Akashi National College of Technology, which is part of the National Institute of Technology in Japan is looking for UK universities to explore the possibility of developing an articulation programme. Through this programme, Akashi College aims to establish an articulation partnership where the students graduating from their college will proceed to the 2^nd or 3^rd year of UK universities. A member of staff from the college would like to make a scoping visit to potential universities in August or September 2016.

National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Japan:
The National Institute of Technology is made up of 51 colleges of technology which specialise in training students in science and technology, predominantly  in Engineering. They provide education for students between the ages of 16 and 20. Upon graduation students can move on to employment, but many of them proceed to a further 2-years’ advanced study at NIT colleges, or transfer to the 3^rd year of university undergraduate courses. NIT colleges are generally recognised as providing very high level science and technology education in Japan.

Brief profile of Akashi College:
Akashi College is located in Akashi City near Kobe in Western Japan. It was established in 1962 and consists of 4 departments: Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Civil Engineering and Architecture. The college currently hosts 930 students.

Akashi College is locally recognised as the top ranking NIT college, and 46% of their graduates move on to the 3^rd year of universities  such as the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University. Akashi is also known for its international perspective, and has been identified by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology as one of the two centres for internationalisation of NIT colleges. As part of the initiative, they have been proactive in encouraging students to study abroad.

Website: https://www.akashi.ac.jp/English/

Timeline:
July: List of interested universities will be passed to Akashi College
Mid-July: Akashi College will directly contact those universities which they are interested in visiting
August/September: Akashi College will visit potential partner universities to explore possibilities

Contact:
If you have any queries, please contact Ayako Towatari at ayako.towatari@britishcouncil.or.jp