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Wellington, December 11, 2021
A partnership with Zhengzhou University (ZZU), China’s largest institution will enable Victoria University of Wellington to teach and award degrees in China in Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Industrial Design.
ZZU, a globally ranked university teaching about 73,000 students and Victoria University are establishing a Joint Institute at ZZU, through which the two institutions will work together to deliver world-class qualifications in the disciplines of Architecture and Design.
Victoria University Vice-Chancellor Professor Grant Guilford signed a Cooperation Agreement with ZZU President Liu Jiang Tian at a virtual event recently.
The Agreement is the culmination of five years of discussion and marks a new milestone for the University in its engagement with China and in its drive to strengthen its offshore offerings.
A significant step in education
Professor Guilford described the Agreement as a significant step in its efforts to enable students to graduate in Zhengzhou.
“This is in line with the University’s desired relationship with the Chinese people. Through the Joint Institute, we are committed to sharing our experience and expertise and learning from our new colleagues at Zhengzhou. While the Joint Institute will be our immediate focus, I am looking forward to expanding our collaborations in new areas as the relationship goes from strength to strength,” he said.
Professor Guilford said that the Agreement is an achievement considering the challenges presented by the pandemic to both Universities.
Mr Tian said that he was looking forward to increased cooperation in student and staff exchanges and research collaboration in a wide range of fields.
Professor Ehsan Mesbahi, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Science, Health, Engineering, Architecture and Design Innovation said: “Our globally-minded university is focused on building deeper and more direct connections with overseas institutions. The impact that Covid-related travel and border restrictions have had on international students accentuates the need for innovative, flexible, collaborative teaching models that can incorporate offshore delivery.
Innovation and interdisciplinary learning
The Wellington Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation is recognised as a leader in the Pacific-Rim region in architecture, industrial design, sustainable engineering and building for the future,” he said.
Professor Mesbahi said that Victoria University values innovation and interdisciplinary learning and is committed to offering students a challenging, exciting, cutting-edge learning experience where they are part of an academic community that is influencing the field worldwide.
“We are delighted to be working with such a prestigious international partner to bring world-class programmes and academic opportunities to more students globally,” he said.
Enrolment from September 2022
Students will be able to enrol with the Joint Institute from September 2022, initially undertaking a Foundation Year gaining academic skills and English language. Degree courses will be taught at the Joint Institute from 2023.
Up to 300 students are expected in the initial enrolment—100 each in architecture, landscape architecture and industrial design. A majority of them are expected to complete their undergraduate degrees in China but are able to transfer to Wellington if they wish. Many of them are likely to transfer to Wellington for postgraduate study.
