The partnership will have a particular focus on internationalisation, and an early project will involve developing a European Executive Doctorate, aimed at those working with contemporary business challenges.

“Our partnership… will bring benefits to both institutions, opening up exciting new opportunities”

It is also planned to co-create an MBA in the fields of health, arts/creative industries, and manufacturing technologies. Aston’s School of Engineering and Applied Science will develop hybrid programs in topics such as Big Data, and there will be common research around “Smart Cities”.

In addition, the institutions will look at the potential for delivering a joint Masters Program in Business Analytics at the KEDGE Business School campus in Paris, while KEDGE will deliver its Innovation & International Purchasing MSc in blended learning at Aston University.

As part of the move, the KEDGE campus in Suzhou in Eastern China will also be opened to Aston students.

Pro vice-chancellor and executive dean of Aston Business School George Feiger said it is vital that educational institutes take a global perspective if they are to remain relevant.

“Our partnership with KEDGE will bring benefits to both institutions, opening up exciting new opportunities for students and staff alike, and delivering Aston’s expertise to a broader, international audience.”

The Director-general of KEDGE Business School José Milano added that KEDGE’s focus on teaching innovation and research expertise ensures its students are equipped for professional life in the 21st century.

“In Aston University, we have a partner with a similarly ambitious outlook, and we look forward to learning from each other and building a relationship that brings benefits to staff, students and the world beyond.”

KEDGE has campuses in France, China and Senegal, while Aston has strong links with China, Hong Kong, India and Oman, and has more than 250 partnerships in 45 countries.