Improving choice, access and quality in global recruitment
Students today prioritise flexible and affordable learning options when choosing where and what to study. One of the challenges with traditional articulation models is that universities have limited engagement with students. However, by building in deeper transnational education (TNE) partnerships, institutions can co-design student pathways, allowing for better curriculum alignment and improved visibility of students.
A panel discussion, held in partnership with Oxford International Digital Institute (OIDI), at the 2026 THE HashtagHigherEd UK event, brought together experts from the UK higher education sector to explore how universities and their partners are responding to shifting student preferences.
The discussion explored examples of diversified, flexible and digitally enabled study routes. Claire MacEachen, vice-principal of global engagement at Abertay University, explained how her institution’s partnership with OIDI goes beyond articulation towards a model that establishes a connection between the student and the institution from the start.
“We’ve taken the programmes that we initially used as articulation vehicles and embedded them into our programmes,” said MacEachen. “They are Abertay programmes from day one. That has huge benefits for the students and us. It gives us much earlier engagement with students.” This enables the university to establish a sense of community among its international cohort and support their transition when they arrive in the UK.
The higher education landscape is changing, influenced by volatility across the globe. Many students cannot afford the costs of studying abroad, and learners are increasingly looking for more cost-effective ways to invest in their education. The sector has witnessed a diversification of TNE pathways in response. The popularity of online foundation programmes presents an opportunity for UK institutions to strengthen their international presence.
“We see it as a bridge,” said Syed Nooh, head of global insights and market development at the University of East Anglia. In addition to promoting the programmes internationally, this also creates individuals who champion UK higher education. “Because they’ve had the flavour, they might then want to look at the UK when they’re looking at postgraduate or PhD research, and that’s the long-term value we see,” added Nooh.
Fluctuations in demand for postgraduate education from key markets such as China have compelled universities to diversify their student pipelines and income streams. Victoria Isherwood, director of global recruitment, admissions and marketing at the University of Exeter, said that many institutions are “playing catch-up”, waking up to the need for expanding programmes, widening partnerships and adding new entry points into their courses.
“This year we’ll have some third-year entry for our business school,” said Isherwood. “It’s the first time Exeter has done something like that. There are a lot of students wanting more flexible study routes from these markets.”
While there is consensus on the need for UK universities to expand student pathways and embrace new strategic partnerships, concerns remain over reputation and academic standards. However, the right partnership model can enhance quality control.
The panel:
- Victoria Isherwood, director of global recruitment, admissions and marketing, University of Exeter
- Claire MacEachen, vice-principal of global engagement, Abertay University
- Syed Nooh, head of global insights and market development, University of East Anglia
- Gary Palmer, managing director, Oxford International Digital Institute (chair)
Find out more about Oxford International Digital Institute.
