Coventry University launches dual degree in China

Coventry University has launched a ground-breaking dual award programme in China, delivered in collaboration with the South West University of Political Science and Law (SWUPL), which is ranked in the top five universities in China for its law programmes.

The undergraduate dual award programme in Commercial Law was significantly oversubscribed, and has attracted 100 high-calibre students from 15 provinces across China. 

At the opening event for the new award in Chongqing, Dr David Pilsbury, Pro-Vice Chancellor for International Development at Coventry University, spoke of the solid foundation the award has created for further collaboration between the two universities, and of Coventry University’s commitment to preparing students for the global world of work.

The event was attended by Tina Redshaw, British Consulate-General of Chongqing and Jazreel Goh from the British Council. 

Coventry University Governor Tim Matthews, who led the delegation with Dr Pilsbury, said:

We are very excited to be linking with an institution as well respected and enterprising as SWUPL. This dual award blends the very best of eastern and western traditions as well as helping to develop the skills students need, through embedded work experience and internship opportunities, to make an immediate impact wherever they choose to work or study.

The curriculum for the Commercial Law award has been devised jointly with SWUPL by academics from the Coventry Law School and the Faculty of Business, Environment and Society, led by Associate Dean Dr Donald Finlay.

Professor Zuang Guolin, Chairman of SWUPL, added:

This is a momentous day for SWUPL. In the history of our great university, there will be a page about this dual award programme, which we consider to be ground-breaking. We are proud to be working with Coventry University which, like SWUPL, has great strengths in teaching and research. We believe this is an excellent match between China and the UK.

The award will be taught at SWUPL’s new campus in Chongqing, a major commercial and industrial hub that hosts many international companies. Chongqing is the gateway to western China, as well as playing host to a number of economic development zones.

Dr Pilsbury stressed that the new collaboration underlines Coventry University’s credentials as an international institution. He said:

This collaboration builds on our growing portfolio of international activity and the recent awards we have won for internationalisation, ensuring that we are seen as an institution with truly global engagement.