UK transnational education in China and Hong Kong report (921KB) - published July 2007

The UK-China-Hong Kong transnational education report represents the culmination of a significant research project undertaken by Ning Tang and Andrea Nollent from the Centre for Education Research and Social Inclusion at  Sheffield Hallam University. The research was commissioned by the British Council under PMI2 and was funded by the Education Sector Skills team at UK Trade & Investment (UKTI).

As a major global phenomenon, transnational education (TNE) is predicted to grow significantly over the next twenty years. The UK government's interest in TNE, reflected in the PMI, emphasises the importance of UK partnerships with overseas institutions. It includes a wide variety of delivery modes, including: distance and e-learning; validation and franchising arrangements; twinning and other collaborative provision. In recognition of the importance placed on TNE by the government, Mr Bill Rammell, Minister for Life-long Learning and Higher Education, agreed to be interviewed for this research.

The intention in commissioning the research was to build a picture of TNE between the UK and mainland China and Hong Kong, through both market information and the experiences of institutions and policy makers. In order to build a successful partnership, it is important to understand the regulatory context in which it is to develop, the motivations of the partners, the nature of the partnership, and any potential pitfalls and obstacles. This report will equip institutions with the information they need when planning new partnerships. It is also hoped that the research will help in some way in the long-term development of TNE between the UK, mainland China and Hong Kong.

The British Council would like to thank Ning Tang and Andrea Nollent for their hard work and dedication to this project, and Richard Parry and UKTI for their support in funding this research.