Ulster University has announced an expansion of its partnership with one of China’s top-tier universities in an agreement that will facilitate collaborative research, open new opportunities for students and foster staff exchanges between both institutions.

The expansion builds upon an existing 15-year partnership with Dongbei University of Finance and Economics, based in China’s Liaoning province.

By July 2018 it is expected the partnership will have enabled more than 200 Chinese students to complete part of their degree in Northern Ireland.

There will be also new opportunities in the area of joint course development and for students from Ulster University Business School to study in China.

The announcement was made during a visit to the country by the largest delegation of academics Ulster University has ever sent to China, involving four faculties and 17 academic staff.

In addition to the Business School, the delegation includes the Faculties of Life & Health Sciences; Computing, Engineering & Built Environment; and Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences.

Partnerships are also being explored with two Chinese medical schools and universities in Beijing, Fuzhou, Hong Kong, Shenyang, Wuhan, and Xi’an.

Ian Montgomery, pro-vice-chancellor of Global Engagement at Ulster University said such networks and relationships are enormously beneficial for Ulster University and also help to raise awareness of Northern Ireland in the Chinese market.

“Our partnership with DUFE is the university’s longest-standing and most successful Chinese partnership. This strategic mission to China confirms Ulster University’s deep and longstanding relationship with China and also our position as a global university,” he added.

Ulster University also has similar partnerships in the US with both Harvard Business School and Babson College, Boston.