Approved by the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China (Approval No. MOE42IE2A20141633N), Jianghan University (JHU) has been collaborating with Ireland’s Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT) since 2014 to offer an undergraduate program in Graphic and Digital Design. This four-year program was included in the national higher education admission plan and the official enrollment began in 2015, with an annual enrollment of 100 students. Over 10 cohorts, the program has enrolled 981 students. Among them, 68 students have studied abroad in Ireland, and 385 students are currently studying on the campus of JHU.
The program follows a “3 plus 1” training model, with a jointly developed curriculum by both Chinese and Irish universities. The core courses are taught by experienced faculties from the Irish partner institution using world-leading English textbooks. Students spend the first three years at JHU. Those who meet academic and language requirements may apply to study at AIT in the fourth year. Upon successful completion of all required credits, students will be awarded a bachelor's degree of AIT. Additionally, students who have completed the program requirements of JHU can also receive the undergraduate diploma and the bachelor's degree from JHU. Students who are unable to study abroad but complete their studies at JHU can receive the undergraduate diploma and the bachelor's degree of JHU if they meet the relevant criteria.
In 2019, the joint program was evaluated by the MOE of PRC, and the result turned out to be satisfactory.
On November 8, 2019, both JHU and AIT agreed to extend the contract period from 2015-19 to 2015-24. This extension was approved by the MOE in March, 2020, and the approval is valid until December 31, 2028.
In October, 2021, AIT merged with Limerick Institute of Technology to form the Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest (TUS). The program was renamed as JHU-TUS Joint Bachelor Degree Program in Graphic and Digital Design
On December 8, 2023, the president Jing Xinhua of JHU visited TUS and signed up a new extension agreement in which the contract was extended to December 31, 2032. In July, 2024, the application of this extension was lodged to the MOE of PRC for approval.
On November 14, 2024, both JHU and TUS celebrated the 10th anniversary of the joint program and held an opening ceremony of the international class.
Both JHU and TUS are satisfied with the decade-long partnership and are committed to strengthening the collaboration. Both parties aim to enhance international student training, foster closer ties and provide high-quality resources and robust support for student development.