Dr Chris Baldwin Head of School of Biomedical Sciences ‘Raising the Bar’ Learning and Teaching Conference 25 th March 2015 Developing International Partnerships and/or Overseas programmes

Current Partnerships 1)NUMed Malaysia 2+1 BSc BMS ( start 2013) 2)University of Indonesia – Intercalation (start 2009) Potential Partnerships 2) Xiamen 4+0 BSc Pharmacology (start 2016?) Others 3) APL agreements – INTI, UCSI, Republic Polytechnic, Dalian etc

Developing International Partnerships and/or Overseas programmes 1.Why are we considering this project a) Increased Revenue – Will it? b) Reputation Raising (School, Faculty University) – Will it? c) Develop research links – Will it?

Developing International Partnerships and/or Overseas programmes 2. What Partner/Model of Delivery do we Choose? a)Established off shore Newcastle campus i) NUMed (space) ii) NUIS (working with SIT) b) New offshore Newcastle campus i) Our own eg NUMed model ii) With exisiting partner eg NUIS model c) Other – New Partner, Dual Degree, Franchise etc,

Developing International Partnerships and/or Overseas programmes 3. New or established programme a) UG or PG b) Depends on the model and country chosen but experience in FMS suggests that local regulatory bodies will normally require an established programme to be set up in country (Malaysia, China). c) Does the programme fit the development needs of the partner country.

Developing International Partnerships and/or Overseas programmes 4. Local Knowledge Critical to learn this as early as possible and do not just rely on your partner to inform you. i) What is the regulatory Framework in country and what/who do you need to contact before you even start process – eg MQA and MoHE - Malaysia, MOE - China ii) Develop links with local Regulatory staff where possible. iii) Develop links with other institutions that have an established programme in target country

Developing International Partnerships and/or Overseas programmes 5. Model of Delivery This will very much depend on the business case and country but should consider i) 1+2, 2+1, 3+0, 1+3, 2+2, 3+1, 4+0, (+PG?) ii) Newcastle staff seconded overseas (succession planning – OK for first 3-5 years) iii) Flying Faculty – Expensive iv) Local in country Newcastle staff (need to look at local employment law – who employs them?) v) All local staff (problem keeping Newcastle ethos) vi) Mixture of above

Developing International Partnerships and/or Overseas programmes 6. Regulations i) Must consider Newcastle processes eg – IPT, EPSC, Part 1 and Part 2 approval ii) Must also consider local approval process which will be different and be considered on a different timeframe iii) Any core modules that must be offered locally – yes in China and Malaysia iv) How flexible are you after approval (changing entry criteria, fees etc)

Developing International Partnerships and/or Overseas programmes 7. Same Course?/Same Course? i)How much variation will you allow from the home course? Must meet programme LO at a minimum (BMS course at NUMed as near to 100% same in Malaysia as UK) ii)Local module codes are useful as they allow some flexibility (problems with practicals etc.)

Developing International Partnerships and/or Overseas programmes 8. Surprises i) Staff turn over – much higher than in UK, makes succession planning hard ii) Availability and delivery times of consumables and equipment iii) BoS and BoE timings (remember Newcastle regulations state that all dual or joint programmes are managed by the owning school at Newcastle) iv) Local holidays – may be very different from UK v) Exam timings

Developing International Partnerships and/or Overseas programmes 9. Musts 1)You must have a local champion for the programme who is relatively senior, has knowledge of QAA procedures in Newcastle etc so they can develop the programme and complete the appropriate paperwork 2) The programme must be supported by Senior Staff at School and Faculty 3)The programme must be driven by the owning school 4)Appropriate initial resource must be allocated – it is not a cheap option to do this. This must include funds to visit the country/local partner to build up personal relationships with key staff overseas.

Developing International Partnerships and/or Overseas programmes 9. Benefits i)Clear benefits for local students – UK experience in part or completely overseas ii)Excellent experience for Newcastle staff which can be built into promotion applications iii)Good opportunities to develop research links BUT this will take time (Building relationships with academics at partner institution) iv)Can rise profile of Newcastle BUT just having a partnership will not – needs input from all academics and staff in School.