Queen Mary University Marks 20-Year Partnership Milestone with BUPT and 2024 Graduation
When Queen Mary’s and BUPT’s Joint Education Institute opened in 2004 it was the first jointly run programme of its kind between a leading UK and leading Chinese university. Since 2004, the Joint Programme (JP) has seen more than 9,600 students graduate with a dual Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, meaning they receive two separate qualifications upon completion. In 2020 Queen Mary-BUPT opened a new Joint Teaching and Learning Centre that promotes excellence in teaching and learning as well as best practices for Transnational Education (TNE). And in 2022 we launched QMUL-BUPT School Hainan, bringing innovative teaching methodologies from our two great Universities into a new location in Hainan, China.
A unique blend of skills
At the 20th Anniversary Development Conference, Queen Mary’s President and Principal, Professor Colin Bailey CBE, said:
“Today is an important day for Queen Mary University of London as we celebrate 20 years of our bilateral partnership between two globally leading universities, which was the first ever joint programme between a UK and Chinese university. I am immensely proud of this successful collaboration and what we have achieved in education and scholarship over the last two decades. Seeing our graduates thrive in an increasingly globalised world of work fills me with joy and their enduring pride in Queen Mary – BUPT is a constant reminder that we have created a very special Joint Education Institute dedicated to educational excellence and to creating a lifelong network of support/community of friends”
Michael Chai, QM Director of Joint Programme and Executive Vice Dean of Queen Mary School with BUPT, highlighted the unique academic strengths of the JP, said:
“Our Joint Programme here in Beijing equips our students with a unique blend of skills that is unrivalled. Combining the mathematical and scientific rigour found in China and the emphasis on creative problem-solving and transferable skills in the UK, our dual degrees prepare each student for a successful career in the international telecommunications industry, and, through knowledge and understanding of local conditions, put them one step ahead of the competition”.
Showcasing the highlights of 20 years of joint teaching, learning and research, university staff and students put on a Joint Lab Research Exhibition.
The anniversary festivities were planned around the graduation celebrations of Queen Mary- BUPT’s latest cohort and culminated in a Gala event on Wednesday. This year, more than 600 students graduated with degrees in Electronic Information Engineering, Intelligent Science and Technology, Telecommunications Engineering with Management, Internet of Things Engineering and e-Commerce Engineering with Law.
Mr. Sicheng Shen, a graduate from BEng Internet of Things who was celebrated with the QM prize for his outstanding academic performance and will be progressing to Postgraduate Study in Pattern Recognition and Intelligent Systems at Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, said: “I’m very pleased to have spent four years at QM and BUPT. During these years, I have benefited greatly and deeply felt the value of continuous learning. I am grateful for the care of my family, the support of my teachers, and the companionship of my classmates. These memories will be cherished forever. In the days ahead, I will continue to strive forward.”
Mr Jin Si, a graduate of BSc Telecommunications Engineering with Management, who was celebrated with a QM prize and will be progressing to Postgraduate Study at the University of Oxford, said: “At Queen Mary, there are a lot of people doing interesting things in different areas. We can always find like-minded friends and professors. This makes me even more sure that Queen Mary will continue to thrive and excel in fostering innovative research, nurturing talented individuals, and making significant contributions to the advancement of technology. Here’s to a bright and prosperous future for Queen Mary University of London! ”
Mr. Jingxuan Sun, a graduate from BSc E-Commerce Engineering with Law who was celebrated with the QM prize for his outstanding academic performance and will be progressing to Postgraduate Study in CS-Cybersecurity at EPFL & ETH, said: “I am deeply grateful for the education and opportunities I received at the joint programme between Queen Mary and BUPT. The support from my professors and peers has been invaluable. I look forward to continuing my academic journey and making my alma mater proud.”
Dr Chao Liu, BUPT JP alumni, now QM lecturer in BUPT JP, said: “During my four years at the International School of Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications (JP), JP meant not only a Joint Programme to experience different atmospheres of two countries but also the Joy & Pain encountered in these years. Here, you will experience the joy of knowledge and face the pain of challenges. But remember, real growth lies in stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing the unknown challenges. Be brave to try, brave to fail, and brave to succeed. Be an interesting person, unafraid of change, eager to explore, and discover the beauty in life with passion and curiosity. May you gain knowledge, make lifelong friends, and retain your love for each world on this journey.”
Flagship programme in China
During their studies, students benefit from world-class teaching split between the universities. In 2020 Queen Mary-BUPT opened a new Joint Teaching and Learning Centre to further promote excellence in teaching and learning and share best practices for Transnational Education (TNE). Approved by the Chinese Ministry of Education (MoE), the JP has gone from strength to strength and is now regarded as the flagship dual award degree programme in China. Many graduates move on to pursue master programmes and PhDs at prestigious universities including Queen Mary, Oxford, Cambridge and Stanford.