Are you considering studying abroad? Maybe China is in the cards as it has the fastest growing economy in the last four decades. If so then Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College (UIC) is the choice for you.
Liberal Arts Education
For those who don’t know, UIC is the first liberal arts university to be established in mainland China, so this already gathers a lot of interest. A Liberal Arts Education is student-centred and cultivates open-minded, well-rounded talents, enabling students to really dig into in their academic field of expertise with an interdisciplinary approach.
UIC's education encourages a high level of student-teacher interaction, mentorship and collaboration. The College is committed to advancing the internationalisation of Chinese higher education and takes the lead in implementing Whole Person Education and Four-Point Education.
The education provided at UIC helps students to develop the needed skills to become lifelong learners, which is useful when absorbing new information and strategies required for later in life during their careers.
Liberal arts allows for students to have a stronger view of things as a whole. With Liberal arts education, the opportunity to study outside of a specific major or path will advance your developing global vision. A broader view will allow students to live a systematic life with a wide range of understanding of different contexts.
Liberal education enhances students’ wisdom and faith, which is one of the most important aspects of a liberal education. Students will study a variety of subjects, looking at the world and its people from various points of view. Throughout the educational journey at UIC, students will learn to see who they are and what they need to adjust to become a better global citizen.
Chinese culture
Apart from the liberal arts education, UIC offers a gateway into exploring Chinese culture. China has a long and rich history of over 5000 years and is one of the oldest cultures in the world. Crucial components of Chinese culture include ceramics, architecture, music, literature, martial arts, cuisine, visual arts, philosophy, and religion.
UIC understands that the world has its own opinions of China, but it encourages students and visitors to really integrate and dive into the culture so they can make their own opinions. Traditional Chinese practices are still taught and performed in UIC, such as Chinese archery (Shedao), tai chi, tea ceremonies, calligraphy, guqin, paper pulp arts, and shadow puppets plus many more.
Language is vital and UIC offers Chinese language classes in both Mandarin and Cantonese.
English is the medium
Even though UIC is based in mainland China, the language used for teaching is English. This gives a lot of domestic students a huge advantage as around 70% go on to study further degrees in Hong Kong and overseas countries.
A working knowledge of English is considered valuable. Having the ability to speak English allows our students to have a more global vision plus the English language is very dominant in other aspects such as in the world of computing.
UIC has academic links with more than 40 overseas universities and hosts many international students. UIC’s academic staff come from more than 30 countries, making it possible for English to be used as the medium. Extensive exchange arrangements have been established at university, faculty, and department levels to promote research collaboration and to provide an international learning environment.
A degree from HKBU
One of the attractions of UIC is that students are awarded a Bachelor’s degree by Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) and a Graduation Certificate by UIC upon graduation. UIC is not a branch of HKBU but can still offer this degree. The reason UIC can offer HKBU degree is because HKBU, like many foreign universities, wanted to enter the mainland Chinese market but needed to comply with the laws of China, which involved partnering with a local university. The old elite Beijing Normal University became the partner university of HKBU in the mainland and together they co-founded UIC.
A degree from HKBU is recognized internationally and plays a huge part in UIC students landing a good job or going on to further studies.
Location
UIC is located in the beautiful coastal city of Zhuhai in the southern region of China, which is part of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Zhuhai is adjacent to Macao and Hong Kong, connected by the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. It has been given special attention to make it a clean and comfortable place to live due to the importance of the city and its character.
Access to major cities like Guangzhou and Shenzhen are easy thanks to the fantastic transportation network.
Campus
As of 2017, UIC has moved to a new campus that boasts a modern design that implements the natural scenic environment as well as the traditional village nearby. There are nine teaching buildings, a super large sports complex that boasts a swimming pool, a university hall, a learning resource centre as well as a performance theatre and cultural creativity clusters. There are also two student residential areas that include several shops, fast food stalls, supermarkets and a couple of restaurants and cafes.
Academic programmes
Twenty-three undergraduate programmes are currently being offered by four divisions: namely, the Division of Business and Management, the Division of Culture and Creativity, the Division of Humanities and Social Sciences, and the Division of Science and Technology. There are more than 6000 undergraduate students now, including those from Hong Kong, Taiwan and overseas. Graduates will be awarded Bachelor's Degrees by HKBU and Graduation Certificates by UIC.
UIC established the Graduate School in 2017 and started to offer Postgraduate Programmes, including Taught Master Programmes in addition to Research Postgraduate Programmes that lead to MPhil or PhD degrees. Degree certificates from HKBU will be awarded upon completion.
Editors: Samuel Burgess, Deen He
(from MPRO)
