In order to promote international cooperation and enhance international visibility, Jiangnan University and the University of Plymouth (UK) have decided to jointly train doctoral students in the field of biomedical sciences. Through this co-operation, the aim is to produce internationally competitive medical life science researchers with independent research capabilities. The two sides have signed an agreement in October 2019 to jointly train PhD students.
The agreement stipulates that joint PhD students should already have a Master's degree in a biomedical related field at the time of admission. Two co-supervisors from both universities will work together to develop the research topic and select suitable candidates (with good research skills and an IELTS score of at least 6.5 overall and 6 in a single subject). The University of Plymouth will cover 50 per cent of the tuition fees and living allowance for the study period. The duration of the PhD programme is 3-4 years, and students are required to study in the laboratories of the University of Plymouth for at least two years. The graduation defence will be organised by the University of Plymouth, and those who pass the defence will be awarded a PhD by the University of Plymouth. The joint programme plans to enrol 2-10 PhD students per year for the first five years, with the first cohort due to start in September 2020 with two students.