Department forges Chinese partnership

By UKJournalism

Two new international partnerships have been established by the Department of Journalism.

After rigorous examination by the University of Central Lancashireís academic quality processes two links with universities in the Peoplesí Republic of China have been approved for delivery starting in September 2005.

At Guangdong University of Foreign Studies (GDUFS), which is one of Chinaís top-rated universities for international studies, the department has received the go-ahead to franchise delivery of its ground-breaking BA (Hons) International Journalism course.

This means that from this September students in Preston and Guangzhou will be studying on the same international journalism course in two countries.

Internationally-qualified

The GDUFS students will be taught by Department of Journalism staff in China and also by internationally-qualified staff from GDUFS. They will study the first two years of the course in China before joining Preston students to complete their third and final year.

International Journalism Coordinator Geoff Ward said: "This is an exciting opportunity to work with a major Chinese partner in the development of international journalism.

"It brings extensive opportunities for students and staff in both countries to work together in a truly international atmosphere of co-operation and understanding. We intend to set up web and video linkages that will enable a constant interchange of ideas, study experiences and cultural exchanges by everyone involved in this partnership.

"This will ensure that students from China arrive in Preston for their final year ready to tackle the practices and issues involved in international journalism and with familiarity with students, staff and UK culture and study practices."

SIFT

The other Chinese partnership that has been developed by the Department is with the Shanghai Institute of Foreign Trade (SIFT).

This involves SIFT journalism students studying a series of UClan modules, designed to enhance their knowledge of both English and journalism in the English-speaking world.

After two years of study successful students will be awarded a UCLan Diploma in English for International Journalism. This is an extra qualification as these students will also complete further studies towards a SIFT Bachelors Degree.

"We are delighted to be co-operating with SIFT and see the Diploma as delivering further learning and opportunities for students," added Geoff Ward.

"This partnership opens up many possibilities for student and staff development and it has been a fascinating exercise in liaising with those learning and delivering journalism in China.

"We are hopeful that many SIFT students will take the chance to extend their relationship with the department by coming to Preston to study on our Masters courses after their graduation.

"The department is also working closely with SIFT journalism lecturers in course development and this has led to a mutually-beneficial interchange of knowledge on journalism practices in both countries and patterns of journalism education."

More info:
BA (Hons) International Journalism >
UKJournalism International section >
Email course leader Geoff Ward on gward1@uclan.ac.uk

Related stories from UKJournalism:
Masters in International Documentaries arrives >
NCTJ success for Finnish MA student >
All-action Journo joins international team >
MA in TV documantary begins to flourish >

See also:
Guangdong University of Foreign Studies >
SIFT >

Extra and related information

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