The University of Chester has signed a crucial five-year collaborative partnership with Glyndwr University in Wrexham.
The move will see Chester validate the Wrexham institution’s PhD programmes until 2020, by which time Glyndŵr hopes to have eventually secured its own Research Degree Awarding Powers (RDAPs).
Joining forces with Chester forms part of the university’s five-year plan to deliver financial stability after a turbulent few years which included a costly ban preventing it from recruiting international students. That was lifted by the Home Office last November.
During the summer Glyndŵr’s interim vice-chancellor, Professor Graham Upton, revealed that the institution expects to be £1.7m in the black by next year – a £5.7m swing from the £4m deficit recorded in the 2013/14 accounts.
Welcoming the partnership with Chester, Professor Upton said closer ties between the neighbouring campuses is vital to the region from an academic and commercial perspective, given their links with industry and close proximity.
He added: “I would like to thank Professor Tim Wheeler (vice-chancellor) and the University of Chester for the support they have given us in laying the foundations for a new focus on research at Glyndŵr University Wrexham.
“We look forward to working closely alongside them and to seeing PhD students benefit from this relationship.
“This is an important milestone for us as we take the first steps towards a new era for higher education in north east Wales, with Glyndŵr University Wrexham at the forefront.”
Chester will initially support up to 30 PhD/MPhil students at Wrexham and provide three years of research degree accreditation.
Professor Wheeler, vice-chancellor of the University of Chester, said: “In the spirit of supporting advanced scholarship, we are entering into this collaborative arrangement, which will continue to enrich the academic community in north east Wales.
“Indeed, the University of Chester was similarly supported by the University of Liverpool until it was granted the powers to award its own research degrees.
“Glyndŵr is our nearest neighbour so if there’s anything we can do to help with research, especially collaborative and applied research in West Cheshire and north east Wales, then I think that’s a very positive development for both universities.”
What do you think of the deal? Do you work at either of the institutions? Let us know in the comments below
