Transnational education (TNE) has become a core strategic priority for higher education institutions across the world.
As universities expand their international reach, leaders are increasingly required to make complex decisions across diverse regulatory, cultural and educational contexts.
Yet support for TNE remains fragmented. Institutions often engage separately with networks, frameworks and organisations that focus on international strategy, regulation, quality assurance and partnership development. Bringing these perspectives together is essential for effective institutional decision-making and long-term success.
Leading Across Borders is an Advance HE member benefit for 2026-27 that connects sector expertise and global perspectives to help leaders strengthen transnational education, governance, quality assurance and student success.
Through four expert-led online workshops, participants will explore the leadership capabilities, policy environments and partnership approaches needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving global higher education landscape.
What makes this programme different?
Rather than creating another standalone network, Leading Across Borders convenes and connects existing sector expertise to support institutional leadership, quality and student success.
Delivered in partnership with:
Universities UK International (UUKi)
Quality Assurance Agency (QAA)
The series is delivered through a collaborative model designed to align sector capability, avoid duplication and amplify effective practice.
Alongside perspectives from organisations working across international strategy, policy, regulation and quality assurance.
Key features
- Four interactive 90-minute online workshops.
- Sector-informed content and practical insights.
- Global perspectives and emerging practice.
- Access to professional networks across the sector.
- Actionable guidance to support institutional decision-making.
Why participate?
Leading Across Borders has been designed to support leaders responsible for shaping, influencing and delivering global engagement and transnational education activity. The programme brings together complementary expertise from across the sector to create a more coherent, practice-informed approach to TNE.
Benefits for you and your institution
By participating, you will:
- Develop a multi-dimensional understanding of transnational education, including economic, regulatory, leadership and workforce perspectives.
- Strengthen alignment between TNE activity, teaching quality and student success.
- Build confidence when making decisions in complex international environments.
- Enhance your professional capabilities and strategic insight beyond your immediate role.
- Access global perspectives, practice and professional networks.
Gain practical guidance that can be applied directly within your institution.
The online workshops
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the series, participants will be able to:
- Develop a broader understanding of the strategic and operational dimensions of TNE.
- Strengthen leadership capability within transnational education contexts.
- Exchange practice and insight with peers across institutions.
- Improve alignment between leadership, quality assurance and student success.
Participation in international networks and global discussions enables HE staff to share knowledge, exchange best practice and collaborate on common challenges across borders. These connections support innovation in teaching, research and institutional leadership. They can also strengthen cultural understanding and global perspectives. By engaging with our international peers we are better able to spot emerging trends, develop strategic partnerships and contribute to solutions that enhance the quality, relevance and impact of higher education worldwide.
Professor Mark O’hara, Senior Consultant, Education ,Advance HE
Project Lead
Professor Mark O’Hara
Senior Consultant, Education
Professor Mark O’Hara is a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, a National Teaching Fellow and a winner of the Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence in the UK. Mark is a former Chair of the UK’s CATE-Network and has over 30 years’ experience leading educational change in a wide variety of roles including undergraduate and postgraduate programme leadership, Head of Student Experience, Associate Dean for Learning, Teaching and Academic Quality and Associate PVC (Education).
Register your interest
