On the afternoon of October 18, North China University of Technology (NCUT) and the University of Hull held an opening ceremony for the 2026 intake of their joint education programs in the auditorium of NCUT's Guangxue Building. Attendees included Professor Kevin Kerrigan, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hull, and his delegation; Chen Qun, Vice President of NCUT; heads of the Office of International Affairs, the School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, and the School of Electrical and Control Engineering; faculty representatives from the relevant schools; and all new students enrolled in the programs. The ceremony was hosted by Dong Zhe, Dean of the School of Electrical and Control Engineering.
Before the ceremony, faculty and students from both universities gathered for group photographs outside Guangxue Building. The event opened with introductory videos presenting the two universities' histories, educational approaches, academic strengths, and achievements in international exchange and cooperation, giving participants a fuller understanding of both institutions.
Chen Qun welcomed the new students on behalf of NCUT and thanked the University of Hull for its continued support for the joint programs. He outlined NCUT's progress in international education and the programs' educational objectives, highlighting their role in bringing together educational resources from China and the UK to prepare skilled engineers with an international outlook. He encouraged students to value the opportunity and make full use of both universities' resources, study diligently, and pursue innovation. He also urged them to combine a strong commitment to their country with a global outlook as they developed into well-rounded graduates with sound professional knowledge and the ability to innovate.
Professor Kerrigan welcomed the new students and outlined Hull's nearly century-long history, progress in internationalization, and strengths in science and engineering. He highlighted its teaching and research in engineering, artificial intelligence, and robotics, as well as its emphasis on practical learning and innovation. He noted Hull's commitment to international exchange and cooperation and to advancing education and student development through global partnerships. He encouraged students to make full use of both universities' resources to develop creative thinking and practical problem-solving skills through study and hands-on learning, broaden their international outlook, and become engineers equipped to meet the demands of future technological advances.
Zhao Zhengxi, a new student from the School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, spoke on behalf of the incoming students, expressing enthusiasm for university life and a determination to study diligently and develop both professional knowledge and broader skills. Nie Liuxin, a current student at Brunel London School, shared reflections on learning and personal growth in a Chinese-foreign cooperatively-run program, encouraging the new students to set clear goals, embrace challenges, and keep improving.
Speaking on behalf of NCUT's faculty, Dr. Jing Liuming encouraged students to adapt to university life, set clear learning goals, establish a solid foundation in their disciplines, and develop independent learning and thinking skills. He urged them to make full use of the joint programs' educational resources and develop their abilities through study and practice. In a video message, Dr. Peter Robinson, representing the University of Hull's faculty, encouraged students to adapt to an international learning environment, take an active part in classroom exchanges and academic discussions, and develop critical thinking, cross-cultural communication skills, and a capacity for innovation. He urged them to make the most of the joint programs to lay a strong foundation for further study and their future careers.
During the badge presentation, Professor Kerrigan pinned University of Hull badges on student representatives wearing NCUT clothing. The badges reflected the two universities' cultural traditions and educational values, while marking the start of the students' academic journey in the joint programs.
The new students then took a pledge led by Wang Yibo, a first-year student in Electrical Engineering and Automation, affirming their commitment to diligent study and personal growth. The ceremony closed with a choral performance by student representatives. As they left, students placed cards bearing their goals and hopes for university life into a wish bottle.
The ceremony marked the start of university life for the 2026 intake of the joint programs. The two universities will continue to build on their respective strengths, deepen cooperation in teaching and learning, and share and integrate educational resources. Their aim is to further enhance the joint programs and prepare engineers with a solid grounding in their disciplines, the ability to innovate, and an international outlook.
