The University of Bath is to train a new generation of South African university leaders in what it says is the first such link of its type between a UK university and the country.

In January next year, 27 senior professional staff – one from each of South Africa’s universities and another from the department of higher education and training – will start Bath’s doctorate in business administration (higher education management) programme.

Academics from Bath’s School of Management will fly to South Africa to teach the first part of the course at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in Port Elizabeth, which has been given a government grant to manage the project in the country.

A second cohort of 27 are due to start in January 2017.

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Bath has a strategy to focus on Africa, explained Colin Grant, pro vice-chancellor for internationalisation, and added: “To have this level of agreement with so many fine institutions is a wonderful opportunity and privilege.”  

The deal was signed on 30 September by Dame Glynis Breakwell, Bath’s vice-chancellor, at a ceremony at the University of Pretoria.

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Commenting on the arrangement, Cheryl Foxcroft, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University’s dean of teaching and learning, said: “This initiative will address the manage capacity needs in our university sector.

"I’m hopeful that those who complete the DBA [doctorate in business administration] will act as catalysts in their institutions to enhance management efficiency and effectiveness.”

david.matthews@tesglobal.com