Establishing an Academic Partnership

Our academic partnerships are founded on shared values and a commitment to quality, providing routes for mutual growth and student success.

Our approach

Every partnership begins with a conversation. We work closely with institutions to identify shared goals and to design collaborations that reflect both partners academic strengths and strategic priorities. Whether the focus is on student progression, joint delivery, or research collaboration, we aim to create sustainable relationships that deliver real impact.

How to get started

1. Initial discussion: to explore ideas and areas of alignment.
2. Developing the proposal: Together, we will shape a proposal defining the purpose, scope, and benefits of the Partnership. Once details are agreed, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is signed.
3. Approval: The partnership will be subject to approvals during internal committee meetings.
4. Agreement: The parties negotiate and agree on terms, then draft and review a partnership contract. Once finalised, all parties sign the agreement.
5. Implementation and review: A member of our Academic Partnerships Team will support the launch, delivery and the ongoing development of the partnership.

Get in touch

We’re always open to building new partnerships that support learning, research, and global engagement. Our team is here to help you explore opportunities for collaboration — from exchange agreements to joint research initiatives.

For more information on Academic Partnerships with St Mary's University, please email us at