A new international agreement between Brock University in Canada and the University of Portsmouth in England is opening a world of opportunity for students and strengthening key research connections.
Chris Chang, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement and Student Life), and Professor Graham Galbraith CBE, Vice-Chancellor, both from the University of Portsmouth, joined Brock University's Lesley Rigg, President and Vice-Chancellor, and Arja Vainio-Mattila, Provost and Vice-President, Academic, in signing a new agreement between the two institutions on Wednesday, April 30.
The institutions came together this week to formalize a new chapter in their long-standing partnership, reaffirming their shared commitment to internationalization, academic excellence and global impact.
Signed at Brock's main campus on Wednesday, April 30, the agreement will see Brock and Portsmouth expand their partnership to include dual-degree offerings across various Faculties. The connection also opens the door for future research and graduate studies collaborations.
The agreement's first dual-degree programs will focus on sports science and management as well as computer science areas in which both institutions demonstrate excellence. The programs are in development with the goal of welcoming their first cohort in September 2026.
Completing three years at their home university and one year at the partner institution, students will graduate with degrees from both Brock and Portsmouth, giving them distinct academic and professional advantages as they enter the local and global job markets.
"This partnership is one of many ways Brock is equipping students with the tools necessary to reshape the world and reimagine the future," said President and Vice-Chancellor Lesley Rigg. "With international experience at two world-class institutions, graduates will gain the skills and global perspective needed to excel in competitive fields and create meaningful change at home and abroad."
The new offerings will add to Brock's roster of dual-degree options, which also includes a program connecting the Goodman School of Business to five leading business schools in Europe.
"Being immersed in two academic systems spurs adaptability, enhances critical thinking and fosters a deep appreciation for both cultural and disciplinary diversity all qualities that will see our graduates shine in their careers," said Arja Vainio-Mattila, Brock's Provost and Vice-President, Academic. "We're thrilled to partner with University of Portsmouth to further enhance our rich learning opportunities while advancing efforts to bring the world to Brock and Brock to the world."
These new academic collaborations will give students the opportunity to grow their global networks while accessing unique facilities, such as Brock's Functional Inclusive Training Centre and Portsmouth's Ravelin Sports Centre.
"We are delighted to be partnering with Brock University, an institution that shares our commitment to academic excellence, innovation and real-world impact," said Professor Graham Galbraith CBE, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Portsmouth. "This partnership will create new global opportunities for our students and staff and will strengthen Portsmouth's international profile."
Chris Chang, Portsmouth's Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement and Student Life), said international collaboration is "at the heart of what we do at Portsmouth."
"This partnership will provide our students with access to exceptional learning experiences in Canada and will allow our academics to work closely with leading researchers at Brock in fields such as health, sports science and computer science."
The agreement reflects Brock's ongoing commitment to enhancing its impact and growing connections across Canada and around the world through research collaborations, knowledge mobilization, academic partnerships and exchanges. To learn more about Brock's international partnerships, visit brocku.ca/international
