools, that bring together researchers, clinicians, academics, and students to address global healthcare challenges through shared research activity, innovation, knowledge exchange, and evidence-based practice development. Such programmes aim to generate impactful outcomes that improve healthcare delivery and patient care internationally.