History makers – first cohort of Leicester-Chongqing students graduate

History was made in China this week, as the first students to embark on a dual honours programme from the University of Leicester and Chongqing Medical University (CQMU) graduated.

Launched in 2019, the prestigious partnership between the two universities was set up to allow students in China to undertake a joint educational programme in Clinical Sciences (awarded by the University of Leicester) and Clinical Medicine (awarded by CQMU).

The programme, which secured the approval of the China Ministry of Education and has since been upgraded to the status of Joint Educational Institute, provides an option for Chinese students to undertake a year of study at Leicester and graduate with an award from both universities - read more on the University’s website.

The partnership builds on the close relationship between the megacity of Chongqing and Leicester, which have been twinned since 1993 and recently celebrated a 30-year anniversary.

The graduation ceremony was held on Thursday 26 June at CQMU’s Yuanjiagang campus, in the presence of the British Consul General Anthony Preston. University of Leicester Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nishan Canagarajah, conferred the degrees and expressed his pride at the universities’ close relationship

He said: “It is a huge honour and pleasure to be amongst you all today. When we established Leicester’s partnership with CQMU, we were aware of how we would be shaping destinies.

“Our partnership is going from strength to strength. We have extended our portfolio of programmes across the life sciences and, in doing so, we are creating doctors of tomorrow, as well as other health professionals who will be of service to humanity.

“Our partnership represents a powerful alliance bringing benefits to our two nations and it deepens and extends our links in your great country.”

Professor Canagarajah added: “Our cities also have a shared history stretching back three decades and what we have forged between our universities is an enduring partnership and, indeed, friendship.  We have built a bridge between our nations and between our peoples and we are coming together as one through the power of education.

“And you, the graduands here today, are a symbol of that unity born out of a joint endeavour.”

The British Consul-General, Anthony Preston, also addressed the graduation ceremony. He said: “The cooperation between UK and Chinese higher education institutions is crucial. It offers students access to world-class resources, fosters cross-cultural understanding, and promotes global collaboration. This joint institute exemplifies these benefits.”

During the visit, the Leicester delegation was invited by the British Consulate to take part in celebrations in Chongqing to mark King Charles III’s birthday on Thursday 26 June – further recognising the deep relationship between Leicester and Chongqing.

The trip also saw the delegation host a reception for Leicester’s China-based alumni and its various partners from the country, on Wednesday 25 June, recognising the importance of Chinese alumni networks in the University’s internationalisation strategy.

The University of Leicester has its own Chinese-language website which provides information for potential applicants.