Rector Ilshat Gafurov met with Regional Business Development Manager Lewis McKinnon on 22nd May.

There are already several double diploma programs with leading educational institutions of the world, but the University of London has not yet joined that list. This is something that the British guest is inclined to change, as he said, “We chose KFU because it is an excellent university.”

Dr. Gafurov inquired in detail about how Kazan University would benefit from the proposed partnership. He emphasized, “In particular, we are interested in learning more about how to manage such a sizable international university holding. We are very interested in cooperation with the London School of Economics in both education and research.”

Lewis McKinnon showed a presentation of the University of London. He noted that double degree programs are way cheaper than on-site instruction in the UK. As for the process issues, he said, “We have two phases of interaction – one is the administrative phase which includes a business plan and studies of the region. The second phase is the coordination of curricula. We have had such experience with Russian universities, and we know which requirements to meet.”

Decisions to join new alliances are made by the University of London board, whose next meeting is scheduled for October 2018. By that time, the Institute of Management, Economics and Finance plans to finalize paperwork.