University of Leicester ties up with Maharaja Agrasen University in Himachal Pradesh

The University of Leicester has signed an agreement with Maharaja Agrasen University (MAU) for capacity building and sharing ideas and experiences. Leicester is the sole UK university to develop formal links with MAU.

Announcing this during a conference organised in Leicester by UK Trade and Investment, Patricia Hewitt, chair of the UK India Business Council, welcomed the partnership.

Patricia Hewitt said: ''India is one of the most exciting and fastest growing economies in the world with a population of over a billion- half of whom are under the age of 25. British universities, which are amongst the best in the world, should be partnering with universities in India to share their knowledge and experience, and also to learn from the extraordinary innovation that is going on in India.

''I think this a great partnership and I wish the University of Leicester all the best with this exciting new venture.''

''This is internationalisation at its best, working with institutions to develop programmes and forge connections that last,'' pro-vice chancellor (international) Professor Douglas Tallack said.

''We are delighted to be partnering with Maharaja Agrasen University in order to bring our considerable experience and expertise at Leicester to bear on the future development of this new university in Himachal Pradesh.

''There is so much potential in terms of research collaboration, student and staff exchanges, course development and more. This marks the beginning of a long and mutually beneficial relationship between the universities.''

Under the agreement, Leicester will work with MAU initially in engineering and computer science. Students will have the opportunity to complete part of their course in India and part in Leicester subject to satisfactory performance as specified by Leicester and also depending on course options followed at MAU.

Students could also be eligible for study abroad options leading to degrees awarded by MAU and progress onto master's courses at Leicester, subject to qualification.

''We view our international alliances as a core driving philosophy and our partnership with the University of Leicester is its vital element,'' said Dr N K Garg, chancellor of Maharaja Agrasen University.

''We aim at leveraging our partnership with University of Leicester to develop students' global perspectives and international opportunities. The University of Leicester will help us in capacity building to meet international academic standards and ensuring that an international multi-cultural ethos pervades our University,'' he added.

University of Leicester has established partnerships with several Indian universities in Tamil Nadu and these collaborations started generating research income.