LSBU launches Joint Institute in China
London South Bank University (LSBU) has marked a milestone in its international development with the launch of the Nanjing Industrial Vocational Technology University – London South Bank University Joint Institute, a landmark public vocational undergraduate Sino-foreign partnership in China.
The Joint Institute represents a major step forward in LSBU Global’s strategy to expand access to world-class, practice-based education and strengthen the University’s role in shaping global vocational and technical higher education.
The collaboration exemplifies LSBU Global’s mission to deliver high-quality UK degrees through sustainable, locally embedded partnerships that combine academic excellence with industry relevance.
The inauguration ceremony, held on 13 October at NJUIT’s Xianlin Campus, also celebrated the induction of the first cohort of 240 students. Senior representatives from both universities attended, sharing their commitment to innovation and international cooperation in higher education.
Representing LSBU Global were Stuart Bannerman, Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor International; Aissata Edmondson, Head of Global Partnerships; Raveendran Sundararajan, Associate Academic Dean; and Jim MacInnes, Senior Lecturer in English for Academic Purposes.
Stuart Bannerman, Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor (International), said: “This partnership embodies the shared values of our two universities – to provide education that transforms lives, communities, and industries. Together, we are shaping a model of Sino-UK cooperation that combines academic rigour with real-world impact.”
From NJUIT, attendees included Xie Yonghua, Party Secretary, and He Xuejun, President of the University, along with senior officials from the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Education.
He Xuejun, President of NJUIT, added: “Rooted in China and engaging with the world, this Joint Institute integrates Chinese and Western strengths to cultivate high-quality, innovative professionals who will contribute to intelligent and high-end industries of the future.”
Approved by China’s Ministry of Education, the Joint Institute offers degree programmes in Mechanical and Electronic Engineering Technology, Automation Technology and Application, and New Energy Vehicle Engineering Technology, bringing together LSBU’s applied-learning expertise with NJUIT’s leading vocational education model. The partnership also reflects Jiangsu Province’s ambition to advance the modernisation and internationalisation of vocational higher education.