China Medical University - The Queen's University of Belfast Joint College (CQC in short) was jointly established by China Medical University and Queen's University Belfast in 2014.
Based in new facilities located in Shenyang, the capital of Liaoning province, within the north east of China, CQC is a Sino-foreign joint venture of education approved by the Chinese Ministry of Education.
CQC is Queen’s flagship transnational education (TNE) project, helping to meet the growing international demand for quality higher education. Its goal is to provide students with an internationally recognised education which supports future careers in the growing pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors within China.
CQC recruits students from the top tier (Band 1) Gaokao examinations in China and delivers Queen’s degrees complying with UK Quality Assurance standards in high-quality purpose built facilities on CMU's new campus in Shenyang, Capital of Liaoning Province. Since the launch of the College in 2014, there are approximately 150 students studying various courses and it is projected that by 2018/19 the CQC population will reach 600 undergraduate students taking a range of Queen’s University undergraduate degree programmes.
Building on strong links in the region
Queen’s already enjoys strong educational and cultural ties with China. The joint college is helping the University fulfil its commitment to developing global citizens, providing opportunities for student and staff exchange between Belfast and China. These activities will continue to strengthen Queens' alumni network in the world’s largest student market.
CQC represents the largest and most significant partnership between Queen’s and a leading Chinese university. It adds to a portfolio of research and education partnerships within China, including joint research laboratories in Harbin Institute of Technology, Shanghai Jiao Tong, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University and Beijing Institute of Technology. CQC also strengthens the strategic relationship between Belfast and Shenyang which became sister cities earlier this year.
Internationally leading courses
CQC students initially complete a foundation year that ensures their grasp of English and core scientific skills are to a high standard. In their second year students begin Queen’s degrees in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, with these modules taken alongside a CMU degree in Pharmacy.
The highest academic standards
Vice-Dean Professor David Rooney is tasked with ensuring CQC operates to the highest academic standards and maintaining clear communication between CQC and Queen’s University Senate. Professor Rooney works closely with his counterparts from CMU, Dean Professor Yao Jiang and Vice-Dean Professor Sha Lei.
“As Vice-Dean of CQC, I am delighted about our exciting educational venture.The degree programmes are of the highest academic quality, to the same standards as they are taught in the UK, delivered in English by excellent academic staff from both QUB and CMU and will equip graduates from CQC with the skills needed to pursue a rewarding career in the growing pharmaceutical sector in China and internationally. I am honoured to be working with such excellent academic staff within an exceptional new campus.” Prof. David Rooney, Vice-Dean, CQC
Vibrant centre of research
In addition, CQC will become a vibrant and highly active centre of research for Queen's within China. CMU has a vibrant research community and Queen’s staff are already collaborating and publishing in a number of areas within the health sciences. It is anticipated that this relationship will be further strengthened, allowing Queen’s to further improve their international links, and to continue with a programme of world-leading, life-saving research.