Faculty of Science and Technology

Lancaster University Pro Vice Chancellor Professor Steve Bradley and Federal Minister for Science and Technology and COMSATS chancellor, Mr Changez Khan Jamali

One of Pakistan's most senior politicians met with representatives from Lancaster University and COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Pakistan, this week to celebrate the growth of a pioneering partnership between the two institutions and discuss the next stage of development.

In 2010 COMSATS Institute of Information Technology (CIIT) and Lancaster University launched the first ever dual degree programme between an UK and Pakistani university.

Demand for the programmes is high and today more than 1,300 Pakistani undergraduate students have the opportunity to study for dual Lancaster University/CIIT degrees delivered in Pakistan in subjects including: Business Administration; Computer Science; Electrical Engineering (telecommunications) Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Chemical Engineering and Electrical Engineering (electronics).

The delegation from Pakistan, which included, the Federal Minister for Science and Technology and COMSATS chancellor, Mr Changez Khan Jamali, met with Lancaster University Pro Vice Chancellor Professor Steve Bradley to talk about future developments for the partnership which included the possibility of setting up a joint-research fund between the two institutions. Other proposals on the table include extending Lancaster University's Chancellors' Fellowship awards to COMSATS faculty staff perform significantly in teaching or research.

Mr Jamili said: "The partnership between Lancaster University and COMSATS Institute of Information Technology is very much appreciated and we have future plans to strengthen the relationship. The partnership's dual degree programmes have attracted students from all over Pakistan and we hope in future to reach students from other provinces. We would also like to include other programmes and scholarships. I have spoken with the Prime Minister and he is very happy with progress and as far as our Government and Ministry are concerned we are all for this partnership and will make more of it in future."

Professor Bradley said: "International teaching partnerships at Lancaster - such as the COMSATS dual degree programmes - are a key component of Lancaster's global outreach and commitment to internationalization. The benefits of this international network are significant, providing students around the world with access to high quality, internationally-recognised qualifications. Lancaster students overseas and in the UK also benefit from being part of a global university with an international outlook. It has been pleasing to see the partnership with COMSATS develop and we look forward to the next steps in the process."

Image Lancaster University Pro Vice Chancellor Professor Steve Bradley and Federal Minister for Science and Technology and COMSATS chancellor, Mr Changez Khan Jamali.

Thu 30 August 2012