3 November 2026
"The enthusiasm, hard work and passion shown by staff and students in this regard should see this partnership grow and flourish to give our graduates the best chance in life"
This week saw the launch of a new transnational education partnership between the University of Sunderland and the Metropolitan International United College (MIUC) Pakistan.
These are the first Sunderland degree programmes being taught in Pakistan. A variety of celebratory events took place in Pakistan to mark this, including four conferences with panel discussions at Islamabad, Faisal Hills, Sialkot and Lahore campuses. There was also the inaugural University of Sunderland v MIUC doubles tennis match.
More importantly the week included the opening of the Business and Management and the International Tourism and Hospitality Management programmes to students, which gave staff the opportunity to discuss AI, digital skills, sustainability, and employability and how that is embedding in the curriculum of these new courses.
Dr James Scott, Academic Director of Transnational Education at the University of Sunderland, said: “With the future careers of students dominating these discussions it was incredibly pleasing to visit the Minister of Railways, Ignite, Sialkot Chamber of Commerce, the National Incubation Centre and the Ministry of AI in Lahore, all of whom are keen to work with MIUC and Sunderland to enhance the career prospects of our students.”
The week also involved important discussions with the Higher Education Commission to discuss the future of transnational education in Pakistan.
James added: “What has been demonstrable in abundance this week is the importance of international partnerships and international education.
“The enthusiasm, hard work and passion shown by staff and students in this regard should see this partnership grow and flourish to give our graduates the best chance in life.”
