Glyndwr University China Deal

Glyndŵr University will welcome more than 50 new Chinese students a year, generating £500,000 as part of a deal with one of its Far East partners.

The Wrexham University and Guangxi Normal University (GXNU) will jointly deliver Childhood Care and Education and Journalism, Broadcasting and Media courses.

The two institutions formed an alliance in 2006 and have successfully taught joint programmes in Art and Design for several years.

With permission from the Chinese Government, which has been granted, they will run the new programmes from 2014, with more than 50 students travelling to study in North East Wales every year.

A delegation from GXNU, based in the province of Guangxi, visited Glyndŵr University to sign the deal.

GXNU’s President Liang Hong and his party toured the campus, visiting the Centre for the Child, Family and Society, the Centre for the Creative Industries and Techniquest Glyndŵr.

Glyndwr’s Vice Chancellor Professor Michael Scott, whose new book ‘The Stories of King Arthur’ has already sold 2,500 advanced copies in China – was thrilled to enhance the union between the two seats of learning.

Prof Scott said: “We are interested in exploring joint programmes that will develop Glyndŵr University nationally and internationally, and this is a fine example of that.

“Guangxi Normal University is a fine institution in a beautiful part of the world. The students are of a very high quality and together we can really build for the future.”

Prof Liang, who will be made a Fellow of Glyndŵr University at a ceremony in China later this year, echoed Prof Scott’s words and revealed he and the delegation enjoyed their stay in the country.

He said: “We’re really very honoured and happy to pay our first visit to Glyndŵr University, and to Wales.

“We have a very good impression of the campus and the town; we’ve enjoyed the beautiful scenery.

“We’re also very impressed with the university’s links with industry and innovation and its close ties with businesses.

“Guangxi Normal University and Glyndŵr University already have a good foundation for these new relationships and are looking forward to doing more together.”

He added: “I believe we have a very good future through our cooperation. I’m sure we can learn a lot from you, and vice versa.”

Founded in 1932, Guangxi Normal University employs around 2,180 staff and has more than 23,700 students on its 4100-acre campus in Guilin.