University of Derby signs franchise agreement with Chinese institution

A delegation from the University of Derby has returned from a visit to its strategic partner in China, the Jiangxi University of Technology (JUT), where they signed a franchise agreement which will see the two institutions further their collaborative work.

JUT is one of the top private universities in central China, with more than 34,000 students. It has been working with the University of Derby since 2017, with representatives from both universities making regular visits to each other over the last 18 months.

The franchise agreement, which will begin in 2019, allows JUT to become an official delivery centre of a number of University of Derby programmes, enabling its students to benefit from a first-class education from both China and the UK.

The two universities will also offer Chinese students a range of opportunities and support to further their studies in Derby, including summer school, exchange and progression programmes.

During the visit, the Derby delegation, including Richard Side, the University’s Director of International; Jane Stanton, Course Director of the School of Arts; and Ula Tang-Plowman, Senior International Officer, were warmly received by the senior management of JUT including the Chairman, founder and president, Mr Yu Guo.

At the opening ceremony for the collaboration, both JUT and Derby representatives spoke about the importance of the collaboration for the two institutions, and how it provided an opportunity for the students as well as the universities to widen their international horizons.

The delegation was given a tour of the JUT campus, including the Arts, Fashion and Engineering facilities, where they viewed some of the students’ work. They also met an alumna of the University of Derby, who is currently teaching English at JUT.

Richard Side said: “I was very impressed by the staff and students of JUT. The standard of work we saw from the students was very high and the collaboration will be a wonderful opportunity for our students and staff to learn from each other.”

Professor Judith Lamie, the University of Derby’s Pro Vice-Chancellor External Affairs, added: “Working collaboratively with leading institutions in countries such as China is a key element of our international strategy, positioning the University of Derby on a wider global stage and proving a range of opportunities for our students to study, work or volunteer overseas.”