The University of Northampton forms an engineering partnership with Nanyang Institute of Technology in China

The Department of Engineering and Technology at the University of Northampton has signed a Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) that will see more than 50 Chinese students come to the UK to study each year.

The agreement with the Nanyang Institute of Technology (NIT) in the Henan province of China provides an engineering bridging programme which will augment the study of Chinese engineering students before coming to the UK.

Students will transfer to study an engineering degree at the University of Northampton in either the second or third year. The engineering bridging programme has been designed to improve technical English and to promote group work and independent research skills. The first 49 students enrolled in 2012, with a further cohort of more than 50 students enrolling in 2013.  The bridging programme will be delivered by supported distance learning via NILE and flying-faculty visits, with Dr Huijuan Su, Senior Lecturer in Engineering, as the link tutor at the University of Northampton. The first cohort will transfer to the UK as early as 2014.

The partnership will also see Chinese academics coming to the UK for up to a term and similar arrangements are currently being explored with other Chinese institutions.

Dr Jonathan Adams, Head of Engineering and Technology at the University of Northampton, commented: “I had the pleasure of visiting Nanyang with Dr Su in early 2013 and met the first intake of students and their academics.  They are all really excited to be part of the collaboration with the University of Northampton and I am sure that this partnership will flourish. We will be visiting China again shortly to work with their students and academics prior to their study in the UK.”