The School of Mathematical Sciences is launching two new joint degree programmes with South China Normal University (SCNU). Starting in September, this four year programme provides students with a new experience, studying their first two years in China and then moving to Lancaster University to join our Year 2 cohort, completing a further two years. As study is split into two sets of two years, the programme is called “2+2”. The first students will join Lancaster in the 26/27 academic year.

On completion, students will graduate with either a BSc Digital Economy or BSc Big Data Management and Application from SCNU, and a BSc Hons Mathematics with Economics degree from Lancaster University. This is a good option for students looking to achieve degrees from two excellent universities, including one achieved internationally. SCNU is a university offering world-class higher education in the Guangdong Province of China, and this partnership deepens the University’s collaboration with them.

These new programmes have generated excitement within the School, and the team is looking forward to collaborating with SCNU to increase the international reach of Lancaster’s mathematics teaching. The School of Mathematical Sciences in the University has undergone recent changes to offer a wider range of second- and third-year modules. There are many new courses in statistics, pure, and applied mathematics that develop modern theories to address contemporary problems. Working alongside colleagues in Economics, these courses will prepare undergraduate students on the new programmes for a wider number of future opportunities.

This is all alongside other new projects happening. These include recent successes with MARS, Mathematics for Artificial Intelligence and Real World Systems, bringing new degree schemes and research as well as the new Prob_AI Hub. These significant investments in mathematical sciences are a boost to the School. This collaboration with SCNU is also part of a larger collaboration developing joint education in mathematics and statistics to increase the accessibility and number of students who can benefit from our Lancaster University courses and programmes.

Dr Alex Gibberd, Head of Postgraduate Studies in the School of Mathematics Sciences said: “We are really excited to partner with SCNU on these 2+2 degrees. The programmes provide excellent flexibility to students, giving them an opportunity to develop core knowledge whilst also gaining an international perspective. We look forward to further developing our collaborations with SCNU and welcoming the first cohort to Bailrigg in the coming years.”

Professor Gordon Blower, Head of the School of Mathematical Sciences said: “Since 2016, Lancaster University and South China Normal University have been developing a partnership that enables mobility for staff and students. In the School of Mathematical Sciences at Lancaster, we are pleased to contribute to this partnership by creating a 2+2 scheme which offers new opportunities to students at SCNU.”