Students from Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) have marked the Lunar New Year at Keele University.

More than 30 students joined the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Trevor McMillan OBE, and academic staff for a reception at Keele Hall to celebrate both the Lunar New Year, and the partnership between Keele and BFSU.

The BFSU, a leading university in China for languages, culture, and international relations, has been Keele’s key partner in the country since 2017.

Professor McMillan said: "At Keele, we aim to provide all students with the opportunity to develop their academic skills and encourage their commitment to make the world a better place and to be good citizens wherever they live.

"We value the partnership with BFSU because it extends our educational objectives on a global scale.  Last year, 41 of the 77 students who graduated are now pursuing postgraduate study in international universities and another 18 are taking Masters’ at top Chinese universities."

At the event, Muwei Jiang and Zheng Chen, who spoke on behalf BFSU students, expressed their appreciation for the excellent teaching and support provided at Keele, and shared their experiences of studying at Keele and living in the UK.

Keele and BFSU run a double-degree programme for students who wish to specialise in the study of international relations, business, 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.  Graduates from the programme will have an increased ability to recognise and influence cooperation between countries on a global scale.