Queen Mary and NPU celebrate transnational education in China

Queen Mary University is a pioneer of UK-China educational partnerships, having established the first programme of its kind with Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications (BUPT) 22 years ago. 

Held on 23 and 24 October, the conference "Shared Horizons: The Next Chapter of Transnational Education – Cultivating Innovative Talent with Global Competitiveness" brought together academics and professionals from Sino-foreign cooperative education partnerships and higher education institutions across China.  

The conference marked ten years of Queen Mary Engineering School (QMES), the joint educational partnership between Queen Mary and NPU. This significant achievement demonstrates the success and power of bringing two excellent universities together – Queen Mary University, who’s education is of the highest quality and is officially recognised by the Chinese Ministry of Education, and NPU which is rated 'outstanding' – the highest possible rating – by the Chinese Ministry of Education. The milestone was recognised during the programme alongside a strong focus on the future, including discussions on long-term partnership strategies, digital transformation, academic innovation, and new models for TNE. 

Professor Colin Bailey CBE FREng, President of Queen Mary University, joined Professor Song Baowei, President of NPU, for the opening of the conference, while Professor Wen Wang, Queen Mary University’s Vice-President for Science and Engineering, was among the keynote speakers. 

Discussions focused on some of the most pressing issues shaping TNE, including how to build sustainable international partnerships, respond to emerging technologies and changing learner expectations, develop collaborative approaches to teaching, and create a strong student experience across institutions and campuses.  

The event also welcomed QMES alumni, bringing graduates back into the university community to discuss how universities can help students feel connected, supported and empowered across campuses. 

Professor Colin Bailey said:  

“For more than a decade, our partnership with NPU has demonstrated the value of combining the strengths of two leading universities to deliver an outstanding education for students. As we celebrate ten years of the Queen Mary Engineering School, it’s important to reflect on what we have achieved together. I’m proud to say that the School has helped develop a generation of engineering graduates equipped with international perspectives, strong technical expertise, and the skills needed to succeed in a global economy. The growing number of successful alumni is, in my view, the clearest measure of its impact and success.  

"Looking to the future, I am excited to continue working with NPU to ensure excellence in education, research innovation and international collaboration, continuing to prepare graduates with the skills, knowledge and global outlook needed to succeed in a changing world.”

Professor Baowei said:  

"The Queen Mary Engineering School stands as both the product and testament of the longstanding partnership between NPU and Queen Mary. We will deepen our international partnerships and continue to support the high-quality development of the Queen Mary Engineering School, enabling it to play an even greater role in educational cooperation between China and the United Kingdom. We stand ready to work hand in hand with all partners to share perspectives, cultivate future talent, and shape a better future together, contributing to the high-quality development of transnational education, the advancement of a strong education sector, and greater international engagement in higher education."