Vice-Chancellor's message, Swansea University
Swansea University is a thriving and ambitious university that prides itself on the quality of its teaching and flourishing industrial links. Winning the 2005 Times Higher Education Supplement Award for the UK's best student experience was also a tremendous accolade and clearly demonstrates the immense value that we place on ensuring that time spent at Swansea is truly life-enhancing for our students.
Our world-class research enables us to support the economic regeneration of Wales, including the attraction of hi-tech industry to work alongside the University, bringing new jobs to the region. Major projects include the new Multidisciplinary Nanotechnology Centre and the Institute of Life Science, which at £50 million is one of the most significant research investments in a UK university in recent years. We have also announced a new £30 million Institute of Advanced Telecommunications (IAT), which enjoys research funding support from the world's leading telecommunications companies, including Cisco Systems, Ericsson and Motorola.
We continue to invest heavily in all aspects of our development and our ambitious strategic plan has been instrumental in attracting internationally respected, high achieving academics to Swansea. Over 100 academic staff have been appointed in the last 18 months alone. This in turn leads to further investment and expansion, as well as adding value to the student experience. Our new medical school will have a growing impact on the quality of medical care in the area.
By launching Swansea Bay Futures, the city's major organisations are showing their commitment to securing Swansea's place on the world stage. Establishing a professional, coordinated image will build confidence across our academic, commercial and social communities, providing the local economy with unparalleled opportunities for sustained growth.
Even though the University seeks international success, we remain true to our roots and we are justifiably proud of our relationship with the local and regional community. Swansea is an essential ingredient in our success and we look forward to working with Swansea Bay Futures to the immediate and long-term benefit of the region.
Plans for a new International College Wales at Swansea University cemented with signing.
Swansea University has formalised an agreement with Australian-based Navitas Ltd, to establish a new pathway college to prepare overseas students for university entry.
The collaboration is believed to be a first for Welsh higher education, and the new International College Wales will be located on Swansea University’s campus. It is envisaged that the first cohort of students will begin classes in September 2008.
Jane Hutt, Minister for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills, attended a signing ceremony on Friday, November 2, at the University to mark the partnership.
The International College Wales will deliver bespoke undergraduate Foundation Certificate courses, College Diploma courses, and postgraduate Masters qualifying courses, which enable successful international students to obtain access to their chosen degree programmes at Swansea University.
The International College Wales will also partner with the University’s existing English Language Training Services, to facilitate the development of English language skills for overseas students who do not meet the new College’s English language entry requirements.
The College will focus on providing a quality-driven educational experience, which will give overseas students the practical learning skills and knowledge they need to maximise their experience of Higher Education in Wales.
Welcoming the partnership, Jane Hutt AM said: “The Assembly Government is committed to looking to build international links and to increase the number of international students coming to Wales. This initiative brings real opportunities to the student, Swansea University and the HE sector in general and I am sure these students will go on to become ambassadors for the city and Wales.
“I wish Swansea University and Navitas Ltd a successful venture and their international students a positive and life enhancing experience. Croeso i Abertawe, Croeso i Gymru.”
Swansea University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Richard B Davies, said: “High quality global partnerships are vital for a successful research-led university; you must specialise in what you do best, investing in your own strengths, and working synergistically with educational or research institutions, near or far, that have the expertise you lack. It is in this spirit of partnership of excellence that we welcome Navitas to join us at Swansea.
“International College Wales will bring hundreds of overseas students to Wales. We look forward to these students continuing their studies at the University, helping to create a genuinely cosmopolitan campus.
“This will give all students, home or overseas, new perspectives on their own country and international perspectives on their own academic area. It will also give them international networks of friends; a resource for life.
“International College Wales and this partnership with IBT is an important milestone in the development of Swansea University as a world-class institution providing career-enhancing and life-enhancing opportunities for its students.”
Navitas Chief Executive Officer Rod Jones said that the agreement to establish International College Wales Swansea in partnership with Swansea University is an important step in the international expansion of Navitas' University Programmes division.
“This is an exciting time for Navitas, and today’s announcement again demonstrates the significant value that can be created through long-term partnerships with forward-thinking universities.
“By providing Navitas' pathway and pre-university programmes to international students, ICWS will ensure that a much larger group of people will be able to be part of the unique student experience that Swansea University can offer,” said Mr Jones.
“Based at the University’s stunning campus overlooking Swansea Bay, the college will complement the quality undergraduate and postgraduate programmes on offer at the University.
“ICWS is expected to commence teaching in September 2008 and offer a select range of pathway courses which will articulate to the University’s undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
“ICWS will target students from outside the EU and this initiative will allow the University to continue the expansion of its international student base.
“We believe the new college will present substantial long-term benefits for the University, its students and its academic staff, as has been demonstrated by our successful long-term partnerships with other universities in Australia, Canada and the UK.”
ICWS will be Navitas' first college in Wales and the third in the United Kingdom.
For further information about Swansea University visit www.swansea.ac.uk, and for further information about ICWS visit www.icws-uk.co.uk.
