Keele and Beijing Foreign Studies University welcome new students

Representatives from Keele University joined colleagues in China last month to welcome the latest cohort of students benefitting from our established partnership with Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU).  

The latest round of students joining the BFSU-Keele BA International Governance and Public Policy, and BA Diplomacy, programmes were celebrated at the ceremony which also saw the return of alumni from recent years.  

More than 100 guests attended the event, including Professor Zhao Gang, Vice President of BFSU; Professor Donna Lee, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean of Keele’s Faculty of Business, Law, Humanities and Social Sciences; and academic and professional services staff from both universities. 

Keele and BFSU run a double-degree programme for students who wish to specialise in the study of international relations, social science studies, and law. Upon successful completion of the programme, students are awarded a BA (Hons) International Governance and Public Policy degree by Keele and a BA Diplomacy degree by BFSU. Students study in both China and the UK - two years at BFSU are followed by a year at Keele and then a final year in Beijing.  

Prior to the Keele delegation joining BFSU in Beijing, Keele’s Vice Chancellor Professor Kevin Shakesheff spoke with President Jia Wenjian of BFSU and Vice-President Zhao to reinforce the importance of the collaboration between both universities.  

During the event, Professor Zhao congratulated the new students and reflected on the success of the partnership, which has welcomed more than 380 students since it began in 2018. He encouraged the cohort to embrace the opportunities of a dual Chinese-UK education and to develop both a global outlook and professional expertise. 

Speaking on behalf of Keele University, Professor Donna Lee welcomed the new students to the Keele community and highlighted the University’s mission to develop creative, critically minded graduates ready to tackle global challenges. 

Professor Xie Tao, Dean of BFSU’s School of International Relations and Diplomacy, and Professor Dan Herbert, Dean of Education for Keele’s Faculty of Business, Law, Humanities and Social Sciences, also spoke to praise the programme’s achievements and continued collaboration. 

Students also presented Outstanding Teaching Contribution Awards to nine members of staff, alongside performances and an alumni forum where graduates shared their study and career experiences.