Procurement of Higher Education Delivery Support Services for Swansea University UK Campuses Initiative

Procurement of Higher Education Delivery Support Services for Swansea University UK Campuses Initiative

Contracting Authority:

Swansea University

Estimated Tender Notice Publication Date:

December 2026

Estimated Contract Commencement Date:

Summer 2027 ________________________________________

1. Overview

Swansea University is undertaking preliminary market engagement in advance of a planned procurement exercise for a strategic partner to support the establishment and operation of Swansea University branch campus provision within major metropolitan centres across the United Kingdom, with an initial focus on London. This notice is issued to inform the market of the University's future intentions and to seek engagement with experienced providers prior to the commencement of a formal procurement process.

2. Background

The University is exploring a branch campus model designed to extend access to Swansea University programmes and support its strategic ambitions for growth, widening participation and enhanced geographical reach. Swansea University is considering the procurement of a strategic delivery partner to support the establishment and operation of Swansea University campus provision within major UK metropolitan locations, with our initial priority in London. The proposed model would retain Swansea University responsibility for all academic matters, including academic governance, programme delivery, curriculum, assessment, quality assurance and award conferral, whilst an external provider would deliver a range of non-academic support services necessary for the successful operation of the campus. The branch campus model is intended to serve:

• UK-based students who may benefit from studying in a major urban centre.
• Non-traditional and mature learners requiring flexible delivery models, including blended, evening and weekend provision.
• International students seeking a traditional, full-time, face-to-face higher education experience in a major UK city.

3. Scope of Services

The University is seeking a supplier capable of providing a range of operational, student-facing and facilities-related services in support of Swansea University programme delivery.

The scope is anticipated to include:

Property, Facilities and Infrastructure

• Securing, operating and maintaining suitable teaching and learning premises at locations approved by Swansea University. As a minimum, the Provider shall make available one campus location within Greater London. Preference will be given to locations within Central London or areas offering excellent connectivity to major public transport networks within Greater London. The facility should have appropriate ownership or leaseholder arrangements in place for the life of the contract (with Swansea jointly named on the lease as an occupant).
• The facility should have appropriate planning permissions and any other permissions deemed necessary for the provision of education.
• Campus maintenance and operational management.
• Health and safety compliance.
• Building security and access control.
• Utilities and facilities management.
• Provision of student study, welfare, student support and social spaces.
• Provision of staff offices, meeting rooms and welfare facilities.
• Audio-visual, digital teaching and learning infrastructure.
• Campus IT support services.
• Provision of appropriate insurance cover, including public liability, employer’s liability and professional indemnity insurance, with limits acceptable to Swansea University.

Marketing and Recruitment

• Domestic and international student recruitment.
• Recruitment planning and delivery.
• Lead generation and support conversion activities.
• Agent and recruitment partner management.
• Recruitment events.
• Marketing campaign development and delivery.
• Market analysis and demand forecasting.
• Production of recruitment and marketing materials, including digital media.
• Reporting on recruitment performance and student forecasts.

Student Support Services

• Student wellbeing and welfare support.
• Disability support and support for reasonable adjustments.
• Study skills and academic skills support.
• English-language support.
• Student representation and feedback mechanisms.
• Careers and employability services.
• Student engagement and community-building activities.
• Timetabling, assessment administration and academic administration support.
• Complaints, misconduct and disciplinary administration.
• Graduation event support

All of the services provided will need to be in accordance with Swansea Universities policies, procedures and processes.

4. Services Excluded from Scope

The following activities are expected to remain the responsibility of Swansea University and will not form part of the procurement:

• Academic governance.
• Programme design and approval.
• Curriculum development.
• Teaching and assessment.
• Quality assurance.
• Award and degree conferral.
• Academic regulations and policies.
• Relationships with regulatory bodies including MEDR, the Office for Students, QAA and UKVI.
• Admissions process and admissions decision-making.
• Compliance activities for admittance of international students, including the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
• Visa and immigration support.
• Tuition fee collection and financial administration relating to student fees.

5. Procurement Objectives

The University expects any future provider to demonstrate:

• Significant experience supporting higher education delivery.
• Demonstrable experience of operating higher education campuses or study centres, with a proven track record of creating a high-quality, vibrant and inclusive campus environment that delivers an excellent student experience and fosters a strong sense of belonging and engagement.
• Experience delivering recruitment and student support services at scale.
• Experience operating within regulated higher education environments.
• Strong safeguarding and student welfare arrangements.
• Financial resilience and organisational capacity.
• Ability to mobilise services within required timescales.
• Commitment to widening participation, equality, diversity and inclusion.

6. Proposed Procurement Approach

The University is currently considering its procurement strategy and contract structure. A long-term arrangement is anticipated, potentially in the region of 10 years, subject to approvals, business case development and market feedback. The procurement process is expected to commence in late November. The University intends to undertake pre-market engagement activities with interested suppliers to:

• Test the scope of services.
• Understand potential delivery models.
• Explore commercial structures and contract durations.
• Assess market capacity and capability.
• Inform the development of the final procurement documentation.

7. Contact Details and Next Steps

The contract will be subject to Swansea University gaining approval from UKVI to expand our sponsorship licence to any new campus. The estimated value and scale of the future opportunity are currently under development and will be confirmed within any future procurement documentation. The University will be conducting preliminary market engagement, via closed meetings with interested providers. Organisations with relevant experience and capability are invited to register an interest in participating in preliminary market engagement activities. In order to register your interest please email O.N.Cullen@swansea.ac.uk. These meetings will take place online, via Zoom. These meetings are planned to take place the week commencing 9 November 2026. Participation in this engagement process will not form part of any future procurement evaluation and will not confer any advantage in any subsequent tender process. Swansea University reserves the right to amend the scope, timetable and procurement approach described in this notice. ________________________________________ This notice is for information and market awareness purposes only and does not constitute a call for competition or an invitation to tender.