Who should I contact to submit a new partnership proposal?
Firstly, please check if your proposal meets our essential (and preferably, desirable) criteria for new partnerships. If the answer is yes, please send your new partnership proposal to the International Partnerships Office at ipo@gre.ac.uk.
What format should my proposal take?
We collaborate with partners on franchises, validations, external validations, dual awards and articulations (for further information about the differences between these models, please click here). If you wish to discuss any other model, please provide further details when you contact the International Partnerships Office with your proposal.
What partnership models do you offer?
We collaborate with partners on franchises, validations, external validations, dual awards and articulations (for further information about the differences between these models, please click here). If you wish to discuss any other model, please provide further details when you contact the International Partnerships Office with your proposal.
Can I discuss my proposal with someone?
Yes. The International Partnerships Office would be happy to discuss any proposals over the telephone or in person, however, it is normally better for us to receive your email proposal in the first instance so that we can undertake some preliminary research in advance. We can then liaise with you to arrange a suitable time to meet or discuss the proposal.
How long will it take for my proposal to be considered?
We will attempt to review and respond to new partnership proposals within two weeks, notwithstanding university closures over Christmas or other holiday periods. Please do not re-send your proposal during this period.
What happens if my initial proposal is successful?
If we believe that your proposal could be of mutual benefit to our two institutions, the International Partnerships Office will contact you to outline the next steps of the process, beginning with the formal Partner Approval process. We will also provide you with a named contact or 'Link Manager' at the University of Greenwich (either someone in the International Partnerships Office, or in a Faculty) so that you are given specific guidance at each step along the way.
What happens if my initial proposal is not successful?
If we do not believe that your proposal could be of mutual benefit, the International Partnerships Office will contact you to let you know so that you can contact another institution which may be a better fit. In some cases, we may respond with an alternative offer (for example, it is possible that we may not be able to offer a top-up franchise in your location, but could investigate progression or articulation arrangements). Please be assured that we give each application due consideration.
What are the formal requirements to be approved as a new partner of the University of Greenwich?
The University of Greenwich follows the procedures as outlined in our Quality Assurance Handbook. Further information is available here.
Do all new partners need to go through the partner approval process via the Partner Scrutiny Panel?
All new partners for collaborative provision proposals (franchises, validations, external validations, dual awards and articulations) must go through the partner approval process. However, partners for other forms of collaboration (such as Study Abroad, Erasmus+, exchanges or research) are not required to go through this process.
How long does new partner approval take?
It can vary, but the partner approval process normally takes around 4 months as there are a number of documents which need to be drafted, collated and reviewed by various committees within the University, including the due diligence. In addition, the programme authorisation/approval process may take another 3 - 5 months. As general guidance, we advise new partners to estimate that it will take 9 months between submitting a partner proposal and the partner and programme approval process being completed.
What are the formal requirements for a collaborative programme to be approved by the University of Greenwich?
Requests for programme authorisation are managed by the Academic Planning Committee (APC), as detailed in our Quality Assurance Handbook. Further information is available here.
How long does programme authorisation and approval take?
The programme authorisation/approval process may take 3 - 5 months. As general guidance, we advise new partners to estimate that it will take 9 months from submitting the initial partner proposal to the partner and programme approval process to be completed. Your Link Manager will keep you up-to-date with progress throughout.
Where does the programme approval event take place for new partners?
We normally undertake all approval events for new partners on location at the partner institution, at a date to be agreed in advance. The University of Greenwich will send a small team of staff along with an external panel member from another university. Your Link Manager will work with you in the months leading up to the approval event and to create the documentation needed for this event.
When can I begin to advertise a partnership with the University of Greenwich?
Approved partners may begin to advertise collaborative programmes after the Academic Planning Committee (APC) has authorised the programme(s). Any advertising must make clear, however, that the programme is still subject to approval, and draft marketing materials must be approved in advance of publication by the International Partnerships Office, or by the Link Manager.
What help can I expect with marketing and publicity?
Marketing is the responsibility of the collaborative partner, however general assistance and further information can be found here.
What fees does the University of Greenwich charge for reviewing initial partnership proposals?
We do not charge partners a fee to review initial proposals. We may however ask a prospective partner to cover costs of airfares and hotel accommodation if we need to visit your institution in advance of, or during, the partner approval process; these fees would be discussed and agreed in advance of any travel taking place. In addition, we are able to arrange temporary consultancy agreements if needed, for a fee. Please contact the International Partnerships Office should you wish to discuss this further.
What fees does the University of Greenwich charge for partner approval events?
New partner approval events are required to take place on location at the partner's site. It is normally expected that partners should cover the costs of airfare for the approval panel (normally around 5 members of staff) at Premium Economy fare or higher, plus hotel and external panel member fees. These fees should also be paid in advance of the approval event.
Do you have a set fee for each partnership model?
No. We have minimum fees and expectations in terms of income generation, but beyond that, other factors are taken into consideration when negotiating a fee (such as location, complexity of the partnership, number of students, how many programmes may be included, staff development requirements and so on). Discussions about fees would however take place fairly early, and partners would also be expected to commit to paying a minimum annual fee for the collaboration each year, regardless of the number of students recruited.
How are payments made to the University?
With the exception of articulation arrangements where students pay the University of Greenwich directly when they are studying on our UK campuses, partner organisations are responsible for paying fees to the University of Greenwich. We prefer payment to be made by electronic transfer on receipt of appropriate invoices. Payment in cash cannot be accepted. Full information will be included in the Financial Memorandum, including the expected dates for payment.
What penalties are in place for non or late payment of fees?
Specific details will be included in the Financial Memorandum agreed between the two institutions. Please note that the University of Greenwich takes this matter very seriously and will not hesitate to suspend or terminate partnerships should financial concerns arise.