Implementation of Joint Program University of Bath and Nankai program

Introduction to Bath University

The University of Bath was founded in 1966, located in Bath, east of Avon, England (the only city listed as a World Heritage Site in UK, known as the most beautiful and elegant cities in UK). It is a top research-oriented university in the UK, and its research strength has been rated as the world leader. In 2021, The Guardian ranked 6th and 4th in the UK (in 2003 and 2015 respectively). Because of its good reputation in Europe and the world's leading teaching quality and scientific research achievements, bath university has repeatedly become the top ten British public research universities in the UK.

The current president of Bath University is Prince Edward, with 15964 students. The campus covers an area of 200 acres, with year-round libraries and first-class sports facilities in UK, and a wide variety of high-quality scientific research equipment. The campus library has 300000 monographs, 105000 bound magazines, more than 13000 electronic books and periodicals, 11000 subscribed journals and a research database. There are four colleges in Bath University: the school of Engineering and Design, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, School of Science and School of Management.

Introduction to cooperation agreement 

The University of Bath (“Bath”) and Nankai University (“NKU”) agree that the following additional collaborative activities come under the Memorandum of Understanding signed by them on 11 May 2021.

This Progression Agreement refers specifically to further collaboration in the form of a set of agreements: a 4+1 and a 1+1+1 between the University of Bath (Bath) and the College of Artificial Intelligence (NKU) at postgraduate level. It is hoped that there may be further collaboration with other academic departments, the details of which will be the subject of separate inter-institutional agreements.

Note on terminology:

For the specific purpose of this agreement the following terms are defined below:

·         ‘4+1’ is defined as a NKU graduate taking a one year, taught post-graduate programme (MSc or MRes) with the postgraduate degree awarded byBath.

·         ‘1+1+1’ is defined as a 2nd year NKU postgraduate taking a one year, full-time taught postgraduate programme (MSc or MRes) at Bath in addition to the second year of the NKU MSc degree. The MSc/MRes is to be awarded by Bath and the NKU MSc to be awarded by NKUrespectively.

1.  Signatories

The signatory for the University of Bath is Professor Jeremy Bradshaw, Pro Vice Chancellor (International and Doctoral), who has the authority to act on behalf of Bath regarding this Agreement. The signatory for NKU is Professor Xin ZHAO, Dean of College of Artificial Intelligence, who has the authority to act on behalf of NKU regarding this Agreement.

2.  Objectives of theagreement

The objectives of the agreement are twofold:

·         To encourage suitably qualified graduates of NKU to apply for admission to appropriate postgraduate degrees at Bath including MSc and MResprogrammes.

·         To use the above as a platform to explore research co-operation between theinstitutions.

3.  The Collaboration

·         Postgraduate Arrangements Overview

Bath will consider applications from NKU students who are encouraged to apply for a one year taught full-time MSc/MRes programme. Programmes currently offered at Bath are:

o   MSc Automotive Engineering with ElectricPropulsion

o   MSc Human ComputerInteraction

o   MSc Machine Learning and AutonomousSystems

o   MSc Robotics and AutonomousSystems

Each MSc/MResprogramme has a specific Programme Specification and description and these are available on the University of Bath website (https://www.bath.ac.uk/courses/).

Students who successfully complete these programmes will be awarded the relevant University of Bath Master’s degree.

·         EntryRequirements:

o   A first degree from NKU or an equivalent institution accepted by the University of Bath for entry onto the Masters courses

o   An overall IELTS score of 6.5 with not less than 6.0 in each of the 4 component parts of the test orequivalent

·         ApplicationProcess

NKU students are required to complete the Bath application form for applying to the Masters course at Bath.

Suitable applicants who have not yet achieved the relevant degree scores or IELTS score may receive a conditional offer letter. Students will be issued with an unconditional offer letter of admission when all requirements are satisfied.

Applicants will be advised in writing of any discounted tuition fees for a Bath Master’s degree which will be referred to as the ‘University of Bath/NKU Scholarship’.

All prospective international students coming to study in the UK for a course lasting more than 6 months (including those from the EU, EEA (except Ireland) and Switzerland who have not secured other immigration status on or after 1 January 2021) will need to apply for a Student visa and receive a decision, before they arrive. For more details see https://www.bath.ac.uk/guides/student-visas/

4.  Financial Arrangements

Neither party may incur, commit or authorise financial expenditure on behalf of the other. Each party will be responsible for its own costs associated with any activities relating to this agreement.

The tuition fees per student will be based on the University of Bath’s international tuition fees, for the programme applied for, as stated on the University of Bath website. NKU students will receive a 10% discount on the MSc/MRes tuition fee.

5.  Marketing

Both parties agree that joint efforts will be made in promoting the programme.

Each institution agrees that the use of the other Institution’s title and logo in any publicity or promotional material should be approved by the other Institution in advance. Each institution shall be responsible for ensuring that appropriate contact details are provided to facilitate this approval process.

6.  Management of the Arrangements

A Programme Management Committee will be established to manage the development and operation of the arrangement and, in particular, to continually monitor the quality of the students’ academic, linguistic and living experience and progress.

Each party will designate a Programme Co-ordinator to be the formal point of contact between the two parties and provide a prompt response to all communications. The language of communication will be of necessity English and all communication will be copied or reported to the Programme Management Committee. All NKU students will be allocated a personal tutor for the period of their studies at Bath.

7.  Responsibilities of theParties

Responsibilities of Bath

·         Bath will support the promotion of the programme with NKU and will designate a member of staff to liaise with NKU regarding associated matters in promoting the programme. The contact for this agreement at the University ispgt-student-recruitment@bath.ac.uk.

·         Bath will endeavour to give equal and transparent consideration to all applicants according to the entry requirements. The decision on the acceptance of nominated students will lie with Bath (who for the avoidance of doubt retains the right to accept or reject any proposed students) who shall make final selection and shall notify successful candidates and NKU within a reasonableperiod.

·         Bath will make its facilities available to registered NKU students on the same basis as for otherstudents.Tuition fees are payable at the commencement of study (less any fee reduction being applied). It is possible to pay degree programme fees in two equal instalments, with 50% due prior to the commencement of study. It is a condition of registration that the schedule of payment of any fees due to Bath are followed by thestudent.

·         Bath will provide transcripts to NKU for degree award purposes. Responsibilities ofNKU

·         NKU will market the programme to appropriate candidates and assist participatingNKU

students in their applications to Bath

·         NKU will provide to Bath a full account of each applicant’s academic record inEnglish

·         NKU will notify Bath of any significant curriculum changes Responsibilities of NKUstudents

NKU students will be responsible for the following in line with other students registered at Bath:

·         Payment offees

·         Incidental expenses as may be required by the study programme atBath

·         Accommodation and general livingexpenses

·         MedicalInsurance

·         Personal Property and TravelInsurance

·         Textbooks, clothing and other personalexpenses

·         Passports and visacosts

·         All other debts incurred during the course of theyear

8.  Copyright

The copyright in all teaching materials provided by Bath to students and academic colleagues at NKU will be held in line with Bath’s policies and practice. NKU will not copy, adapt or use such copyright materials for any purpose other than in support of the programme and the exchange of academic scholarship and will ensure that students do not copy, adapt or use such materials except for the purpose of studying the programme at Bath.

DataProtection

Both institutions agree that they will ensure that all student records and personal data relating to NKU students are held securely and confidentially and to further ensure that no such data are used or disclosed for any purposes other than so far as is necessary in connection with the administration of the collaborative arrangements. Both institutions agree to comply with all relevant data protection laws applicable to the exchange of personal data between them.

9.      Third partyrights

This Agreement is made solely and specifically between the two Institutions for their sole benefit. This Agreement is not intended to be for the benefit of and shall not be enforceable by any other person whether under the Contracts (Right of Third Parties) Act 1999 or otherwise.

10.  Terms ofAgreement

The term of this Progression Agreement shall remain in place for the lesser of 5 years or for as long as the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Bath and NKU remains in force, except insofar as the terms may be varied by written consent of both parties. In the event of termination of the MOU, this Progression Agreement shall also terminate at the same time provided however that the activities in course relating to students completing the programme(s) at the time shall be completed before such termination becomes effective. 

This Agreement has been signed as an English-language and a mandarin version. Both texts are authentic and equally authoritative in the event of a dispute.

Educational system

Double masters’ degree”: 1+1+1 program

1. Studying for the double masters' degree of Nankai University (NKU) and University of Bath means that the first-year postgraduates currently studying at the College of Artificial Intelligence of NKU pursue their master's courses in the second academic year or later at University of Bath, obtain a master's degree of the latter university as required, and then continue to complete all the contents specified in the training program atNKU, pass the thesis defense with satisfactory results. Whoevermeets the graduation requirements of NKUwill be issued with a graduation certificate by NKU,and a corresponding diploma for whoever meetsChina’s and NKU’s degree awarding conditions(Note: The credits obtained at theUniversity of Bath can be identified and converted according to the Interim Measures of the Graduate School of Nankai University on Credit Identification and ScoreConversionfor Postgraduate Courses in Overseas Universities).

2. Basic requirements for registration

1) Master students currently studying in the College of Artificial Intelligence of NKU;

2) GPA of compulsory and special courses for undergraduates ≧ 80;

3) English performance: IELTS 6.5 (no less than 6 in any single subject or equivalent)

Single master’s degree”: 4 + 1 program (Categories A and B)

1. Category A: Studying for the single master’s degree” of NKU and University of Bath in this category means that students included in the direct doctoral program of the College of Artificial Intelligence of NKU pursue their master's courses in the second academic year or any year thereafter at University of Bath for one year, and obtain a master's degree certificate issued by the latter university as required, and then continue to complete all the contents specified in the training program at NKU, pass the thesis defense with satisfactory results. Whoever meets the graduation requirements of NKU will be issued with a graduation certificate by NKU, and a corresponding diploma for whoever meets China’s and NKU’s degree awarding conditions (Note: The credits obtained at the University of Bath can be identified and converted according to the Interim Measures of the Graduate School of Nankai University on Credit Identification and Score Conversion for Postgraduate Courses in Overseas Universities).

2. Basic requirements for registration:

1) Candidates exempted from postgraduate exam (including academic degree and professional degree) who have been or are willing to be included in the direct doctoral program of the College of Artificial Intelligence;

2) A bachelor's degree from an equivalent institution recognized by NKU or University of Bath;

3) GPA of compulsory and special courses for undergraduates ≧ 80;

4) English performance: IELTS 6.5 (no less than 6 in any single subject or equivalent)

3. Category B: Studying for the single master’s degree” of NKU and University of Bath in this categorymeans that the graduate students currently studying at the College of Artificial Intelligence of NKU are recommended to study a master's degree at University of Bath based on the principle of preference, and obtain the master's degree after finishing the master's program and paper of the latter university as required.

4. Basic requirements for registration:

1) Graduate students of the College of Artificial Intelligence of NKU 

2) GPA of compulsory and special courses for undergraduates ≧ 80

3) English performance: IELTS 6.5 (no less than 6 in any single subject or equivalent)

Note: Whoever fails to meet the requirements for equivalent language level and IELTS score can participate in the English training program of University of Bath. For details, visit: https://www.bath.ac.uk/guides/entry-requirements-for-pre-sessional-courses/

https://www.bath.ac.uk/professional-services/pre-sessional-programme/

IV. Registration, fees and scholarships

1. Program training fee: students with IELTS score below 6.5 can voluntarily choose language training and need to pay the training fee on time;

2. Tuition of University of Bath: 25,000 pounds / year in 2021 (slightly varying every year for different majors, subject to the tuition amount on the admission letter);

3. University of Bath provides 10% discount of tuition to NKU’s students enrolled in the program.

4. Materials are submitted to Graduate Affairs Office of College of Artificial Intelligence (Meng Jin, Room 108, North Building of College of Artificial Intelligence, Tel.: 022-23505863, email: mengjin@nankai.edu.cn)

5. The materials to be submitted during registration are as follows:

1) Application Form of Nankai University-University of Bath Joint Master Training Program;

2) Undergraduate transcript: one original of GPA proof and transcript of compulsory and special courses during the undergraduate period issued by the educational administration department of NKU, with official seal;

3) Undergraduate degree certificate and graduation certificate: undergraduate graduates must provide one copy of degree certificate and one copy of graduation certificate; senior students should submit relevant copies after obtaining the degree certificate and graduation certificate;

4) English performance: a copy of transcript of the corresponding academic transcript (if only).

Note: The College of Artificial Intelligence will make it a priority to provide considerable scholarships to direct doctoral students and transferred doctoral students who are willing to join this program, and retain their application qualifications for other scholarships of NKU and the college; master students who return to NKU on schedule can participate in the selection of outstanding achievement scholarships of the college. Each student must sign a scholarship agreement and abide by the relevant provisions of the agreement. A master's degree of University of Bath obtained on schedule by the students participating in the program will be an important indicator for the mid-term examination of the college, with specific matters handled by each assessment team; whoever fails to obtain the degree on schedule will be directly withdrawn from the program to continue the original single-degree program at NKU, with the overseas study not to be recognized; if there are special reasons, it is necessary to apply for extension with the consent of NKU and University of Bath one month in advance. The extension or language study shall be conducted in accordance with NKU’s regulations. The basic requirements for enrollment of each major are subject to the official website of University of Bath: https://www.bath.ac.uk/guides/applying-for-a-taught-postgraduate-course/

V. Program schedule(Note: This schedule is tentative. In case of any change, refer to the announcement)