Symbiosis School of Culinary Arts Signs MoU with University College Birmingham, UK
Pune, 23rd April 2024: Symbiosis School of Culinary Arts (SSCA), a constituent of Symbiosis International (Deemed University), proudly announces the formalization of a Dual Degree Collaboration and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the esteemed University College Birmingham (UCB), UK, aimed at facilitating student and faculty exchange programs.
The commencement of this comprehensive academic partnership was marked by a visit from Prof. Michael Harkin, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of University College Birmingham (UCB), who graced the campus of Symbiosis International University (SIU) Lavale. The signing ceremony of the Dual Degree Agreement, overseen by Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar, Pro Chancellor of Symbiosis International University, signals a significant stride in international collaboration within the domain of culinary education. The event was conducted in collaboration with Symbiosis Centre of International Education at Symbiosis and Gresham Global, the authorized representative of UCB in India and South Asia.
Under this innovative collaborative arrangement, undergraduate students of SSCA will embark on a unique educational journey. They will complete the initial two years of the B.Sc. in Hospitality and Culinary Management program at SIU before transferring to UCB to pursue the final two years of the BA Honours in Culinary Management, including a transformative internship experience in the UK. Additionally, students will receive special scholarships as part of this partnership. Upon successful completion of the program, students will be conferred with undergraduate degrees from both institutions, offering them a competitive edge and opening doors to diverse career opportunities, especially in the UK.
Expressing her views on this momentous occasion, Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar, Pro Chancellor of Symbiosis International (Deemed University), remarked, “This partnership signifies a significant milestone in our commitment to providing world-class education and global opportunities to our students. Through this collaboration, our students will benefit from the rich academic quality, state-of-the-art facilities, and internship/job opportunities offered by UCB.”
Prof. Michael Harkin, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of University College Birmingham, echoed similar sentiments, stating, “This memorandum of understanding underscores our mutual dedication to fostering global learning experiences and preparing students for success in the ever-evolving field of culinary arts. We are eager to leverage our expertise and resources to provide SSCA students with enriching academic experiences in both the UK and India.”
The MoU holds promise for students and faculty alike, offering valuable insights, exposure, and growth opportunities, ultimately leading to enhanced learning outcomes and success in the dynamic culinary industry.