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Academic partnerships strategy

Our vision for academic partnerships

Birkbeck's academic partnerships will extend the reach, impact and accessibility of our distinctive model of higher education - in supporting those already working to transform their career opportunities. Through carefully selected collaborations in the UK and internationally, we will enable flexible, inclusive and high-quality opportunities for lifelong learners, deliver positive impact to the societies that we serve, and contribute to the College's long-term sustainability and reputation.

Academic partnerships will support Birkbeck's mission to provide flexible and accessible education for diverse learners, while helping to build bridges across communities, sectors and global networks. Our partnerships will reflect our values of academic excellence, inclusion, innovation, collaboration and public engagement.

Strategic principles

All academic partnerships developed during 2026-2031 will:

  1. advance Birkbeck's mission and strategic priorities in honour of over 200 years' impact, through partnerships that widen participation, support lifelong learning and increase access to flexible higher education
  2. enhance the student experience by delivering high-quality, research-informed and professionally relevant education, supported by inclusive and flexible modes of study
  3. strengthen academic excellence and innovation through collaborative curriculum development, knowledge exchange and interdisciplinary working
  4. extend Birkbeck's reach and reputation regionally, nationally and internationally through partnerships with organisations that share our commitment to academic quality, equity and social impact
  5. support employability and progression by building relationships with employers, professional bodies, colleges and industry partners that create clear pathways for learners
  6. promote responsible internationalisation by developing global partnerships that align with Birkbeck’s academic strengths, ethical standards, commitment to mutual benefit and local impact
  7. maintain high standards of governance, quality and compliance through rigorous approval, monitoring and review processes that protect the student experience and institutional reputation.

Strategic objectives for 2026-2031

By 2031, Birkbeck will:

  • develop a focused portfolio of high-quality academic partnerships aligned to institutional priorities and areas of academic strength
  • expand opportunities for flexible, part-time and lifelong learning through partnerships with further education colleges, employers and other providers
  • grow partnerships that support civic engagement and knowledge exchange
  • build sustainable partnerships that enhance global visibility and student mobility through increased progression pathways for underrepresented and international students
  • strengthen employer engagement and professionally focused provision to support workforce development and applied future skills
  • ensure all partnership activity delivers measurable benefits for students, staff and partner organisations
  • maintain a proportionate and risk-based approach to partnership development, oversight and review.

Partnership Development Framework

New and existing partnerships will be evaluated against the following criteria:

  • Alignment with Birkbeck's mission, values and strategic priorities along with history.
  • High standards of academic quality, student experience, engagement and outcomes.
  • Financial sustainability and operational viability.
  • Reputation, governance and legal standing of the partner.
  • Opportunities for innovation, research, employability and knowledge exchange.
  • Contribution to widening participation, inclusion and student success.
  • Capacity to enhance Birkbeck's regional, national or international profile.
  • Compatibility with regulatory requirements and institutional risk appetite.

Delivering the strategy

Successful delivery of this strategy will require co-ordinated leadership across academic schools and professional services, supported by clear governance, effective partnership management and a culture of collaboration.

Birkbeck will adopt a measured and sustainable approach to growth, ensuring that partnership activity remains academically robust, student-centred and aligned with the College's wider strategic ambitions for 2026-2031.

Version history

  • Approved June 2026