March 2025 – July 2025
Research Team
Kat Emms & Andrea Laczik (Edge Foundation), Jo Pretty (DfE), Emma Meredith, Nina Chorzelewski and Lucy Chrispin (Association of Colleges
While significant work has been done in transnational education (TNE) for the higher education sector, limited research has explored its relevance and impact within the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) systems. Edge will be working with colleagues at the Association of Colleges to examine TNE models in TVET, identify best practices, and providing actionable recommendations for policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders in TVET systems globally.
This research will be exploring strategic approaches and delivery models of TNE in TVET across the four nations of the UK, we will be conducting interviews with stakeholders involved in these models (both UK and international partners) and drawing on existing data available on these models. The research will address the following questions:
- What are the characteristics of (former and current) TNE models in TVET in the UK? What can be learned from international practice?
- What are the success factors, challenges, and impact of TNE in TVET delivery, particularly considering the skills development and employability outcomes?
- What are the possible future trends in TNE given current global and local political, social and environmental contexts?
- What are the policy and operational recommendations for implementing effective TNE models in TVET, particularly in low-and middle-income countries?
To find out more information or how you could contribute, please do get in touch: kemms@edge.co.uk.