UK and China agree deal on 'high-quality' cross-border education

Organisations in the UK and China have developed a statement of principles aimed at enhancing the quality of transnational education (TNE) programmes between the countries.

The Beijing Statement, which was announced at the Workshop on Quality Assurance for UK-China Transnational Education in Beijing on 18 March, includes a commitment to develop regular channels of communication to support sharing data and information, explore ways to enhance inter-agency cooperation, and recognise the importance of sharing best practice and experience.

The event was part of the British Council’s first UK-China Education Policy Week (14 to 20 March).

The principles were jointly developed by the British Council, the China Education Association for International Exchange, the China Academic Degrees and Graduate Education Development Centre, the Quality Assurance Agency and the UK Higher Education International Unit, in consultation with the sector.

The document is not legally binding but marks a commitment to the deepening of partnerships in the quality assurance of transnational education, and to following the agreement when establishing such programmes.

Jim Addison, director of education at the British Council in China, said: “Today’s announcement demonstrates both countries’ commitment to transnational education, an area in which the UK and China are already world-leading partners. 

“The commitment to follow these agreed principles paves the way for more high-quality partnerships between the UK and China, benefiting students and institutions alike. In doing so, the Beijing Statement is another milestone in our two countries’ ever-growing relationship in higher education.” 

ellie.bothwell@tesglobal.com