Development of academic cooperation with the University of Portsmouth (United Kingdom)
An online meeting was recently held to discuss the expansion of international academic cooperation with the University of Portsmouth (UK). The meeting was attended by Uliana Koruts, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs and Research, Oksana Homotiuk, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities; Andrii Hirniak, Head of the Department of Psychology and Social Work at WUNU; Yuliia Palaniuk, Head of WUNU's International Relations Office; and Ostap Kushnir, the official representative of the British university.
During the meeting, the parties discussed promising directions for cooperation in the fields of education and research.
In particular, undergraduate students pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Psychology or Social Work and Counselling have the opportunity to continue their studies in their fourth year at the University of Portsmouth. The British institution recognises the results of the three-year programme at WUNU and offers an in-person learning format. Students are guaranteed a 10% discount on tuition fees, as well as a degree recognised in most countries worldwide. Upon completion of their studies, graduates will be able to remain in the UK for one year on a graduate visa.
Students of the Department of Psychology and Social Work are currently being offered the opportunity to enrol in the ‘Sociology’ programme (with elements of psychology), with a view to the future launch of ‘Psychology’ and ‘Social Work’ programmes.
Students pursuing a Master's degree are eligible to participate in the dual-degree programme by undertaking parallel studies within the “Sociology” programme (with elements of psychology). Participation in the programme does not require entrance exams, but does require proof of an adequate level of English proficiency (https://www.port.ac.uk/study/international-students/english-language-requirements). Tuition fees amount to £8,700 (including a discount) with the option of paying in instalments. The programme is delivered online with full access to the university’s resources, including libraries, academic databases and research platforms. It is worth noting that 60 ECTS credits on the British university’s programme are awarded for the Master’s thesis, which ultimately does not even need to be defended. The thesis is assessed on the basis of three positive reviews (from the supervisor and two subject-specific reviewers).
During the meeting, particular attention was paid to opportunities for students of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities to participate in international programmes, notably the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degrees, which offer the prospect of completing a full master’s degree at European universities.
The issue of professional development for the university’s academic and teaching staff was also discussed. The British partners offered both paid (500 pounds) and free professional development programmes covering quality standards in higher education in the UK, the use of artificial intelligence in educational and research activities, the improvement of English-language teaching skills, and the development of project-based activities.
Promising areas for cooperation include joint research projects funded by international grants, involvement of university lecturers in teaching at the University of Portsmouth (either online or through short-term teaching modules), as well as the possibility of validating specific study programmes within the UK higher education system.
Following the meeting, the parties agreed to review and partially harmonise the curricula for bachelor's and master's degree programmes in the fields of “Psychology” and “Social Work and Counselling” in the near future. This will help to increase academic mobility, create opportunities for students to obtain dual degrees, and ensure the recognition of academic achievements within the international education sector.
