Release Date 01 February 2012

Postgraduate students studying construction at the University of Reading can now learn from Japanese expertise in the sector thanks to a new partnership.

The University's School of Construction Management and Engineering has teamed up with the Overseas Construction Association of Japan Inc. (OCAJI). The new collaboration means all MSc Construction Management students now have the opportunity of an internship with a Japanese company during their studies.

The collaboration will also allow Japanese students to apply for the University's internationally renowned MSc Construction Management course. Many of these will be sponsored by OCAJI member companies. Students will receive an international perspective, both in the teaching via the modules and the day-to-day classroom activities with their fellow students.

The School was delighted to welcome a Japanese delegation to the Whiteknights Campus recently to sign a Memorandum of Understanding. Guests included Mr Keiichi Ozawa, the Vice-Minister of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and Mr Hajime Suzuke, the Executive Vice President of OCAJI.

Head of the University's School of Construction Management and Engineering Professor Stuart Green said: "We are delighted at this opportunity to develop stronger links with Japan. The Programme already has Japanese students most years and I look forward to welcoming more in the future, and having a closer working relationship with OCAJI and their member companies. Learning transcends national boundaries and we are very proud of our strong international links that gives the School the reputation it richly deserves.

"The majority of our MSc Construction Management intake is from overseas. An internship with a Japanese company for any Reading Master's students will provide a valuable insight into the Japanese construction industry, particularly their prowess in technology, building in an earthquake zone and dealing with natural disasters."

The signing ceremony took place between Mr Ozawa, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Internationalisation and External Engagement Professor Steve Mithen, and Professor Green.

During the afternoon Mr Ozawa expressed his delight at the agreement and hoped it would grow from strength to strength in the years to come. He also explained about the difficult times that Japan had faced in the aftermath of last year's earthquake and thanked the people of the United Kingdom for their support following the disaster.

For more information on the University of Reading's MSc in Construction Management programme please visit http://www.reading.ac.uk/CME/pg-taught/cme-pgt-mscconstructionmanagment.aspx

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For all media enquiries please contact James Barr, press officer, on 0118 378 7115 or email j.w.barr@reading.ac.uk

The University of Reading's School of Construction Management and Engineering is a world leader in teaching and research about the management, design and economics of engineered technologies, primarily in the construction field. Its global reputation for innovation, focused on real-world problems facing the management of the built environment, attracts academics, students and industry professionals of the highest calibre. It has strong links to industry, professional institutions and governments around the world and attained a top international rating of 5 in the most recent Research Assessment Exercise.