Student-ready transitions: a tertiary partnership model for regional student success

This case study presents a Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) Scotland pilot project that brought together Dundee and Angus College and Abertay University to explore how institutional alignment can enhance student success across the tertiary education landscape. With over 500 students transitioning annually from this college to its university partner, representing one-eighth of Abertay’s student population, the project addresses a critical regional and social issue.

The initiative systematically reviewed the student journey from pre-enrolment through to graduation, identifying and removing barriers, both structural and cultural, that hinder progression. It reframes transition challenges not as student deficits, but as institutional shortcomings, echoing McNair et al.'s (2016) call for “student-ready” institutions.

This partnership model is underpinned by a commitment to regional ambition, student expectation, and institutional accountability. It challenges traditional sector boundaries and proposes a replicable framework for other institutions seeking to embed student success into the design of their transitions. Key interventions include a data-sharing agreement to streamline registration and support plans, joint staff development initiatives, and the refinement of an Associate Student offer to enhance value and visibility.

The case study contributes to the growing discourse on tertiary integration and offers practical insights into how colleges and universities can co-create environments where student success is not only possible but expected. It highlights the importance of shared ambition, integrated processes, and a commitment to student-centred design in enabling successful transitions in a tertiary world.