Double PhD programme with Philippines universities
Wednesday, 03 October 2018
In November 2016 Commission for Higher Education (CHED) Philippines and British Council launched an initiative to develop niche transnational education programmes with the UK. As a result of a pairing process the University has partnered with the University of Santo Tomas for Architecture and University of Philippines with Agriculture, at their Los Banos campus, and in Meteorology at their Diliman campus. As a result, three double PhD programmes have been set up and nine students, all sponsored by CHED, have started in September 2018, and three more starting in January 2019. The Philippines faces many challenges some of which relate to climate change and part of this programme is to help develop capacity in the Philippines to make the country more resilient. This might be in climate resilient farming, more efficient farming methods, or more resilient buildings and greener cities.
Steve Thomas, Head of International Partnerships, said:
“We’re very proud to be partnering with these excellent Philippines universities to help address some of the enormous challenges the region faces. This is a first partnership for us in the Philippines and a first Double PhD for the University of Reading.
Our primary hope is that the research will be successful and the students will achieve their double PhD. Secondly, because of the strong relationships that have already developed, we’re hoping to expand the partnerships into other subject areas such as Food Science and Biomedical Engineering. I’d like to thank all the staff at Reading who have worked hard to make these programmes possible.”
The students and staff from both universities were welcomed by the Vice Chancellor Professor Robert Van de Noort at the welcome event on Monday, the first day of the Welcome week, and by the Pro-Vice Chancellor for Global Engagement Vincenzo Raimo during the Welcome lunch on Tuesday.