International strategy

Oxford Brookes University's International Strategy, updated in April 2016, continues to support the strategic goal of being a “University dedicated to improving the human condition in Oxfordshire and around the world.”

The continued internationalisation of Oxford Brookes is an essential element of the University’s development, as is our ability to compete effectively in global markets.

The University already enjoys an international reputation for its teaching excellence and innovation as well as strong links with business and industry on a global scale. Examples of this include:

• Oxford Brookes ranked as the only UK university in the QS World University Rankings Top 50 Under 50 2018
• More than 3,000 students from around 130 countries choosing to make Oxford Brookes their home
• Oxford Brookes’ jointly accredited professional qualifications with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) represent more than 40 per cent of the total number of UK students studying on UK degree programmes abroad.

The overall goal of the International Strategy 2016-2020 is:

• "To develop Oxford Brookes’ worldwide presence and profile as a university that is international in its mission and outlook, making a difference wherever it operates in the world."

1. To secure and increase Oxford Brookes’ share of the international student recruitment market.

• We will initially secure our market share of on-campus international student numbers and, after two years, will aim to grow numbers by 1 to 2% per year.
• We will continue to recruit from a diverse a range of countries with resources being concentrated accordingly.
• We will build a sustainable long-term presence in key markets including the establishment of in-country offices.

2. To establish the University’s international strategic partnerships that operate across the university and support the development of a worldwide presence across a range of areas.

• We will seek to establish up to four multi-disciplinary, cross-University international partnerships over the next five years.
• We will increase international partnerships with industry and commerce, in addition to Higher Education Institutions.
• We will increase our global impact through working directly on projects that have direct links to communities in particular regions.

3. To continue to enhance the international student experience and internationalisation within policies and practices of the University.

• We will ensure that the University’s International Steering Group (ISG) maintains its existing links to all of the strategies feeding into this aspiration, primarily the Strategy for Enhancing the Student Experience (SESE) and the Research and Knowledge Exchange Strategy (RKES).
• We will meet the aims of the strategy through the application of the University’s guiding principles of connectedness, confidence, enterprising creativity and generosity of spirit.
• We will adhere not only to a ‘cross-University approach’ but to local development of one-to-one partnerships at Faculty of Directorate level wherever beneficial

“The University already enjoys an international reputation for it teaching excellence and innovation as well as strong links with business and industry on a global scale. It is vital for the future of the institution that we consider Oxford Brookes’ worldwide presence. This includes the development of the University’s international outlook and in ensuring that we make a difference wherever we operate in the world.”

Paul Inman, Pro Vice Chancellor (International Student Recruitment)