Lancaster University, UK, is to open an international branch campus in Ghana, Africa, later this year in what will be the only operational British IBC on the continent.
Lancaster University Ghana is a collaboration between the university and the company Trans National Education (TNE), Ghana Ltd and will be based in Accra, the capital. Subject to approval from Ghana’s national accreditation board the campus will enrol its first students in October.
Geraint Johnes, dean of graduate studies at Lancaster, told University World News that the university regarded Ghana as “a hugely important investment”.
“The potential for further development in the country – and indeed in the broader region – is vast”
“The potential for further development in the country – and indeed in the broader region – is vast, and Ghana is well placed to provide us with a substantial geographical footprint within Africa,” he said.
The campus is expected to launch with small first intake although this should grow from 2014. Courses will cover management, law, international relations, computing and psychology, with all programmes leading to degrees awarded by Lancaster University.
In addition, students will have the opportunity to spend part of their degree at Lancaster University in the UK, either for a semester or full academic year. The Ghana campus is also open to students from other West African countries.
Lancaster University Ghana will be the second British branch campus to open in Africa – De Montfort University set up in South Africa in the 1990s but shut in 2004 after losing accreditation.