Chinese university seeks UK partner for joint institute

Introduction

The university in question is located in Northwest China’s Gansu province and was founded in 1909. It is one of Northwest China’s top universities and is supported by the Chinese Ministry of Education’s Project 985, which means it is part of national reforms aimed at accelerating the development of universities in priority disciplines. Its strengths lie in physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, geology and agriculture.

Currently, the university is home to 20,000 undergraduates and 10,000 postgraduates. It is very active in its international engagement, which has led to cooperation agreements with more than 200 higher education institutions in 36 countries and a number of exchange programmes for students and faculty staff.

Opportunity

The university wants to establish a joint institute based in Nantong, Jiangsu, East China, following a 3+1 and 4+0 model. In order to improve the joint institute’s level of internationalisation, the university is seeking an overseas partner to assist with the management of the joint institute, to contribute to teaching resources, and to advise on academic aspects, such as the curriculum.

Proposed subjects include, but are not limited to, mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, geography, aerography, oceanography, grassland science, nursing, international relations, economics, and accounting. At bachelor’s degree level these would be offered as dual-degrees, while at master’s degree and PhD level they would be offered as single degrees, with the option for students to spend time in the UK.

Timeline

The Chinese university would like to schedule reciprocal visits in July and August, with a view to confirming a partnership by September 2015.