Using an exploratory methodology, this paper compares the internationalisation strategies of two groups of UK universities and the views of staff groups at those institutions. It moves beyond an examination of teaching and learning initiatives developed by enthusiastic supporters of internationalisation. Instead it aims to throw some light on what is happening at a more strategic level in UK institutions. It focuses on how UK universities are internationalising and what approaches seem to be successful and unsuccessful and suggests a series of qualities universities need to possess in order to implement an effective internationalisation strategy. (Contains 2 tables.)