Lancaster University to open campus in China
Published 3 November 2011
Lancaster University and Guangdong University of Foreign Studies (GDUFS) have announced the intention to establish a new university campus in China.
GDUFS will identify and appoint an investor to build the new campus in the Guangdong Province of China, subject to approval by Lancaster. The investor will cover the set-up and initial operating costs of the campus, including facilities and staffing.
The Guangwai-Lancaster University will offer undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, enhance the research of both universities and expand the brand impact of Lancaster University on the Chinese education market.
Professor Paul Wellings and Professor Zhong Weihe
Guangwai-Lancaster will enrol students in English and linguistics, accounting and finance, international business, business administration, economics; marketing, computer science and IT. Starting from the second year, other degrees will be added in the areas of environmental science, bioscience and mechanical engineering. This will be followed by the introduction of other subjects in the humanities and social sciences, so creating a comprehensive university.
The curriculum and teaching approach will follow that of Lancaster University to ensure the portfolio is distinctive in the Chinese market and to allow Guangwai-Lancaster University students the opportunity to study for part of their degree at the campus in Lancaster. Some second-year students will be able to transfer to Lancaster University for their final two years of study.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Wellings said: “Guangwai-Lancaster University is committed to producing internationally marketable students with a global vision, while developing a new operational model and management mechanism for tertiary education in China.
“This partnership will enhance the exchange and cooperation in teaching and academic research between GDUFS and Lancaster and attract Guangwai-Lancaster University students for further study at Lancaster University.
“The size of student enrolment is initially set at about 1,000 per year, with the very first year at 600. We expect that the size of the student body will ultimately reach 8,000 to 10,000.”
Lancaster University would be the first University in the world to have a campus in both India and China. Lancaster opened a campus with GD Goenka World Institute of Higher Education (GDGWI) in New Delhi in 2009.
The memorandum of understanding was signed by Professor Zhong Weihe, President of Guangdong University of Foreign Studies and Professor Paul Wellings, Vice-Chancellor of Lancaster University on 26 October 2011.
