Global engagement

At BU, we collaborate with global institutions and organisations through our education, research and practice.  We offer our students and staff a range of opportunities, both on-campus and internationally, to ensure a global outlook in all that we do.

Our vision is that by 2025 BU will be recognised worldwide as a leading university for inspiring learning, advancing knowledge and enriching society through the fusion of education, research and practice.

Our international activities are coordinated by the Global Engagement Hub, which brings together representatives from Faculties, and Professional Services teams covering international student recruitment, international partnerships, student and staff mobility, and alumni.  We have worked on a number of global projects and activities and continue to engage with a broad range of partners around the world.

Global events

Professor John Vinney, BU's Vice-Chancellor, and guests at the 2016 International Commencement Ceremony

Since 2014 we have hosted more than 30 Global BU events, including Global Challenge Summits, Global Buzz events, BU Be Global Festivals, International Commencement Ceremonies, and our Global Festival of Learning. 

These events have taken place at BU and in seven countries, aimed at engaging staff, students and external guests. Attended by more than 5,000 people, event content has been seen and shared by more than 1 million people in over 135 countries, across a variety of social media platforms.

Global Festival of Learning

Chinese students taking part in an activity during the 2019 Global Festival of Learning

Our Global Festival of Learning was a platform for international public engagement that celebrated learning, disseminated research and delivered impact across borders. Between 2016 and 2019, we bought together thought leaders across 16 cities in six different countries, reaching over 5,000 people in the process.

Tailored to the host region, each Festival incorporated free events and activities. These included networking sessions, interactive workshops, panel sessions, meet the expert sessions, and public lectures, alongside an engaging programme of cultural and social activities.