Graduation marks milestone in UK–Ukraine academic partnership
London South Bank University and Ukraine’s Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas (NUNG) have celebrated the graduation of the first cohort of students from their jointly developed MSc in Informational Technologies for Sustainable Energy Engineering – a key achievement in a UK-Ukraine higher education alliance
The programme, launched in 2023 with the support of the UK–Ukraine Twinning Initiative, offers Ukrainian students the opportunity to upskill in critical areas of sustainable energy and digital technology. The initiative, coordinated by Cormack Consultancy Group with the support of Universities UK International, the President’s Fund of Ukraine for Education, Science, and Sports, and the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine aims to support the Ukrainian higher education sector by fostering meaningful, long-term partnerships between UK and Ukrainian institutions. It promotes academic collaboration, capacity building, and mutual support in the face of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
This dual degree programme was designed to equip students with the technical expertise needed to support Ukraine’s green energy transition and long-term reconstruction. As the first group of graduates complete their studies, their success represents not only academic achievement but a symbol of hope and resilience in uncertain times.
Key achievements of the LSBU–NUNG partnership include:
- Developed an innovative, multi-disciplinary curriculum tailored to the challenges and opportunities of sustainable energy in Ukraine and designed to support graduates to contribute to key UN Sustainable Development Goals.
- The programme received seven-year accreditation from German agency, ZEvA, recognising its quality and rigour.
- 25 new students enrolled on the programme for Academic Year 24/25, compared to 11 students who had enrolled in Academic Year 23/24.
- Secured two grants, enabling expanded collaboration and capacity-building initiatives.
- Creation of a long-term co-operation plan to ensure the sustainability and continued impact of the partnership.
- Introduction of student mobility opportunities to the UK, enhancing global exposure and exchange.
- Donation of essential equipment to NUNG, following damage to campus infrastructure due to the war.
- Strengthened research and enterprise links between the UK and Ukraine.
- Successful graduation of the inaugural dual-degree cohort.
The graduation took place at the NUNG campus in Ivano-Frankivsk, and was attended by staff and students, as well as the Vice Minister of Education and Science Mykhailo Wynnytskyi. Colleagues from LSBU and Cormack Consultancy Group joined the ceremony online and had the opportunity to hear an address delivered by Professor Deborah Johnston, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Framework) at LSBU.
Professor Johnston said: "We are immensely proud of our Ukrainian graduates and what this partnership stands for. In the face of extraordinary challenges, these students have shown resilience, dedication and brilliance. This collaboration is about more than a degree – it’s about building a better future for Ukraine and strengthening the bonds between our institutions."
Ihor Chudyk, Rector at NUNG, added:"This partnership has brought immense academic and emotional value to our university. The dual degree programme reflects the importance of international solidarity in education and has already begun shaping the next generation of Ukrainian energy engineers."
As the partnership grows, LSBU and NUNG remain committed to fostering academic excellence, supporting Ukraine’s recovery, and expanding opportunities for students on both sides.