A new partnership struck between two leading universities will see more Chinese students studying in the Lake District.
This week, the University of Cumbria signed a memorandum of understanding with Guizhou Medical University in China that will allow selected students to complete their final year at the University of Cumbria’s Ambleside campus.
The agreement will see students specially selected by GZMU, who have completed the first-three years of their four-year Chinese outdoor sports degree to progress to the BA (Hons) Outdoor and Experiential Learning [top up] programme, in lieu of their final year at GZMU.
The GZMU students will also be able to apply to study at master’s level and stay in the UK for an additional year once they have completed their top-up degree.
Or they will be able to apply for a UK masters degree directly, having completed the first year of a masters degree in China.
The agreement was signed at an event on Monday hosted by GZMU and was attended by British Ambassador to China, Caroline Wilson.
It was noon in China and 5am in the UK.
Professor Rob Trimble, deputy vice chancellor (academic) gave a speech via live video link as part of the ceremony.
He said: “Working together in partnership, our two universities will seek to encourage and develop a range of collaborative activities, which will include scholarly exchange, the development and delivery of new programmes and advanced entry to University of Cumbria degrees for appropriately qualified students.
“We look forward to great achievements and a long-lasting and sustainable partnership through our cooperation.”
In addition to progression to the top-up programme, the agreement also outlines that both universities will also explore further opportunities to work together on research projects and new educational programmes.
Ms Wilson said: “China is a country of huge strategic importance to the UK across a broad range of mutual interests.
“Education plays a key role in developing that wider relationship with important social benefits for both countries. The UK has rich experience in taking innovative ideas and research outcomes to benefit local industries.
“British universities and research institutions can carry out knowledge transfer projects overseas, working with companies directly or through research university partners here in China.
“The UK is a leading Trans-National Education (TNE) partner for China, with over 230 joint degree partnerships in operation. We look forward to seeing the collaboration between University of Cumbria and Guizhou Medical University.”
All parties said they expected to see an influx of Chinese students and visitors to the Lakes.
Mike Smith OBE, Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership board member and chairman of its people, employment and skills strategy group, added: “The relationship with Guizhou Medical University provides the perfect opportunity to further cement this relationship and provide Chinese students with the opportunity to experience Cumbria whilst at the same time benefit from the University of Cumbria’s excellent higher education offer.”
The first cohort will comprise of 10 to 15 students with the view of them starting their studies in 2022.
It is one of several partnerships the University of Cumbria is developing with other Chinese universities that will see more exchanges of students and staff, sharing of teaching and learning approaches and research collaborations.
