Typically, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be signed with the partner institution after Partnership Proposal approval for the development of the partnership has been granted. Queen Mary has a standard MoU template used to confirm the relationship between Queen Mary and the partner. It provides an umbrella arrangement under which more specific agreements may be developed. It is strongly recommended that an MoU is signed where there is a likelihood of a mutually beneficial form of cooperation. The MoU is not legally binding; it is a statement of intent which sets forth the general basis upon which the Parties wish to proceed. However, not all collaborative arrangements may need to develop MoUs.
A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) or Contract will be signed following approval of a more developed provision. This agreement will detail the respective responsibilities, roles and obligations of the parties. The Memorandum of Agreement should be fully signed before the collaborative programme commences and before offers have been made to students.
The Contract is a legally binding document setting out the rights and obligations of the parties and detailing the collaborative arrangements which will normally vary depending on the type of arrangement. Typically, Queen Mary's Memoranda of Agreement or Contracts are valid for 5 years.
The final drafts of both the agreement and/or the contract must be cleared by the Director of Governance and Legal Services or their direct nominee following approval by Partnerships Board (PB) and Taught Programmes Board (TPB) for new academic programmes. Legal advice may be sought in relation to particular contracts.
When drafting Memoranda of Understanding and Agreement documents, proposers should consult DGLS and the International Partnerships Office who can advise on the agreement model to be used.
Please consult DGLS, who can advise on the appropriate agreement template to be used. For Progression Agreements please consult the International Partnerships Office. For Erasmus+ arrangements and Exchange and Study Abroad Agreements, please consult the Global Opportunities office.
All Memoranda of Understanding and Memoranda of Agreement must be checked by DGLS prior to submission to the relevant parties for signature. DGLS is responsible for the Register of Collaborative Provision and will check all documentation for accuracy and compliance with internal and external regulations.
The following Protocol for signing Memoranda of Understanding/Agreement should be observed:
Once signed, copies of Memoranda of Understanding/Agreement should always be sent to DGLS and (for international partners) either the Global Opportunities team or the International Partnerships Office.