More than 1,000 students from Queen Mary University of London’s joint programmes in China graduated this week, as the institution marked a significant milestone in its global education partnerships.

Ceremonies were held at Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications (BUPT), Nanchang University (NCU), and Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU) in Xi’an. Professor Colin Bailey, CBE, President and Principal of Queen Mary, attended all three events and personally congratulated each graduate.

“I would like to congratulate our 2025 graduates at BUPT, NCU and NPU as they complete their degrees this week,” said Professor Bailey. “We graduated over 1,000 students on our joint programmes across China, and it was a pleasure to meet them all individually and celebrate their success."

“Studying for a dual degree has its challenges, and our students' journeys and achievements are to be commended. With their knowledge of cultural nuances and sensitivities, language skills, and a unique skill set developed through the use of cutting-edge technologies, our graduates are fully prepared to take on the next challenge — whether in further study or their professional careers. I feel incredibly proud of each and every one of our graduates, as will their families, friends, University staff and peers."

Each year, Queen Mary’s Faculty of Science and Engineering supports more than 5,230 students through four transnational education (TNE) partnerships in China — an initiative that continues to grow through new programmes and deeper collaboration.

The university’s partnership with BUPT, Queen Mary’s longest-standing collaboration in China, celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2024. The alliance has delivered pioneering joint programmes in Telecommunications, Internet of Things, E-commerce, Electronic Information Engineering, and Intelligent Science.

At NCU, the joint BSc in Biomedical Sciences boasts the largest single intake across all of Queen Mary’s TNE programmes. In Xi’an, Queen Mary Engineering School (QMES) at NPU offers specialisations in Materials Science and Polymer Engineering, producing some of the most academically competitive graduates in the network.

Among this year’s standout graduates is Yang Rui, who completed the Materials Science and Engineering programme at NPU and will soon begin postgraduate studies at the University of Cambridge:

“As I prepare to turn the page on this important chapter of my life, I feel incredibly honoured and grateful to be named an Outstanding Graduate of Queen Mary University of London Engineering School, NPU,” she said. “These past four years have shaped my character, tested my resilience, and deepened my understanding of the world. Always keep in mind that integrity is just as important as intelligence. Let your work reflect not only your skills but also your values.”

Beyond the graduation halls, Queen Mary also hosted alumni events in Shanghai and Beijing, bringing together graduates, staff, and university partners to celebrate shared achievements, reconnect, and strengthen professional networks across the Queen Mary community.

• More information about our Joint Programmes in China.