IIT-Madras and University of Birmingham to offer joint master's programme from 2023-24

NEW DELHI: In a first of its kind education partnership at master's level between any IIT and a UK Russell Group University, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras and the University of Birmingham, UK, are joining hands to launch joint master's programme that will see students studying in Birmingham and Chennai before receiving a single degree awarded by both universities.


The first joint postgraduate programme is proposed to be launched next year before developing further study programmes in subsequent years. The partnership agreement was reached during a visit to Chennai, by professor Adam Tickell, vice-chancellor and principal, University of Birmingham.

Professor V Kamakoti, director, IIT-M and Tickell signed a collaborative statement of intent to explore study areas including data science, energy systems and biomedical engineering.

The universities have also agreed to establish a joint research fund to support academics and researchers as they explore potential research partnerships in data science, energy systems, and biomedical engineering.

Tickell said: “The University of Birmingham is a global ‘civic’ university and committed to forging meaningful education and research partnerships in India.” “These innovative joint postgraduate programmes between IIT-Madras and University Birmingham will offer students the opportunity to pursue a world-class education at globally leading institutions in two countries, and to have their educational achievements recognised by both,” he added.

The joint programme will be delivered at the campuses of both institutions and mutual recognition of academic credits issued by each university will lead to the award of a single degree certificate. Students would benefit from academic flexibility to learn and work in current areas that would define the future of global engineering and technology.

The agreement builds on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in February 2022 in which both institutions declared their intention to further develop their partnership.

Professor Robin Mason, pro-vice-chancellor (international) at the University of Birmingham, said: “This agreement sets out our vision for how the relationship between IIT-Madras and the University of Birmingham will develop in the coming years.”


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