From October 19 to 21, a delegation led by Hesheng Wang, Dean of Shanghai Jiao Tong University Global College (SJTUGC, abbreviated as GC hereafter), visited the University of Glasgow, Trinity College Dublin, University College London (UCL) and the University of Warwick. The delegation discussed undergraduate dual-degree programs, Global Degree Pathways (GDP) programs and research collaboration with the four universities. The visit aimed to strengthen existing partnerships, explore new approaches to international education and expand access to global educational resources. Xuyang Lu, Assistant to the Dean, and Viva Du, Manager of the International Programs Office, also took part in relevant activities.
At the University of Glasgow, the two sides reviewed their recent collaboration and discussed the development of an undergraduate dual-degree program. They focused on practical matters, including curriculum alignment and credit transfer, and identified next steps toward implementation. Both sides expressed their commitment to advancing the program and creating more international learning opportunities for students.
At Trinity College Dublin, the two sides reviewed their existing partnership and discussed opportunities to expand cooperation. Topics included an undergraduate dual-degree program and student exchanges, with both sides expressing interest in developing more flexible educational pathways. They also discussed strengthening the promotion of existing programs and working toward the resumption of student exchanges. During the visit, the two sides renewed their cooperation agreement for the Global Degree Pathways program, supporting the continuation and further development of their partnership.
At UCL, discussions focused on the implementation of the Global Degree Pathways program and plans for its further development. Both sides discussed ways to accelerate implementation and expressed their willingness to maintain close communication to advance the program and provide students with more opportunities for international study.
At the University of Warwick, the delegation discussed potential collaboration in undergraduate dual-degree programs and research. As an international partner of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Warwick has a foundation for further cooperation with the university. GC will draw on its strengths in international education and interdisciplinary learning to help advance collaboration between the two universities. The discussions laid the groundwork for further exchanges and potential joint initiatives.
In addition to the university visits, Wang and the delegation held faculty recruitment information sessions in Cambridge and London. The sessions attracted young scholars and students from UK universities, including the University of Cambridge, UCL and King’s College London.
During the sessions, Wang introduced the development and academic strengths of SJTU and GC, as well as GC’s faculty recruitment policies. He exchanged views with participants on academic development, research planning and career choices. He also discussed how advances in artificial intelligence are changing research practices and the opportunities and challenges facing early-career researchers. Wang encouraged outstanding young researchers interested in academic careers to consider opportunities at SJTU and GC, including relevant talent programs for overseas scholars.
The visit was part of GC’s ongoing efforts to deepen international partnerships and expand its global educational network. Through discussions with universities of UK and Ireland, the delegation reviewed existing cooperation and identified opportunities in undergraduate dual-degree programs, GDP programs, research collaboration and international faculty recruitment.
Looking ahead, GC will continue to pursue its internationalization strategy of “self-led, diversified collaboration,” strengthen partnerships with leading universities worldwide and advance innovative international education programs. These efforts aim to provide students with more opportunities for international learning and help cultivate graduates with global perspectives, intercultural communication skills and a spirit of innovation, contributing to SJTU’s development as a world-class university.
