International qualifications are playing an increasingly important role in helping learners access higher education, build global careers and navigate an evolving world of work. With flexible learning pathways, transferable credits and industry-relevant qualifications, they are enabling students and institutions to prepare for opportunities that extend beyond national borders.
In this conversation, Dr. Madhuri Dubey, Founder-Director, National Skills Network-NSN, speaks with Mr. Jay Phillips, Head of Business Engagement at ATHE (Awards for Training and Higher Education), about the growing relevance of ATHE qualifications. They discuss global education pathways, employability, industry collaboration, AI-driven changes in education, and ATHE’s vision for expanding its partnerships in India while supporting learner success and global mobility.
Below are a few excerpts from our conversation. You can watch the full video on our YouTube channel.
Q. What makes international qualifications relevant in today’s world?
A. ATHE (Awards for Training and Higher Education) is an Ofqual-regulated awarding organisation based in the UK, operating across 35 countries. It works with around 200 training centres, including colleges, universities and training providers, supporting approximately 10,000 learners annually through internationally recognised qualifications.
ATHE offers qualifications from Level 3 to Level 7, covering disciplines such as business, management, computing, law, accounting, and health and social care. These qualifications are designed to provide flexible learning pathways, enabling learners to progress to higher education or improve their career prospects, regardless of where they are in their educational journey.
A key differentiator is ATHE’s network of around 25 university partners, offering learners guaranteed progression opportunities. Eligible students receive a conditional offer from partner universities upon successful completion of their qualification, providing a clear and structured pathway to higher education while supporting global mobility and career development.
Q. How do ATHE qualifications support global education and career pathways?
A. ATHE is an Ofqual-regulated awarding organisation, which means our qualifications are internationally recognised across the UK, Europe, the USA, Canada and many other countries. Every qualification carries transferable credits, giving learners the flexibility to:
- Progress to higher education
- Enter degree top-up programmes
- Continue learning through micro-credentials
We see qualifications as a passport to the global skills ecosystem. Today’s learners need flexible pathways that support both academic progression and career development throughout their lives. That’s why our qualifications are designed to provide seamless progression while responding to changing education and employment needs.
In India, our approach is also aligned with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP 2020). We work not only with universities but also with employers to ensure learners are equipped with qualifications that support higher education, global mobility and meaningful employment. Our focus is to create a clear and seamless pathway from learning to career success.
Q. How does ATHE integrate employability into its qualifications?
A. ATHE is not just focused on higher education qualifications—we place equal emphasis on training and industry relevance.
Our qualifications are developed, and often co-designed, with universities, industry partners and professional bodies to ensure they remain relevant.
Some examples include:
- Engineering
- Sustainability
- E-games and e-sports
- Professional pathways through the Institute of Financial Accountants (IFA)
- Computing qualifications recognised by Tech10 Computing
As industries continue to evolve, we review and update our qualifications every four years to keep them relevant. We also recognise that employers today value more than technical knowledge. Today’s employers increasingly value:
- Creativity
- Digital competence
- Resilience
- Interpersonal communication
- Critical thinking
That’s why our assessment model goes beyond examinations. Through portfolio-based assessments, learners demonstrate reflection, analysis and the practical application of their knowledge, helping them develop the transferable skills needed for higher education and the workplace.
Q. How does ATHE support its university and training partners?
A. Supporting our partners is a key part of our approach. From the very beginning, we work closely with institutions to ensure they have the resources, knowledge and guidance needed to successfully deliver ATHE qualifications. We believe the first year is especially important, as it lays the foundation for a positive learning experience and long-term success.
Our partnership journey includes:
- A structured recognition and onboarding process
- Hands-on engagement with partner institutions
- Complimentary online training for faculty
- Bespoke support from External Quality Standards Managers
- Regular quality assurance and guidance throughout programme delivery
- A verification process to review learner work and provide timely feedback
- Ongoing engagement, including opportunities to connect with our university network
This continuous support ensures institutions can deliver our qualifications effectively while enhancing the learning experience for students. Our long-term approach has enabled us to build strong partnerships that have lasted for many years.
Q. How is ATHE preparing its qualifications for the AI era?
A. AI presents significant opportunities, but it also changes the way people learn and work. As technology evolves, lifelong learning will become increasingly important, making flexible learning pathways more relevant than ever.
At ATHE, we see micro-credentials as an effective way to support continuous learning. They allow learners and working professionals to build new skills in smaller, manageable units that can be accumulated over time. We are working with our partners to develop qualifications and customised learning packages that meet the evolving needs of universities, employers and learners.
Our focus is to ensure that learners can continuously upskill and adapt to changing industry requirements while developing the knowledge and skills needed for long-term career progression.
Also read: How Micro-Credentials align with skill courses through NSQF
Q. What are ATHE’s priorities for expanding in India?
A. India is an important market for ATHE, with a young and growing population seeking quality education and career opportunities. Our priorities align with India’s vision of creating seamless pathways from school to higher education and ultimately to meaningful employment. We aim to work with institutions that share this commitment to learner success and global progression.
Institutions can engage with ATHE through:
- The ATHE website
- Dedicated representatives in India
- Regular webinars with university partners
- Direct engagement with the ATHE team
These initiatives help institutions understand ATHE qualifications, explore progression pathways and connect with its global network.
