The second cohort of students at Lancaster University College at Beijing Jiaotong University (BJTU) have graduated.

The University College, based in Weihai, China, is a partnership between Lancaster University and Beijing Jiaotong University, and the students received their degree certificates this weekend.

The students were able to take part in the first full, in-person graduation ceremony, after returning to Weihai last September to resume classes on campus.

Academic Dean Professor David Higgitt said: “Despite the disruption of the global pandemic, the students have performed exceptionally well. It is a great credit to the students and to the Lancaster academic staff and English teachers who adapted quickly to the challenges of online teaching.”

Lancaster University Vice-Chancellor Professor Andy Schofield said: “It is an enormous honour to celebrate the achievements of our students graduating from Lancaster University College at BJTU. As the second cohort to graduate from this partnership, these students are among the pioneers who have helped to create and develop the culture of the campus for those who will follow.”

The University College, based in Shandong Province, was formally opened in 2016 and admitted students on four undergraduate programmes: Computer Science; Electronics and Communications Engineering; Environmental Science and Engineering and Design Interactions. Programmes in Accounting and Finance and in Business Studies were added in 2017.

In additional to the dual award, students are able to participate in reciprocal summer schools, study abroad and the Lancaster Alumni Scholarship scheme.