Transnational Education

Transnational Education (TNE) refers to degree programs delivered in a country different from the one that awards the qualification. We offer students innovative opportunities to work, study, and learn globally through transnational education partnerships and our leading international networks and alliances.

Transnational Education can include: 
•    joint or dual degrees
•    collaborative programmes with overseas partners
•    online and distance learning; short courses delivered internationally. 

A group of students in a classroom with their laptops.

Why Transnational Education matters

Transnational Education (TNE) allows students to study globally, creating new pathways to access high-quality education, gain international experience, and earn recognised qualifications without relocating. It also boosts international collaboration, expands access to higher education, and builds long-term partnerships that address local and global challenges.

University of Edinburgh and Transnational Education

TNE is central to Edinburgh’s global engagement. The University works with trusted international partners to co-develop high-quality, sustainable education, focusing on collaboration rather than large overseas campuses.

Transnational Education in action

The University offers a range of transnational education opportunities for students worldwide, including:

  • Joint and collaborative degrees: We work with select international institutions to design and deliver programmes together, with shared teaching, joint supervision, and aligned assessments – ensuring the same high standards as Edinburgh.
  • Online and distance learning: Our online postgraduate degrees and professional programmes let students study flexibly from anywhere, while benefiting from the University's academic expertise.
  • Short courses and professional education: We offer short courses, micro-credentials, and professional development programmes to support lifelong learning and evolving skills needs.
  • Strategic international partnerships: Our global partnerships connect teaching with research, staff exchange, and capacity building, strengthening collaboration worldwide.

Active TNE collaborations

The University of Edinburgh partners with Donghua University to offer joint programmes in fashion innovation and interior design in Shanghai. Students can earn Edinburgh degrees while gaining industry-relevant skills and experience in a global fashion hub. These programmes combine international teaching approaches with professional links to Shanghai’s creative industries, demonstrating how transnational education can broaden access, support intercultural learning, and strengthen long-term partnerships.


Based in Haining, China is a joint institute in biomedical sciences that delivers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in English including dual degree options where students graduate with awards from both universities. Through shared curricula, co taught courses, and dual award PhD and bachelor’s programmes, ZJE provides research led training in biomedical science, enabling students to access Edinburgh qualifications while studying on Zhejiang University’s International Campus.

This model demonstrates how collaborative TNE can build capacity in priority disciplines, link teaching with world class research, and deepen China–UK academic cooperation over the long term.


The University of Edinburgh develops joint and dual degree programmes with partners around the world. These programmes combine shared curricula, staff and student exchanges, and locally relevant expertise. Examples include collaborations with Universitas Gadjah Mada in Indonesia and Christian Medical College in India, offering co-supervision and integrated study across campuses.


Quality and student experience

All transnational education activity at the University of Edinburgh is underpinned by robust academic governance and quality assurance processes. Programmes are designed to meet the University’s academic standards, with clear arrangements for teaching, assessment, and student support, ensuring a high-quality and consistent learning experience.


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