Academic Partnerships

Academic Partnerships Management 

At the University of South Wales (USW), our academic partnerships are a vital part of how we extend our reach, share knowledge, and create opportunity — both across the UK and internationally. Whether through franchise, validated, dual award or advanced standing arrangements, our partners deliver high-quality education that meets the same rigorous academic standards expected on campus.

All academic partnerships are governed by the University’s Academic Partnerships Framework, which provides clear guidance on how partnerships are developed, approved, managed, and reviewed. This Framework aligns with the UK Quality Code for Higher Education and reflects USW’s commitment to quality, integrity, and innovation — including our ambitions under the Internationalisation 2030 strategy.

The Apprenticeships Manual 2025/2026 outlines the definitions, regulatory frameworks and indicative processes governing the University’s apprenticeship provision. The Apprenticeships Manual should be read in conjunction with the University’s Quality Framework, which details USW’s overarching quality assurance approach, the University’s Regulations for Taught Courses and the University’s Academic Partnerships Framework.

The Academic Partnerships Office (APO), within the Curriculum, Quality and Partnerships team, coordinates all aspects of partnership governance including procedures for the Recognised Teacher Status Scheme. Working closely with faculties, committees, and professional services, APO ensures that each arrangement is underpinned by robust due diligence, sound academic oversight, and clearly defined responsibilities.

We ensure our partnerships are:

  • Strategically aligned – Every proposal is assessed against USW’s mission and ambitions.
  • Quality assured – Our processes include continuous monitoring, annual reviews, and periodic reapproval.
  • Clearly defined – We use formal agreements and Partnership Management Handbooks to clarify expectations and responsibilities.
  • Collaboratively managed – University Link Officers and partner staff work in close liaison to support students and uphold standards.

All collaborative arrangements are underpinned by formal contracts and institutional agreements, with clear roles and responsibilities for both USW and partner organisations.

Our list of collaborative partners is available for review, including the Faculty they are associated with.  

Together, through collaborative effort and shared ambition, we are delivering high-quality learning opportunities that have a global impact.

New Partner Enquiries

Prospective partners are invited to review our Academic Partnerships Framework in detail, for an overview of our partnership proposal and approval processes. For enquiries into possible partnerships with the University of South Wales, please contact us via the appropriate lead as detailed below:

Academic Partnership Enquiries - [email protected] 
Commercial Partnership Enquiries - [email protected] 
International Student Exchange or Student Mobility Enquiries – [email protected]  
Research Partnership Enquiries - [email protected]