CityU's College of Higher Vocational Studies signed a collaborative agreement with Coventry University in the UK on 9 February to launch a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Information Technology. It is the first full-time top-up degree programme in IT and e-commerce related fields jointly put forth by the College's Division of Computer Studies and an overseas institution.

The signing ceremony was officiated by Professor Y S Wong, CityU's Vice-President (Administration), and Professor Donald Pennington, Coventry University's Pro-Vice Chancellor. "Through this agreement, we look forward to developing an even closer collaboration between the two universities," Professor Wong said.

"We have been looking at similar collaborative agreements, and negotiations are underway with several overseas institutions aiming to provide more opportunities for our associate degree graduates to achieve a full-degree qualification," said Mr John Dockerill, Provisional Provost of the College. "The more opportunities we provide to our students, the more attractive our programems will become."

 

 

The Coventry delegation consisted of: Professor Pennington; from the School of Mathematical and Information Sciences,

Mr Martin Webster, Manager of International and Marketing Activities and Mr Mick Mayhew, former Associate Dean; and Ms Jill Hutchinson, Senior

Registry Officer. "This is an exciting development for both of our universities," Professor Pennington remarked. "We have similar programme structures and quality assurance systems. These already form a good foundation for us to collaborate." CityU is the first local university with which Coventry University has established an offsite education centre in Hong Kong.

 

 

Under the agreement, Coventry University will offer in Hong Kong a one year, full-time top-up bachelor's degree programme?XBA in Business Information Technology?Xfor higher diploma/associate degree graduates in the computer or business-related field. Commencing in September 2004, the proposal's planned intake for the first two years will be around 40. Graduates of CityU's Associate Degree of Science in Computer Studies, Information Technology, Web Technology, and Associate of Business Administration in Electronic Commerce and Web Technology will be recognized by Coventry and granted credits / exemption for part of the programme requirements. According to the agreement, CityU will be responsible for programme administration, and teaching and assessment for all courses plus project supervision, whereas Coventry University mainly oversees programme curriculum and quality assurance.

After the signing ceremony, the delegation had a chance to introduce the programme aims and course content to a class of second year computing studies students. "Our programme is about studying different functional areas of management in organizations in relation to information technology," Mr Webster told the students. "We hope that IT people can understand the language the business people are using, so that the two sides can achieve a proper communication.

A principal feature of the programme is to look into the integration and application of IT knowledge and skills relevant to business decisions. Students with solid IT background and a keen interest in the business world are welcome

to apply," he added.

 

 

During the one-day visit, the Coventry delegation met representatives of CityU's Quality Assurance Committee, Education Development Office, Student Development Services, the College Office and Division of Computer Studies. They also paid a visit to CityU's Telford Annex.