| Abstract: | In 1981 it looked as though there could be collaboration between Deakin University and the University of Queensland in the co‐development of courses leading to a Master of Education degree to be offered externally and by course work. It was hoped that there would be joint development of three courses—about half of the minimal degree program. In the event, only one of the three courses was produced by intensive co‐development. The present study is an investigation of factors involved in the collaboration, and consequently of issues involved in any such enterprise. It is concluded that a collaborative venture is likely to succeed if it is based on a collegiate network, or on a good working relationship between academics who share research and teaching interests. It is also suggested that such collaboration can best be fostered by establishing a climate within and between institutions in which particular collaborative initiatives can be initiated and sustained. Finally, it is suggested that collaborative co‐development and co‐production and parallel provision of courses may offer a way out of the dilemma of collaboration for excellence in teaching versus institutional self‐interest. |
