International higher education
Nicolas Decourt
Senior higher education leader specialising in international partnerships, transnational education and sustainable institutional collaboration.
About me
Partnerships built around people, purpose and lasting value
I have more than 18 years’ experience across international higher education, academic partnerships, global engagement and professional education. My work has taken me from academic delivery and employer engagement to senior leadership of complex partnership portfolios in the UK and overseas.
International partnerships
Developing and managing collaborations that bring together institutions, people and opportunities across different countries and education systems.
TNE and strategy
Supporting the development of transnational education through proportionate due diligence, sound governance and a clear understanding of institutional priorities.
Sustainable growth
Turning ideas into credible, deliverable partnerships that create educational value while remaining academically and commercially sustainable.
Experience
A career across academic and professional services
Head of Academic Partnerships
Leading academic partnerships, transnational education, collaborative provision and international business development at Wrexham University.
Head of Global Partnerships
Led international partnership development and portfolio management at Oxford Brookes University.
Deputy Director of Partnerships
Supported the strategic development and management of collaborative provision at Canterbury Christ Church University.
Teaching, work-based learning and employer engagement
Built my academic career at Staffordshire University, working across computing, professional education, placements, work-based learning and knowledge-transfer activity.
Strategic engagement and Governance
Providing strategic oversight and supporting the College’s development, academic quality and commitment to widening access and student opportunity.
Beyond work
Energy, teamwork and a little theatre
Outside higher education, I enjoy activities that combine challenge, community and the occasional opportunity not to take myself too seriously.
Triathlon
Running, cycling and swimming provide space to think—and a continuing reason to set the next challenge.
Football coaching
Coaching has reinforced my belief in preparation, confidence, teamwork and helping people fulfil their potential.
Amateur dramatics
Theatre brings together creativity, collaboration and the simple pleasure of sharing a story with an audience.
Supporting ambitious international education partnerships.
Alongside my university leadership role, I founded Lumina Education to provide practical, independent support for partnership strategy, opportunity development, due diligence, transnational education and sustainable portfolio growth.
Contact
Let’s connect
I am always pleased to hear from colleagues and organisations interested in international education, partnerships and new ideas.