Universities UK and GuildHE have asked QAA to develop a new approach to reviewing and enhancing the quality of UK transnational education (TNE). QAA will consult on a new review method later this year and will launch the programme of in-country activity in 2021.

The commission from UK higher education’s representative bodies follows extensive consultation across the sector. Over 95% of respondents agreed that any approach should be UK wide, and there was support for a programme of in-country activity to enhance the quality of TNE.

Responses also indicated that there is a ‘deep commitment’ to the future of UK TNE among the UK’s universities, and ‘strong pride’ in the way in which UK higher education and UK TNE is respected and valued around the world.

Dr David Llewellyn, Chair of GuildHE and Vice Chancellor of Harper Adams University, said: ‘UK higher education has a positive impact on students around the world and makes a substantial contribution to the international reputation of the UK. As we all work through the longer-term implications of the current crisis, it will be important to continue to enhance the quality of the student experience wherever UK higher education is delivered.

‘Following extensive feedback on the consultation GuildHE is pleased, along with Universities UK, to ask QAA to develop a new method to protect and enhance the quality of UK TNE’.

A report of the consultation findings and the commissioning letter from the Boards of Universities UK and GuildHE are now available.