New partnerships in China pave way for dual-degree program

Science and engineering undergraduate students in China will be able to start their studies at home and complete them in Calgary, thanks to a new program developed under the University of Calgary’s international strategy. The program will appeal to foreign students wishing to enhance their English language skills, work internationally or join a top company in their home country after graduation. Participants study in Canada and earn a second degree – in addition to one from their university in China – that will expand their post-graduation options.

“The world of higher education is changing rapidly, fueled by technology, internationalization and strong demand coming from markets like China, India, Asia and the Middle East,” says Janaka Ruwanpura, vice-provost (international). “We need to embrace these changes and stay nimble in our pursuit to internationalize.”

“This is a perfect example of our commitment to demonstrate our innovative teaching and learning environment while advancing our efforts to become a global intellectual hub,” says Dru Marshall, provost and vice-president (academic). “Not only will these programs benefit the students coming to Calgary from China, but their presence on campus will also help expand the world view of local students and challenge how they think about their place in the global community.”

Collaboration between International, Science, Engineering

The international team joined forces with the Faculty of Science and the Schulich School of Engineering to develop the programs. A delegation led by Janaka Ruwanpura and Ken Barker, dean of the Faculty of Science, visited China last week to introduce the programs to leading Chinese science and engineering universities. Several hundred students attended presentations at the Harbin Institute of Technology, Wuhan University of Technology, Tongji University, Tianjin University, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China University of Petroleum in Beijing, China University of Petroleum in Qindao, and Shantou University.

While in China, Ruwanpura signed new partnership agreements with Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Tongji University, Wuhan University of Technology, and Shantou University, adding to existing agreements already in place with Xian Jiaotong University, China University of Petroleum in Beijing and China University of Petroleum in Qindao.  An additional agreement with Harbin Institute of Technology will be finalized soon.

“We were pleased to find many interested students and Chinese universities ready to partner with us to offer these programs on a long-term basis,” says Ken Barker, dean of the Faculty of Science.  “There is clearly greater potential for the University of Calgary to expand such articulation programs to other disciplines and markets.”

Transitioning to Calgary

Savera Hayat-Dade, manager, programs and international development, agrees. "Articulation or collaborative degree programs open new doors and provide unique opportunities for international students so they can participate in and benefit from the Canadian higher education system. Such programs not only attract highly qualified and talented students to the University of Calgary, but they also develop long-term partnerships with other universities interested in innovation, improved quality of learning, and student success," she says.   

“With this initial recruitment trip now complete, we are anxious to see how many students will follow up and apply,” adds Barker. “There is still much work to be done to ensure these students can transition to Calgary and be provided the greatest possible opportunity for success here.”  

The 2 plus 2 science program is currently offered in the areas of astrophysics, actuarial sciences, chemistry, computer science, environmental science, geology and geophysics. Participating students earn two bachelor’s degrees – one from their Chinese university and one from the University of Calgary.

The 3 plus 2 engineering program is offered in civil engineering and enables students to get a bachelor’s degree from their local university and a course-based master’s degree (M.Eng.) from the University of Calgary.

Enrolment for Chinese students begins for fall 2014

Zhang Weikang, a student in the civil engineering faculty of the Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT), was very keen on attending the engineering program in Calgary. ”I would love to attend the University of Calgary as it is a great university. I like the curriculum and program and my only concern is whether or not I will get admission. It is a very competitive process,” says Zhang.

The university is piloting these programs in China to enroll students for the fall of 2014, and intends to roll them out to other countries in the next few years. More engineering degrees from the Schulich School of Engineering are also expected to be part of the complete articulation program offer planned for fall 2015.

For program details, visit 2 plus 2 and 3 plus 2.  Learn more about other international activities at the university.