Newcastle University is partnering with Loyola University in Maryland, USA, to open a science-focused study abroad centre in the UK.

Building on both universities international opportunities for students, the partnership was announced at a ceremony in Newcastle today.

The centre will accommodate more than 50 students initially and feature a curriculum conducive to qualified students studying a wide range of academic subjects. It will be Loyola’s biggest overseas presence. Its added science focus will strengthen Loyola’s existing Newcastle program, which began in 1997, and aims to attract more science students both to Loyola and to the program itself.

Professor Ella Ritchie, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Newcastle University said: “Both Loyola and Newcastle universities have a very strong commitment to working in and with their communities. That is why this new agreement is such a great fit and will build on the 15 years we have successfully worked together so far. It will strengthen the ties between us, as well as offering more opportunities for study abroad.”

“I am thrilled to embark on this collaborative effort with our colleagues at Newcastle University, who for many years have consistently demonstrated their support for Loyola’s students and commitment to offering exceptional study abroad opportunities,” said André Colombat, Ph.D., dean of international programs at Loyola.

Differing demands and course structures often make it difficult for students in the sciences to find an overseas program that fits the requirements of their major. With more science courses available through the center, Newcastle will be as accessible to science students as it has been for their classmates studying business or the humanities. 

The center will also be the first Loyola study abroad program open to qualified students from other colleges and universities in the United States. Loyola will begin accepting applications from these students in March 2013 for the spring 2014 semester, when the center is officially launched. The number of students admitted to the program from other U.S. institutions is expected to be under 10 in the first year and grow in each subsequent year. Newcastle will recruit other international students for the program as well.

The center was launched at an event in Newcastle, where Rev. Brian F. Linnane, S.J., president of Loyola, Timothy Law Snyder, Ph.D., vice president for academic affairs, and Colombat joined Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Chris Brink, Ph.D., D.Phil., and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Ella Ritchie for a signing ceremony.

published on: 21 September 2012