Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) both universities agree to promote academic cooperation between both institutions in areas of common interest, such as the exchange of teaching staff and researchers, joint development of incoming study abroad programmes to Bristol, dual development of research projects and joint organisation of scientific and cultural events.

A new pathway is also being also set up with Christ to enable students on their two-year MA International Studies programme to transfer to Bristol’s MSc International Relations for their second year – which should enable the students to receive the MA award from Christ and the MSc award from the University of Bristol.

Christ is a private ‘deemed to be university’ founded in 1969 as an autonomous college, and today has more than 20,000 students and approximately 800 faculty members. The University is under the management of the priests of the Catholic religious order, Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI), but is secular in its outlook and welcomes students from all backgrounds. Christ University is considered to be among the top private universities in India, offering internationally recognised undergraduate, postgraduate and research programmes across Humanities, Social Sciences, Sciences, Law, Engineering, Business Administration, Commerce and Management.

Following a discussion on the aims for the partnership and identification of mutually beneficial areas for future collaboration, the MoU was signed virtually by Dr Erik Lithander, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement) at the University of Bristol, and Dr Anil Joseph Pinto, Registrar at Christ University.

Dr Lithander said: “We are very proud to be signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Christ today. It symbolises the start of an important partnership, which will undoubtedly benefit student and academic communities on both sides.

“That we have been able to develop this partnership under the most challenging conditions, is a testament to the level of commitment on both sides. It’s also a reassuring to see that the desire to internationalise and collaborate continues, in spite of major hurdles being thrown in our way.”

Dr Pinto added: “We are delighted to be signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Bristol. Christ (Deemed to be University) is committed to providing the best opportunities to our staff and students.  Partnering with the University of Bristol opens out new opportunities for our stakeholders. We are enthusiastic about the potential of this partnership, starting with a  collaboration in the area of  International Studies, which will enable our students to avail of opportunities to gain global exposure at a world-leading university."