four designers in a meeting around a table
four designers in a meeting around a table

External Collaborations

External Collaborations

Collaboration is at the heart of Buckinghamshire New University (BNU). We are proud to work with industry, professional bodies, community organisations, and educational institutions across the UK and internationally.

These partnerships create real opportunities for our students - enhancing their learning, developing their skills, and preparing them for meaningful futures. In turn, our partners benefit from the creativity, energy, and fresh perspectives our students bring, making a lasting impact in their organisations and communities.

Our Partnership Principles

At BNU, we build partnerships grounded in shared values and mutual respect. Our principles include:

  • Equity: We collaborate as equals, valuing the expertise and cultural richness of our partners.
  • Co-Creation: We design curricula, research, and initiatives together—never in isolation.
  • Local Empowerment: We focus on building lasting capacity within communities.
  • Reciprocal Learning: We embrace diverse perspectives and knowledge systems.
  • Sustainable Impact: We invest in long-term relationships that foster resilience and innovation.

Vision for Inclusive and Ethical Collaborations

Our vision is to lead partnerships that are inclusive, ethical, and transformative. We reject outdated models of exporting education and instead embrace a collaborative approach that is locally responsive and globally enriching.

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Why Collaborate with BNU?

By partnering with BNU, you can:

  • Empower students with skills and opportunities for professional success.
  • Innovate across teaching, research, and community impact.
  • Connect local insight with global expertise.
  • Build inclusive, future-focused education together.

Interested in collaborating? 

Download the Prospective Partnership Questionnaire (PPQ) and send to Partnerships@bnu.ac.uk on completion. Want to learn more? Explore our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

Types of Partnerships

  • Franchise: Partner delivers a programme designed and quality assured by BNU.
  • Validation: Partner designs and delivers a programme that leads to a BNU qualification.
  • Joint / Dual Degrees: Collaborative programmes with another awarding body, leading to joint or dual qualifications.
  • Articulation: Recognised partner qualifications count towards a BNU degree.
  • Progression Agreement: Students’ progress from a partner’s programme into BNU study.
  • Study Abroad/Exchange: Reciprocal opportunities with credit recognition.

Our Partners

You can explore the full list of our partners and the programmes they deliver, with direct links to each partner’s website for more information.

Interior and Spatial classroom

UK-Based Collaborations

In the UK, we focus on partnerships with institutions that support diverse, diasporic, and marginalised communities. Together, we work to challenge assumptions, decolonise practice, and promote inclusive excellence.

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Transnational Education (TNE)

Internationally, our TNE partnerships are about co-creation, not export. We develop contextually relevant programmes that reflect the needs and aspirations of local communities. This includes supporting staff development, empowering students, and engaging with wider society in meaningful ways.

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For further guidance, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions.

For any queries not addressed on this page, or to request further details, please contact us at: Partnerships@bnu.ac.uk

Prospective Partner Questionnaire (PPQ)