Opportunity

Shanxi University of Finance and Economics (SXUFE) is looking for UK partners to develop and deliver articulation programmes in the fields of business administration, finance and accounting for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. They aim to recruit up to 80 students per year and have the first students start the programmes in September 2017. The proposed models for the articulation programmes are as follows:

  • Undergraduate degrees - 2+2 model (the first two years spent in China and the last two years in the UK)
  • Postgraduate degrees - 1+1 model (the first year in China and the second year in the UK)
  • Combined undergraduate and postgraduate - 3.5+1.5 model (the first three and half years in China for an undergraduate degree from SXUFE followed by one and a half years in the UK for a postgraduate degree).

The proposed models are negotiable between SXUFE and the chosen UK partner. Upon successful completion of the programmes, students should receive a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in their field from SXUFE and the UK partner university.

Benefits for the UK partners

This is an opportunity for the selected UK partners to establish long-term partnerships with one of the top business and finance universities in Shanxi Province, with potential for expansion into other fields, such as student and faculty exchange programmes or joint research. It is also an opportunity for the UK partners to raise their institutions’ profiles and brand awareness in China, which may benefit student recruitment.

Areas of responsibility for the two collaborating parties

The selected UK partners will be expected to work with Shanxi University of Finance and Economics to:

  • develop the curricula for the joint programmes
  • provide support in the quality assurance of the programmes
  • issue a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree to the students.

Shanxi University of Finance and Economics will be responsible for:

  • promoting and recruiting students for the programmes
  • providing qualified teaching staff as well as the required teaching premises and logistical support for the joint programmes
  • supporting prospective students in preparing to study in the UK as part of the programmes.

About Shanxi University of Finance and Economics

Shanxi University of Finance and Economics (SXUFE) was founded in 1951 as one of the premium institutions specialising in the fields of accounting, finance and economics in modern China. It has more than 20,000 students, among which over 16,000 are full-time undergraduates and over 3,000 are full-time graduate students. SXUFE is a comprehensive teaching and research university. At present SXUFE has a centre for post-doctoral studies with 17 doctoral degree programs (three of which are classified by the Ministry of Education as First-Class), and 64 master degree programs (eight of which are classified by the Ministry of Education as First-Class). In addition, 47 academic staff have been awarded special grants by the provincial or central government for their research excellence.

How to participate
UK universities interested in this opportunity should contact siem.china@britishcouncil.org.cn by Tuesday 28 February and provide a one-page introduction to their institution, covering any strengths and experience in developing and delivering joint programmes in business administration, finance and accounting.

Timeline
Shanxi University of Finance and Economics would like to select the partners in March 2017, and finalise the agreements in May 2017.