Bradford to open joint college with university in China
The University of Bradford has announced a new international joint college with one of China’s leading research technology universities.
The Yangzhou University–University of Bradford Joint College of Advanced Manufacturing will welcome its first students in September 2025.
Based entirely in China, the Joint College, which has been formally approved by the Chinese Ministry of Education, will deliver dual-award degree programmes to students enrolled at Yangzhou University, located in Jiangsu Province, eastern China.
Professor Shirley Congdon, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bradford, said: “Widening access to lifelong learners is one of our main priorities in our new 10-year University strategy.
“This partnership is a strong statement of our global ambition, as well as our commitment to delivering accessible, high-quality education with impact, wherever our students are.
“The establishment of the Yangzhou University-University of Bradford Joint College of Advanced Manufacturing marks a major step in strengthening our presence in China and expanding our international footprint through innovative, transnational partnerships.
“I would like to thank colleagues across the University for their hard work and dedication over the last year, and going forwards, to ensure the success of this exciting new opportunity.”
The Joint College will offer four dual-award degree programmes in high-demand subject areas: BSc (Hons) Computer Science; BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering; MSc Advanced Mechanical Engineering and MSc Advanced Chemical and Petroleum Engineering.
Professor Phil Coates, centre, demonstrates some of Bradford’s visit during the Yangzhou University’s visit. Images credit: University of Bradford
Up to 260 new students will be recruited for September 2025. Once fully established, the cohort’s size will increase to more than 1,000 students every year. From 2028/2029, it is expected to be at maximum capacity with three cohorts of students.
Liu Qiaoquan, President of Yangzhou University (YZU), said: “The Joint College will bring together the superior resources of China and the UK in advanced manufacturing.
“By combining the profound expertise in engineering and manufacturing from the University of Bradford, and our excellence in disciplinary build-up and talent cultivation, we aim to create an international talent training platform.
“Through shared resources, we will build the college into a ‘demonstration project’ for Sino-UK higher education cooperation, providing replicable and promotable experience for similar projects globally.
“We shall focus on quality to create a high-level talent training system.”
The Joint College builds on the links between the two Universities following Yangzhou University’s senior leadership team, including Vice-President Gong Weijuan, Dean Zheng Ying, and other key academic and administrative leaders, met with their counterparts during a visit to the University of Bradford in October 2024. The visit included a trip to the University’s Polymer Interdisciplinary Research Centre (IRC) to look at recent innovations in novel materials and polymer research led by Professor Phil Coates, the University’s Professor of Polymer Engineering, who has helped pioneer links with Chinese Universities through the Science Bridges China platform.
Professor Ben Whiteside, Professor of Precision Manufacturing at the University of Bradford, showcases some of his work during the Yangzhou University delegation’s visit. Images credit: University of Bradford
What is a Joint College model?
A Joint College is a collaborative transnational education model formally approved by the Chinese Ministry of Education. It enables students in China to earn degrees awarded by both institutions, with shared academic delivery and oversight. These institutions are subject to rigorous approval processes and operate under joint governance frameworks.
Next steps
A Joint Governance Framework is now being established to ensure high academic standards, robust programme oversight, and alignment with both UK and Chinese regulatory frameworks.
In Year One, starting September 2025, teaching will be delivered by Yangzhou University staff.
From Year Two, academics from the University of Bradford involved in the delivery of the Joint College will travel to China to teach for block periods of three to four weeks. The University is confident this can be managed without impacting students studying in Bradford.
Workstream leads in Bradford are now engaging in discussions with their Yangzhou counterparts to finalise plans for implementation, including finance, legal, student admissions, data sharing, library and IT resources, assessment and student support.
The Joint College is the result of more than 12 months of intensive collaborative planning by a dedicated Project Board, led by Claire Pryke (the University of Bradford’s Chair and Associate Director, Outreach, Recruitment and Admissions), Wesley Hackett (Associate Director, International Recruitment and Partnerships) and Chris Kaushal-Bolland (Growth and Sustainability Manager), along with workstream leads from across the University.
Wesley Hackett said: “This development represents a major milestone in the University’s international strategy and reflects a growing need to diversify our international education delivery models.
“Across the UK higher education sector, we have seen a significant fall in international students over the last two to three years, due to growing affordability challenges together with compliance and changes to visa regulations.
“The Joint College model, in which our students will be taught in China, enables us to deliver high quality education overseas. This will contribute to the University’s long-term financial sustainability as well extending our global presence.”
Claire Pryke, centre, the University of Bradford’s Chair and Associate Director, Outreach, Recruitment and Admissions, among a delegation in Beijing. Images credit: University of Bradford