AI and Industrial Engineering Shape Future Learning at University of Birmingham Forum

Birmingham Students to Gain Industry Experience in China Through New Internship Programme

The University of Birmingham is widely known for its strong research outputs, global partnerships and commitment to innovation across disciplines. It has announced a new internship programme for students, aimed at improving career opportunities, specifically for those studying bioscience, computer science, artificial intelligence, and environmental engineering. This initiative is being delivered in partnership with the National Innovation Centre par Excellence (NICE) and the Jiangsu Industry Technology Research Institute (JITRI), two leading research institutions in China.

The programme was formally initiated at a ceremony held in Shanghai. Professor Adam Tickell, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Birmingham, and Professor Qing Liu, President of NICE, were among the attendees. The launch took place at the 2025 International Conference on Engineering Education, co-hosted by Birmingham Uni, NICE, and JITRI. The conference carried the theme Integration · Transformation · Future Education and brought together universities, research institutes, and industry players worldwide to discuss the prospects for the future of engineering education. Students for the Year in Industry placement at Birmingham University can secure one-year placements among NICE's partner institutes and associated firms within China. Placements provide international students and Chinese undergraduates with hands-on experience in applications of industrial engineering and practical applications of the latest technology.

According to Professor Tickell, the collaboration with the JITRI was a special milestone for the University of Birmingham in China. He reportedly emphasised the necessity of equipping the students, in particular, international students, with hands-on experience that can boost their employment prospects and provide them with a cutting-edge edge within the global employment marketplace. He further affirmed the university's commitment to facilitating employment prospects for graduates through significant international collaboration.

It was stated by Professor Qing Liu that the collaboration provides the students with a special mechanism for accessing employment opportunities and internships within NICE's ecosystem. He emphasised that it would better prepare them for global careers and facilitate the development of talent for driving innovations in key technology fields. This internship program is based on a ten-year partnership between the University of Birmingham and its Chinese partners. It started in 2015 because of Professor Zhibing Zhang, who is the Co-Director of the Birmingham University China Institute. Over the years, this partnership has received more than £2.7 million in joint research funding. It has also supported six major projects in fields like nanoparticle technology, biomedicine, recycling solutions, and clean energy with low carbon emissions.

The summit also examined the transformation of education concepts, teaching practices, and learning tools through the integration of artificial intelligence. Speakers mentioned linking engineering education with the professions of the future and uniting classroom learning with practical exercises. The focus is on producing engineering and technical expertise with practical skills, innovative thinking, and adaptability to tackle the future and its challenges head-on. This program shows that the University of Birmingham is committed to connecting with the world. This includes being present at Birmingham University Dubai and being a top engineering university. By bringing together education, new technology, and real-world experience, the program hopes to help students have important careers and support the growth of graduates who are ready for the future. Overall, the University of Birmingham's most recent internship program is an excellent step toward the integration of education and industry. It offers students practical exposure and global connections for higher education.

Editor’s Note:

The University of Birmingham’s new internship programme in China is more than a student opportunity; it’s a strategic move that reflects how global universities are reshaping graduate pathways through international collaboration. By partnering with NICE and JITRI, Birmingham University is offering its undergraduates a direct route into China’s dynamic innovation ecosystem, where industrial engineering, bioscience, and artificial intelligence are driving real-world change. The concept behind this approach is not just about placement; it’s about preparing students, especially international students, for global careers by embedding them in environments where research meets application. The internships, tied to the Year in Industry scheme, give students hands-on experience with companies and institutes that are shaping the future of technology innovation. The launch occurred during the 2025 International Conference on Engineering Education, an event jointly hosted by Birmingham University, NICE, and JITRI. Under this forum, urgent themes were covered, including the role of AI in transforming higher education, how universities must cooperate with emerging industries and how classroom learning must evolve to combat global challenges. The collaboration itself stands strong. Since 2015, Chinese research centres have collaborated with Birmingham University, attracting in excess of £2.7 million in joint funding and achieving key projects within the fields of clean energy, biomedicine, and nanoparticle technology. This sustained collaboration brings weight and strength to the new internship program. What's particularly noteworthy is the sense of purpose. Professor Adam Tickell's words reflect a university that recognises employability isn't only about qualifications, it's about experience, flexibility, and a worldwide vision. Professor Qing Liu's words affirm this, highlighting the worth of developing talent that can guide in technical domains across borders.

Skoobuzz highlights that this initiative reflects Birmingham University’s wider global footprint, including its Dubai campus and its role as a leading engineering university. It’s a model of how graduate opportunities can be expanded through thoughtful, sustained partnerships.

FAQs

1. How is the UK–China partnership boosting Birmingham graduate careers? 

The University of Birmingham’s partnership with NICE and JITRI in China offers students one-year internships, joint research projects, and exposure to advanced industrial ecosystems. These experiences enhance employability by linking academic learning with global industry practice.

2. What opportunities does the University of Birmingham offer for international students?

International students benefit from scholarships, career support, global mobility programmes, and access to the Birmingham University Dubai campus. The university also provides tailored guidance for job applications, networking, and post-study career planning.

3. How can engineering students at Birmingham gain internships in China? 

Engineering students enrolled in the Year in Industry placement can apply for internships with NICE’s institutes and partner companies in China. These placements are part of a structured programme launched during the International Conference on Engineering Education.

4. What are the job prospects for Birmingham graduates after studying abroad? 

Birmingham graduates enjoy strong employment outcomes, with over 85% securing roles within six months. International experience boosts their profiles, and many secure positions with top employers such as IBM, Deloitte, and Unilever, both in the UK and abroad.

5. How is technology innovation shaping graduate careers at Birmingham? 

Technology innovation is central to Birmingham’s graduate pathways. Programmes in AI, data science, and biomedical innovation prepare students for emerging sectors. The university also supports entrepreneurship and industry-linked research, helping graduates lead in fast-evolving fields.

6. How does the University of Birmingham support international students in career development?

The university offers tailored career services, global internship programmes, and industry-linked placements. International students benefit from mentoring, employer networking events, and access to graduate opportunities across the UK and abroad.

7. What role does China play in Birmingham Uni’s global partnerships?

China is a key strategic partner for the University of Birmingham. Through collaborations with NICE and JITRI, the university delivers joint research projects, internship schemes, and academic exchanges that enhance student employability and support innovation.

8. Which disciplines are included in Birmingham’s Year in Industry placements in China?

Students studying engineering, bioscience, computer science and artificial intelligence, and environmental engineering are eligible for one-year placements with Chinese research institutes and companies under the NICE–JITRI partnership.