University of Birmingham and Hong Kong Metropolitan University sign transnational education contract

Students at Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) will have new opportunities to study commercial law at the University of Birmingham following the signing of a new transnational education agreement between the two universities.

The agreement, which comes into effect in 2027, will offer HKMU students studying the BBA in World Business two distinct entry points onto the University of Birmingham’s LLB Commercial Law programme, depending on whether they intend to pursue their careers in the UK or Hong Kong following graduation.

The agreement was signed at a ceremony at the University of Birmingham on 7 September 2026, attended by colleagues from both universities, including Professor Aleksandra Cavoski and Professor Paul McConnell. It marks an important step in strengthening academic links between Birmingham and HKMU, and will provide students with new opportunities to progress their studies in an international environment.

Professor Alan AU Kai-ming, Vice President (Strategic Initiatives) at Hong Kong Metropolitan University, said of the partnership: “This is going to be a very strategic partnership between the two universities. This program expands the geographic scope of our students’ education in Hong Kong and Birmingham. Students on our BBA program will have the opportunity to look beyond business and into the world of law, in Hong Kong or the United Kingdom.

He continued: “I see this as the beginning of a very important collaboration between the two organisations”

The universities are also exploring opportunities to further develop their partnership, including the potential signing of a student exchange agreement. This would create additional opportunities for students to study abroad and develop academic, professional and cultural connections.

Professor Rilka Dragneva Lewers, Dean of the Birmingham Law School, was present at the signing. She commented: “We are delighted to launch this collaboration with Hong Kong Metropolitan University, a partner whose aspirations and commitment to excellence in education resonate strongly with our own. This partnership represents a significant milestone in our development as a globally recognised law school with a strong and growing transnational education dimension.”

The visit also provided an opportunity to discuss potential collaboration linked to Hong Kong’s Northern Metropolis Project. The major development initiative in Hong Kong’s northern New Territories aims to accommodate around 2.5 million people, create approximately 650,000 jobs and strengthen integration with neighbouring Shenzhen.

The Northern Metropolis Project could provide further opportunities for collaboration between the University of Birmingham and HKMU, including in education, research and engagement with the development of the region.

Professor Francis Pope, Deputy Pro-Vice Chancellor (China) said of the signing: “I was deeply impressed by the breadth of ambition between Hong Kong Metropolitan University and University of Birmingham colleagues. It’s clear that there is a lot of potential for great collaboration. As my first official engagement as Deputy Vice Chancellor for China, it was a great pleasure to sign the agreement. I’ll look forward to seeing the partnership develop in the coming years.”