Our global impact and reach
The University combines excellence in research, education, and global engagement to make a significant impact.
With over 28,000 students, the University has a dynamic learning environment enriched by global exchange opportunities. The University has international partnerships with universities in Europe, North America, India, and China. These collaborations, along with its extensive online education reach, demonstrate its commitment to advancing knowledge and fostering global connections.
This report mainly focuses on our activities in the Liverpool City Region and the wider United Kingdom. However, we are a truly global institution and our impact reaches around the world.
To find out more about our global reach and impact visit our Global Liverpool section.
Collaboration, policy and strategy
The University’s global reach is significantly bolstered by its extensive network of international partnerships and collaborations. These connections enable the University to engage in groundbreaking research and innovative projects with institutions around the world. By working together with global partners, the University enhances its educational and research capabilities, fostering mutual growth and development.
Global partnerships
Liverpool’s international collaborations, such as those with ACU, RENKEI and the Jiangsu 2020 World Class Universities Forum, address global challenges and promote sustainable development through research and education.
The University is committed to advancing its global impact through strategic policies that emphasise a global education experience and research collaboration. Its strategic framework focuses on expanding global research opportunities, enhancing the quality of education, and fostering impactful international collaborations. The University influence extends well beyond the UK and research has impact in the UK and abroad around numerous areas from public policy (for example: gambling, unhealthy food, or youth crime) to foreign trade (with the UK and investment decisions) and hazard decision making (volcanoes).
Foreign Direct Investment
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) plays a significant role in the economic landscape, with universities emerging as key contributors to attracting international business investment. Each year, universities contribute over £1 billion to the UK economy through their research and development activities, aligning with the government's economic growth agenda. The 2022 EY Attractiveness Survey underscores that ‘talent’ is a principal factor for investors, highlighting the importance of education, technology, and innovation. Universities create a conducive environment for FDI by generating a highly skilled workforce and fostering an ecosystem of innovation that appeals to global investors.
The University exemplifies how academic institutions can drive inward investment. As a prominent player in the Liverpool City Region Investment Zone, it, has significantly contributed to regional economic development. The University’s collaborations with major international firms, such as Unilever and IBM, further illustrate its role in enhancing the attractiveness of the region for foreign investment. By leveraging its research capabilities and industry partnerships, the University not only boosts local economies but also reinforces the strategic importance of universities in the FDI landscape.
Online and physical presence
In addition to its campus-based offer, the University is recognised as a European leader in 100% online postgraduate education. Aligned to its global mission, the University’s online provision aims to help make high quality education available everywhere in the world. Since launching its first online degrees in early 2000, more than 20,000 students have graduated from its fully online master’s and doctoral programmes, extending the University’s reach and facilitating a dynamic exchange of ideas across borders.