Abstract
Traditional international education partnerships centred on mobility and bilateral agreements are increasingly challenged by demand for scalable, globally accessible learning. Universities are under pressure to move beyond collaboration frameworks towards co-developed educational offerings that respond directly to workforce needs.
This session examines how Adelaide University and the University of Surrey translated a strategic partnership into a co-developed and co-delivered product, “Space Fundamentals”, a jointly funded and co-branded online course delivered via a global platform. Using this case, presenters will analyse the operational realities of translating partnership intent into delivery, including aligning institutional priorities, funding and ownership models, and coordinating cross-border curriculum design.
The session will also assess the implications of platform-based delivery and emerging AI-enabled learning environments for course design, delivery and scale. It will argue that while digital platforms enable global reach, effective co-delivery remains dependent on sustained human collaboration, institutional trust, and structured negotiation.
Attendees will gain practical insights into how micro-credentials can extend partnership value, complement mobility, and support more scalable and responsive models of global engagement.
Learning objectives
- Understand how traditional partnership models can be extended into co-developed educational offerings that respond to workforce demand and enable scalable delivery
- Identify enablers and constraints in translating institutional partnerships into jointly delivered micro-credentials, including governance, funding and ownership models
- Analyse practical approaches to aligning institutional priorities and coordinating cross-border curriculum design in a co-development context
- Evaluate the role of digital platforms in enabling global reach, while recognising their operational and pedagogical limitations
- Assess the implications of emerging AI-enabled learning environments for course design, delivery and learner engagement
- Recognise the critical role of sustained human collaboration, trust and negotiation in delivering joint educational products
- Consider how micro-credentials can complement mobility, extend partnership value and support flexible models of global engagement
Target audience
International education leaders, partnership managers, TNE and lifelong learning practitioners, and those working in micro-credentials, digital learning or platform delivery. Relevant for professionals developing scalable programmes, workforce-aligned education, and cross-border collaborations.