Thailand To Get Its First British University

[eddie61]

Thailand's policy is to establish the country as a regional centre for education. This means a significant expansion of facilities to attract students from around the world."

..............a hub!

"We plan to provide a total 'British university' experience here for graduate and post-graduate studies

Oh dear! Do the locals realise what the total British university experience is?

"In phase one, we want to build a student population of 5,000. Of this number, about 20 per cent will come from Europe, as many have expressed interest in coming here.

1000 European uni students descending on Thailand to ..'study'! Mostly coming from the UK no doubt. I bet on reading this the people at the British embassy responsible for prison visits are having palpitations.

Him hab good idea! Make thailan hub for satudy abroad for peepen no hab place in englit unibersity, dey come here satudy.

[gentman]

I have never heard of The University of Central Lancashire and I was brought up in Lancashire.

Sent from iPhone; please forgive any typos or violations of forum rules

I believe UCLan was once called Preston Polytechnic

I wish they had mentioned that in the article. I would have laughed even more.

Sent from iPhone; please forgive any typos or violations of forum rules

Just a re-brand PolyTechnic. I don't think it is a famous school.

Thailand has famous names like Shrewsbury, Hallow, etc. I think Eton & Westminster could be next, as Farang teacher are dying to teach Thailand (especially females) student sitting in front row.

In the 70s, there were the universities, the polytechnics and the colleges of higher education and technology. The polytechnics were having undergraduate and postgraduate courses like those being offered by the universities too except that their entry requirements are lower. As of today, the polytechnics are upgraded to universities status. The top ranking universities are still those established old universities all this while and those "new" universities ex.politechnics are second liners and are competing again each other moving up the league. Some have done quite well.

[Suradit69]

Good grief.

The campus will be situated about 20 miles [32 kilometres] from Bangkok in Samut Sakhon province next to the golf course and housing estate of Best Group of Companies, our Thai partner."

I do love their proposed core specialties of IT, Fashion & Design as well as the catch all of "business management" And to prove that they will attract people that will build the Thailand of tomorrow, an engineering program.

This sounds like the groundwork for a Tom Sharpe sequel to Wilt or Porterhouse Blue.

[Estrada]

A Thai Professor, who studied at several British Universities of repute, states categorically that the only University in Thailand that really offers an internationally accepted degree standard is Sasin in Chulalongkorn University. From my experience as an Employer, I would agree with him. Secondly in my experience also as an Employer in the UK for 30 years is that the Polytechnics such as Preston (now University of Central Lancasthire), turned out far better graduates with a much broader knowledge and hands on experience. You should also be aware that seats of learning similar to Preston started out as Universities, then the Government changed them to Polytechnics and a few years ago were changed back to Universities. The University of Central Lancashire was granted its University Status by Royal Decree in 1992. Historically it specialises in the Arts and Journalism. It is the 5th largest University in the UK based on the number of students.

Thailand needs to raise its standard of Education to compete not only in Asean but in the Global Market. The establishment of this University is surely a good thing.

[Suradit69]

It does not matter that this university is one of Britain's worst. It will still far outshine the locals schools here, when it comes to English skills, which is sorely needed here. The educational standards here are some of the lowest in the developed world. What the Thai government, the educational apparatus, and the Educational Ministry are perpetrating onto the Thai people should be classified as a crime. Much improvement is needed. The entire educational structure need to be dismantled, and built up from stretch, using a model like they use in Malaysia, as an example. Much needs to be done, and there is little time to waste. Thailand was the 21st largest economy 5 years ago. Now, it is the 25th. They are losing their place in the world at an alarming rate, and if nothing is done, the lifestyle they have worked so hard to achieve will erode, and they will be surpassed even by such lowly neighbors at the Philippines, Burma, Laos, and Vietnam. Time is a wasting, and I do not see any leadership.

Probably better they develop a university with Australia or Korea or even Estonia then.

[belg]

spend a billion baht and you can get 49% of your money, now that is called a good investment, looooooooooooooooooooool

[gentman]

This university ranks 70/119 in the guadian uk universities league table for 2013. Its not a top university but then again, its british.

Some of the British universities are coming or already in Asia having campuses here. eg. Nottingham in Malaysia and China. and Reading has a campus in Malaysia too. Overall its good for Asian students cos they pay cheaper fee and other costs compare to the uk.

True, but what do they actually get? Lectures in English are useful, but they can already do this at ABAC, SASIN etc

To my mind (and I see a lot of CVs and interview a lot of people in my line of work) the advantages of studying abroad are much greater than simply having a better education in the classroom than at a Thai university - which anyway isn't necessarily the case.

Two things inparticular:

Living in a foreign environment and realising that the preconceived notions that come with growing up in Thailand are not necessarily the be all and end all.

Using English day in day out for every small thing until you are able to comfortably converse and do business in English

I don't see that going to a foreign branded university here will answer either point any more than wearing a Man United shirt will make you Wayne Rooney.

Industries still look at foreign degrees eg. British degrees highly compare with local degrees except for 1 or 2 universities locally. The universities do have exchange program so students can get to go the main universities on their final one or two years. Students have the options to choose either to study locally the whole duration or otherwise.

[givenall]

This is a good thing. As a single Dad here, I was dreading having to go and live in England again when my daughter goes to Uni. Just hope it doesn't devolve into a bidding war to get your kids enrolled.

I also have a daughter that i worry about her education. But I would not raise my hope too much. Like any other education institute in Thailand, is all about money and they will be a business first and may be education next

[RichardinBKK]

Thank you Thai Visa Peanut Gallery for proving yet again that as long as any project, plan or idea has the word "Thailand" attached to it, you can find a way to crap on it.

Oh, you bastion of moral, ethical and evolved thinkers ... we bow before you and bask in the warm glow of your enlightened awareness of all things proper, and the failure of Thailand to conform to your high standards.

Or, could it be ... perhaps ... a collection of beer soaked, chain smoking bar flies whose dream it is to own a rat infested pool pub / brothel on Soi Cowboy --- with little else to do but rain on everyone who is trying to DO something? Many contributors, who, by the way, could not pass the entrance exam to this school.

Go back to your beer gentlemen, and don't to forget to tip your "physical therapist."

[phuturatica]

I think this is a pretty good idea for those who wish to do the whole living abroad experience whilst studying. If I was a student I'd be up for it for sure. Also UCLAN has a good reputation for arts I believe. (I studied graphic design)

[hellodolly]

What the university is doing is trawling for money. British schools are desperate for money. Staff cutbacks are on the horizon. And this seems like an easy way to suck money out of Thailand. I have had five or six British universities come through my office desperate for "exchanges", except the exchange only went one way--back to the UK. One of them even offered a "simultaneous degree", which only required the Thai student to pay for enrollment in the UK institution while still studying in Thailand and receive a UK degree at the same time as their Thai graduation. Pure desperation.

And your office is----------------

[hellodolly]

Joking aside, I actually think this plan will be a (commercial) success, and could well represent a new trend.

Many British students will want to study (or party and relax) in Thailand (they will assume the campus is on a tropical beach).

Many lecturers / academics will think the same as the students (and will also be attracted by the low cost of living).

Many Thai students will be happy to study at a British university (they will assume it is good) without the visa hassle.

The university can gain financially and re-invest those funds in upgrading their facilities back home.

My question is will the same standards apply to earning a degree that are used in England? Or will they be the same as Thailand standards.One other draw back that was mentioned but not mentioned in a earlier post is the students coming from other countries.

I am not getting in to the debate on the university campus in England.

I have a nephew who is going to Seattle University a very good school. He is on some sort of exchange role taking a year of his schooling in Korea. Suddenly he is not doing so well in school. Reason being young and a whole new culture. Yes it is good to experience a new culture travel truly broadens the mind but it should not be at the cost of his education.

[blueshark]

Thailand's policy is to establish the country as a regional centre for education. This means a significant expansion of facilities to attract students from around the world."

..............a hub!

"We plan to provide a total 'British university' experience here for graduate and post-graduate studies

Oh dear! Do the locals realise what the total British university experience is?

"In phase one, we want to build a student population of 5,000. Of this number, about 20 per cent will come from Europe, as many have expressed interest in coming here.

1000 European uni students descending on Thailand to ..'study'! Mostly coming from the UK no doubt. I bet on reading this the people at the British embassy responsible for prison visits are having palpitations.

I second that The British lads will be having a ball when they get here! I wonder if they will have the standard Bar on campus, well that is the true British university experience!! ay my uni we had 4 i lived above one! that was my real education. Christ if I had all these girls running around when i was at uni my dick would have fallen off by now.

So true!!!!!

[blueshark]

Thank you Thai Visa Peanut Gallery for proving yet again that as long as any project, plan or idea has the word "Thailand" attached to it, you can find a way to crap on it.

Oh, you bastion of moral, ethical and evolved thinkers ... we bow before you and bask in the warm glow of your enlightened awareness of all things proper, and the failure of Thailand to conform to your high standards.

Or, could it be ... perhaps ... a collection of beer soaked, chain smoking bar flies whose dream it is to own a rat infested pool pub / brothel on Soi Cowboy --- with little else to do but rain on everyone who is trying to DO something? Many contributors, who, by the way, could not pass the entrance exam to this school.

Go back to your beer gentlemen, and don't to forget to tip your "physical therapist."

It takes one to know one mate! I bet you converted to the whiter than white category recently then?

[brit1984]

Standards vary widely between UK universities (as in every country). World rankings (while not perfect) are probably the closest thing to an objective indicator of standards. Many Thai universities actually rank above this particular institution.

I don't see this as a move that will (necessarily) improve higher-education standards in Thailand. It is simply an innovative growth strategy by the university, that will offer some students (UK and Thai) an alternative (and interesting) study route.

[hellodolly]

I have often wondered if the top ranking universities are always being rated on what they are offering in this era or just on what they were doing a century ago.

I know some of them are rated as very high by the line up of employers to snap up the Grads.

But are they all still that good and not just living on there past reputation.

[blueshark]

It does not matter that this university is one of Britain's worst. It will still far outshine the locals schools here, when it comes to English skills, which is sorely needed here. The educational standards here are some of the lowest in the developed world. What the Thai government, the educational apparatus, and the Educational Ministry are perpetrating onto the Thai people should be classified as a crime. Much improvement is needed. The entire educational structure need to be dismantled, and built up from stretch, using a model like they use in Malaysia, as an example. Much needs to be done, and there is little time to waste. Thailand was the 21st largest economy 5 years ago. Now, it is the 25th. They are losing their place in the world at an alarming rate, and if nothing is done, the lifestyle they have worked so hard to achieve will erode, and they will be surpassed even by such lowly neighbors at the Philippines, Burma, Laos, and Vietnam. Time is a wasting, and I do not see any leadership.

I agree, but the problem lies with the idea. If it doesn't comes from the Thais they wont do it! Its about face not brains in this country.

Ware a nice shirt you get the job, show some legs sign on the line.

The culture and way of life are so intertwined that the two exist together as a whole. Its true the whole system needs to be scraped yesterday, but it will take a revolutionary visionary politician to achieve that, one that isn't phased by saving face or the massively uneducated public opinion.

[NBD]

dolly

Wonder no more.

It's all here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QS_World_University_Rankings

What strikes me as strange is that a whopping 40% weighting is given to Academic Peer Review - i.e. how academics rate a given institution for it's performance in their field, which seems highly subjective to me, and yes it seems to favour the established leaders like Cambridge, Harvard etc over relative new comers. Although it is worth something, it doesn't tell you much about the quality of education received or a student's employment prospects after graduation.

The Times rankings are a bit more specific

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Times_Higher_Education_World_University_Rankings

But they still give a big weighting to reputation.

Then again reputations don't come from nowhere, and those universities with a strong reputation built over decades or even centuries of turning out top students and world leading research tend to attract the best students and the best lecturers and researchers which contributes to a more academically stimulating environment than other universities.

Richard:

No preconceptions there then?

Now back to my chang.

[LucidLucifer]

It is not unheard of for the Thai owners of some international schools to use them purely to generate revenue, with very little money reinvested to raise standards and improve facilities. It is profit and return on investment over educational excellence every time.

There is one particular school I have heard about, which incidently is also owned by a group of property developers, where this practice is prevalent (apparently). The school is a cash cow to fund other projects.

I wonder If the university has put measures in place to safeguard against this type of thing?

[madmitch]

Will students be allowed to fail their exams?

[Ferangled]

Personally I welcome this as a good move that hopefully will see a raising of the educational bar in Thailand. Surely increasing the number of educational establishments and the diversity of them here is a positive thing... although reading the majority of comments I struggle to see that anything would be welcomed as a positive move unless it involved free beer and viagra...

Even if the standards are no better than most existing Thai universities I would have thought that the fact they will be teaching courses in English, would be a great bonus for those seeking to work outside of Thailand in the future. With the preconceptions attached to Thailand, as expressed so succinctly on here daily, I expect many students would prefer to hold a degree from a British Uni as opposed to a Thai one, just to escape the stigma.

[johnlandy]

I have never heard of The University of Central Lancashire and I was brought up in Lancashire.

Sent from iPhone; please forgive any typos or violations of forum rules

I believe UCLan was once called Preston Polytechnic

I wish they had mentioned that in the article. I would have laughed even more.

Sent from iPhone; please forgive any typos or violations of forum rules

Right, these are not 'real' universities but the Thais won't know that.

That's right, they wouldn't know the difference

[Ferangled]

I have never heard of The University of Central Lancashire and I was brought up in Lancashire.

Sent from iPhone; please forgive any typos or violations of forum rules

I believe UCLan was once called Preston Polytechnic

I wish they had mentioned that in the article. I would have laughed even more.

Sent from iPhone; please forgive any typos or violations of forum rules

Right, these are not 'real' universities but the Thais won't know that.

What a bunch of moronic comments. You guys really need to pull your heads out your own <deleted>. If you are shining examples of graduates from "real" British Unis you make a good case for avoiding such establishments...

Polytechnic? Oh my god, how awful... I cringe at your comments. How out of touch are you people? Elitist muppets, the lot of you.

The number of universities in Britain almost doubled this fall, as 38 former polytechnic schools or colleges changed status and names - ending a distinction that had more to do with the nation's deep-rooted class-consciousness than academic reality.

For years, the polytechnics have been turning out some of Britain's best scientists and technologists - without neglecting the humanities and social sciences - while being seen by much of the general public as second best to the traditional universities.... many people looked down on the polytechnics "out of snobbery or ignorance."

[brit1984]

What a bunch of moronic comments. You guys really need to pull your heads out your own <deleted>. If you are shining examples of graduates from "real" British Unis you make a good case for avoiding such establishments...

Polytechnic? Oh my god, how awful... I cringe at your comments. How out of touch are you people? Elitist muppets, the lot of you.

The number of universities in Britain almost doubled this fall, as 38 former polytechnic schools or colleges changed status and names - ending a distinction that had more to do with the nation's deep-rooted class-consciousness than academic reality.

For years, the polytechnics have been turning out some of Britain's best scientists and technologists - without neglecting the humanities and social sciences - while being seen by much of the general public as second best to the traditional universities.... many people looked down on the polytechnics "out of snobbery or ignorance."

I don't think anyone is saying The University of Central Lancashire is not a good university just because it was formerly a polytechnic.

The fact is standards vary between universities and are measured and compared via various rankings, none of which rank this university towards the top.

Where would you prefer your children to study if they had a choice between Cambridge University or Anglia Ruskin University (formerly Anglia polytechnic)?

Sent from iPhone; please forgive any typos or violations of forum rules

[finnomick1]

I can visualise it now --- " Wercome to the Blitish Uniwersity ". Arr our teachERS serpeak wery good Engrish...and so on

[SuneeTH]

What a bunch of moronic comments. You guys really need to pull your heads out your own <deleted>. If you are shining examples of graduates from "real" British Unis you make a good case for avoiding such establishments...

Polytechnic? Oh my god, how awful... I cringe at your comments. How out of touch are you people? Elitist muppets, the lot of you.

The number of universities in Britain almost doubled this fall, as 38 former polytechnic schools or colleges changed status and names - ending a distinction that had more to do with the nation's deep-rooted class-consciousness than academic reality.

For years, the polytechnics have been turning out some of Britain's best scientists and technologists - without neglecting the humanities and social sciences - while being seen by much of the general public as second best to the traditional universities.... many people looked down on the polytechnics "out of snobbery or ignorance."

I don't think anyone is saying The University of Central Lancashire is not a good university just because it was formerly a polytechnic.

The fact is standards vary between universities and are measured and compared via various rankings, none of which rank this university towards the top.

Where would you prefer your children to study if they had a choice between Cambridge University or Anglia Ruskin University (formerly Anglia polytechnic)?

Sent from iPhone; please forgive any typos or violations of forum rules

Anglia Ruskin University any day.

Because can't get in the prior.

[blazes]

It's not so much "snobbery' and class consciousness, but rather their (UCLAN's) own conception of what a university constitutes, as here:

We will focus on providing English programmes, IT, engineering, business management, fashion and design.

That is the sort of stuff that used to get taught (no doubt competently) by technical colleges.

The polytechnics were getting along quite nicely with their own business when Thatcher came along and imposed her own brand of class consciousness on the British university scene, converting all the polys into universities overnight, and thus revealing the shallowness of her own narcissistic mind.

[blazes]

UK, Cyprus and Thailand.

Two bankrupt countries and one well on the way.

[Ferangled]

What a bunch of moronic comments. You guys really need to pull your heads out your own <deleted>. If you are shining examples of graduates from "real" British Unis you make a good case for avoiding such establishments...

Polytechnic? Oh my god, how awful... I cringe at your comments. How out of touch are you people? Elitist muppets, the lot of you.

The number of universities in Britain almost doubled this fall, as 38 former polytechnic schools or colleges changed status and names - ending a distinction that had more to do with the nation's deep-rooted class-consciousness than academic reality.

For years, the polytechnics have been turning out some of Britain's best scientists and technologists - without neglecting the humanities and social sciences - while being seen by much of the general public as second best to the traditional universities.... many people looked down on the polytechnics "out of snobbery or ignorance."

I don't think anyone is saying The University of Central Lancashire is not a good university just because it was formerly a polytechnic.

The fact is standards vary between universities and are measured and compared via various rankings, none of which rank this university towards the top.

Where would you prefer your children to study if they had a choice between Cambridge University or Anglia Ruskin University (formerly Anglia polytechnic)?

Sent from iPhone; please forgive any typos or violations of forum rules

Really? The comments read like a bunch of elitist, immature private school boys pouring scorn on those less privileged, directed specifically at the fact that this University used to be a Polytechnic. You seem to have a selective memory, try reading back your own words.

If this is any sort of indication of the outlook and level of maturity that establishments like Cambridge are nurturing in their students it's a sorry indication of how badly the ranking systems are devised.

As a working class lad that was "fortunate" enough to gain a scholarship to a well known private school and witnessed the widespread idiocy and ignorance that's endemic in the private/ public school system in the UK, from which pool the vast majority of the top Universities select applicants, I feel well placed to say that these rankings are elitist BS, tailored to keep rich families paying exorbitant fees to send their spoilt little darlings to schools like Eaton, which in turn gives them much better chances of being selected for the higher ranked Universities.

Edited July 12, 2012 by Ferangled

[jambco984]

I have never heard of The University of Central Lancashire and I was brought up in Lancashire.

Sent from iPhone; please forgive any typos or violations of forum rules

It's in Lancaster isn't it??