Memorandum of understanding signed with Shaoguang University

Relations with China have strengthened yet further thanks to a recent memorandum of understanding made between The University of Northampton and Shaoguan University.

Mr Zheng Zeng, President of Shaoguan University and Mr Huaming Huang, Director of International Affairs at Shaoguan University, travelled to Northampton in September to meet the University's new Vice Chancellor, Professor Nick Petford.

Zhe Thomas Zhang, Assistant Director-International Office at The University of Northampton, commented:

Shaoguan University is a prestigious institution situated in Southern China, close to the border with Hong Kong. The two universities have been working together since 2003 and in the last seven years have joined forces to launch numerous co-operative degree programmes and research projects. They recently put together and were successful in achieving a joint bid for research funding from the British Council.

The joint programmes brought about by the partnership allow Chinese students to complete the first part of their higher education at Shaoguan University and then progress to Northampton to complete the final part of their studies. Thanks to the continued partnership of the two universities, the University of Northampton has in recent years received over 20 members of academic staff from Shaoguan University, who have conducted valuable research and course shadowing.

This new memorandum will further strengthen the relationship of the two universities. In the next few years it is hoped that over 100 students a year will have the opportunity to take part in exchange programmes and, that for the first time, University of Northampton students will also have the opportunity to travel to Shaoguan for work and study placements and experience life at a Chinese university.

Zhe Thomas Zhang