Since having been founded 60 years ago, the University of Bath has grown into a globally respected institution, with over 20,000 students from 153 countries. Renowned for excellence in teaching and research, it is ranked 125th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2027. The University is ranked 7th in the UK by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026, where it is also named Sport University of the Year. It is placed 8th by the Guardian 2026 (joint 5th for career outcomes), and 9th in the Complete University Guide 2027 and Daily Mail 2026. Bath holds triple Gold in the latest TEF 2023.
Role
The Head of Transnational Education (TNE) will play a critical leadership and development role within the University’s growing portfolio of global partners. With the University of Bath starting a major phase of TNE development, the post-holder will implement frameworks, processes, and operational capability to launch and sustain high-quality offshore educational provision. This role will have a key responsibility in the set-up and operation of TNE activities, horizon scanning, identifying and articulating risk and managing governance structures, with the strategic direction being set by the University Executive Board (UEB).
The role will involve project management, regulatory and quality assurance knowledge, and partnership development. It requires experience working with offshore university operations, ideally within UK or Australian TNE contexts, and the ability to support senior stakeholders as the University expands its TNE activity. The post holder will manage an allocated budget within the International Relations Office’s overall budget.
About You
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Demonstrable track record of direct involvement in transnational academic and logistical operations, including oversight of at least one significant project (joint programme, dual award, or branch campus related activity) with an international university
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Experience of interpreting and applying regulatory frameworks across multiple jurisdictions, including awareness of QAA requirements for TNE, OfS quality and standards, academic governance processes, and student protection considerations
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Experience of drafting or contributing to legally sensitive documentation such as Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), partnership agreements, and due diligence reports
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Proven experience supporting or leading the development of policies, frameworks, or governance structures in a higher education context
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Experience of international market analysis and/or financial modelling for TNE activities
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Knowledge of the commercial, political, and regulatory environments shaping global TNE activity
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Familiarity with the operational realities of international branch campuses, joint schools, overseas study centres, or dual degree delivery
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Experience preparing and supporting site visits, external audits, curriculum alignment exercises, and partner evaluations
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Degree-educated or with equivalent professional experience
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Excellent communication skills and the ability to negotiate and influence with tact and diplomacy
Travel to Bath
Bath, known for its Georgian architecture and natural hot springs, has been a desirable place to live since Roman times. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it holds legal protection for its cultural significance. Residents appreciate the green surroundings, parks, hills, and independent shops alongside the iconic Georgian landscape. The city hosts various cultural events including the Bath Literature, Music, and Comedy Festivals, "Bath in Fashion" Week, and the annual Bath Digital Festival, providing entertainment for residents. Find essential travel advice at Travel advice (bath.ac.uk).
We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equity and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.
We're very proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. an accredited Disability Confident Leader; autism friendly university, committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff.
We're continually expanding our benefits package to better support you and enhance your experience with us and the below is just an example of some of the many great benefits we offer:
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Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
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Generous employer contributory pension schemes
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Cycle to work scheme
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Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
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Staff discount at Team Bath gym
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Staff benefits include discounted postgraduate tuition and language courses, alongside a wide range of personal and professional development opportunities such as apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning, and more
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Local discounts, including free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath
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A family-friendly workplace
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An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
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Relocation allowance
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Visa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses
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Employee assistance services through Health Assured, including access to the Wisdom app
Find out more about our benefits hear from our staff about what makes the University of Bath a great place to work as well as following us X and LinkedIn.
We’re committed to creating a health-supporting working environment where everyone can thrive and be at their best. We offer a range of resources to enable you to do that from your first day here, including:
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Staff support groups and networks
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A network of Staff Wellbeing Champions
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A suite of tools, resources and frameworks that enable you to be at your best and thrive
Find out more about being at your best at Bath.
- Job Description & Person Specification
Right to Work in the UK: We do not assess immigration or right to work status until offer stage. Being invited to interview does not guarantee you are eligible for visa sponsorship and all offers are conditional on meeting right to work requirements. Further information is available on our application support webpage.
Anonymous shortlisting: We are constantly seeking to reduce the unconscious bias that enters any assessment process, with the goal of creating an inclusive and equal assessment process. To support this, personal details such as your name, may be removed from application forms at the initial shortlisting stage.
