Abertay's School of Applied Sciences signs its first franchising agreement in Asia

A professional training institute in Hong Kong is now able to deliver Abertay's civil engineering programme

A professional training institute in Hong Kong is now able to award Abertay University degrees after reaching an agreement with the School of Applied Sciences to deliver its civil engineering programme.

The Social Resources Development Institute (SRDI), which is based in Hong Kong, will run the third year of the Civil Engineering degree programme in the country, the School’s first such franchising arrangement in Asia.

Students in Hong Kong will be taught by SRDI tutors with their assessments moderated by Abertay. Students will be awarded an Abertay degree upon completion of their studies, receiving a BEng Civil Engineering.

As well as delivering education, Abertay’s School of Applied Sciences has already identified scope for collaborative research with SRDI in areas such as construction management and sustainable construction. It is hoped that such a research partnership would help drive industry standards as well as generate new degree enrolments.

Ms Andrea Cameron, Dean of the School of Applied Sciences, said: 

"This new franchising arrangement with SRDI is a significant milestone in Abertay’s determination to expand our international connections. It demonstrates the international appeal of an Abertay degree and the quality of the education that we offer. Over the coming years, we look forward to expanding this partnership with SRDI, exploring together opportunities for the delivery of additional academic programmes as well as research in the area of civil engineering.”

The franchising agreement with SRDI forms part of Abertay’s strategic aim to expand the University’s TNE (transnational education) partnerships. Scottish universities currently deliver TNE to more than 44,000 students in 191 countries and territories.

Through their partnership with Pearson BTEC, statutory authorities, professional bodies and academic institutions across Asia, SRDI has provided quality professional training, short courses and workshops to over 5,000 students in the areas of civil engineering, construction management, safety management and auditing.

Dr. CM Ho, Principal of SRDI, said:

“We’re delighted to be working with an esteemed institution like Abertay University on enhancing and advancing the civil engineering profession in Hong Kong. At the institutional level, we’ll be able to share best practice and expertise with our educational partners in Dundee. In terms of benefits for students, this collaboration will allow them to experience Scottish education and culture whilst also developing skills for their future careers."