Graduation ceremony marks a decade of the International Exchange Programme

The University of Northampton and students from partner universities in China celebrated a decade of the International Exchange Programme with a graduation ceremony.

The event recognised 2018’s cohort of 63 students who had completed the 12-week International Exchange Programme (IEP).

The students, who are from partner universities including Taishan University and Shanghai Business School, took to the stage to collect their graduation certificates in Newton Grand Hall and enjoyed a lunch with their fellow students, the programme lead and the International Office team. It was an opportunity for the students to celebrate their accomplishment and to reflect on their time at the University and in the UK. Vice Chancellor, Professor Nick Petford, attended the event and applauded their efforts during their time at the University.

The IEP provides students from partner universities with an immersive experience of study and life in the UK. Students opt to study a variety of modules at Northampton, ranging from Marketing and Accounting, to Education. They then complete a credit-based reflection on their experience when they return to their home university.

Senior Lecturer in Accounting, Ewan Tracey, who started as programme lead this year, explained the unique benefits the programme offers.

He said: “This is a great opportunity for international students to enjoy a British cultural and linguistic experience” allowing them to enhance their language skills, learn more about British university culture and make trips across the UK.”

The IEP experience clearly leaves a positive impression with its graduates, with many students electing to pursue top-up and postgraduate programmes with UoN. Eighty per cent of IEP students, meanwhile, also go on to achieve a first or 2:1 in their degree after returning home.

Caroline Dimbleby, Assistant Director of International Recruitment, highlighted the important role IEP students play in building links with international universities during a speech at the ceremony.

She said: “This is an exciting time for the University as we experience all our new Waterside Campus has to offer, and continue to build partnerships with universities in China. We hope every student who studies at the University becomes an ambassador for us and what we offer.”

The graduation event was held on Friday 14 December.