First graduates from Stirling partnership with Chengdu University celebrate achievements

The first students to graduate from a prestigious partnership between the University of Stirling and Chengdu University in China have been recognised for their achievements.

A ceremony held today [Saturday 5 July] celebrated the accomplishments of 174 graduates  who have completed degrees in BA (Hons) Sport Studies, BSc (Hons) Data Science and BA (Hons) Digital Media. 

Officially launched in 2021, the partnership enables students to earn two degrees – one from Stirling and one from Chengdu – at the end of four years of study, provided they fulfil the academic requirements for both institutions. Currently more than 1,000 students are enrolled on Stirling College, Chengdu University partnership programmes. 

The first cohort of graduates was presented with their awards at a ceremony in Chengdu, attended by University of Stirling Chancellor Lord McConnell and Professor Dr Zhu Ming, President of Chengdu University.

Graduates from the partnership join the University's 110,000-strong alumni community.

Professor Sir Gerry McCormac, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Stirling, said: “The graduation of the first cohort of students from Stirling College, Chengdu University is a special milestone in the evolution of our educational partnership. 

“Chengdu University and the University of Stirling share values of excellence and innovation, and a belief that international education and collaboration can help build a better world. Our graduates also live those values and leave here with the skills and experience required to make a difference in their chosen fields and the wider world. We wish them our warmest congratulations and the best of luck for the future.” 

Almost 200 graduates celebrated with fellow students, guests and staff at the ceremony in Chengdu.

The University of Stirling and Chengdu University share a passion for sport: Stirling is Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence while Chengdu, the capital city of the province of Sichuan, served as a key hosting partner of the 31st FISU (International University Sports Federation) World University Games in 2023 – and the city will play host to the highly prestigious World Games in August. Furthermore, the partnership’s data science and media degrees both contain sports-related content, and elements of interdisciplinarity across all three degrees. 

In the future, students on the partnership’s programmes will have the option to spend time studying at Stirling as part of their degree, or through a postgraduate degree on completion of their undergraduate studies.

It was a day to remember for the first cohort of graduates, as they celebrated their achievements.

Chancellor Lord McConnell was joined at the ceremony by Professor Neville Wylie, Deputy Principal (Internationalisation), Professor Kirstie Blair, Deputy Principal (Academic), and Dr Lee Zhuang, Executive Director for Internationalisation and Partnerships.

Find out more about the University of Stirling’s international partnerships on the website.