- Bournemouth University opens its first Joint Institute in China, expanding its global education reach.
- Students earn UK degrees with strong job and skills focus through STEM programs.
- Partnership boosts STEM education and global career pathways for graduates.
Bournemouth University (BU) has expanded its global education footprint by launching its first Joint Institute in China through a partnership with Tianjin University of Technology (TUT). The new institute will allow students in China to study BU undergraduate degrees without leaving the country, supporting skills development and job readiness.
The Joint Institute, based on China’s northeastern coast, will focus on science, technology, engineering, and sustainability. It will offer four undergraduate programs Product Design, Mechanical Engineering, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, and Environmental Science. These courses respond directly to growing demand for digital, engineering, and green skills in global job markets.
The programs will follow a jointly developed curriculum and be taught by faculty from both universities. Graduates will receive a dual award, strengthening their international credentials and career opportunities. Once fully operational, the institute is expected to enroll up to 1,000 students each year.
The Chinese Ministry of Education recently approved the institute as part of a new group of transnational education partnerships. UK universities account for a significant share of these approvals, highlighting continued trust in British higher education.
Professor Alison Honour, BU Vice-Chancellor , said the partnership supports the university’s long-term international strategy, BU2035. She noted that the initiative will help BU share its academic strengths globally while creating benefits for students, staff, and the wider region.
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Professor Christos Gatzidis, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Dean of the Faculty of Media, Science and Technology, said the partnership will expand BU’s reach and reinforce its commitment to high-quality STEM education. He added that both students and faculty will benefit from shared learning and cross-cultural collaboration.
This is BU’s second international partnership announced in the past year. In 2025, the university launched degree programs in tourism and events management at British University Vietnam, further strengthening its role in global skills-focused education.
