The terminology for UK programmes delivered outside the UK are used by UK institutions to mean different things and are often used interchangeably:
Dual / Joint award The UK institution and local partner provide programmes leading to two awards conferred by both institutions (dual award) or a single award jointly by both institutions (joint award).
Twinning / Franchising The UK institution licences a local institution to teach some or all of its course, so that students can receive the award from the UK institution without having to attend classes physically in the UK campus.
Validation The course is developed and delivered by the local institution. The UK institution assesses whether it is of appropriate quality to lead to its award. The UK institution will determine the extent to which it exerts direct control over quality assurance aspects.
Articulation / Credit Transfer This refers to a transfer arrangement between a UK and a local institution. The UK institution agrees to recognise and grant exemptions to the students, based on the subjects taken in the local institution.
International Branch Campus The UK institution sets up an off-shore campus located in another country. Students at the off-shore campus will be awarded qualifications in the name of the UK institution.
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