The University of Portsmouth in England has signed a new international partnership with Brock University in Canada, creating exciting new opportunities for students and strengthening global connections.
The agreement will see the two institutions collaborate on dual-degree opportunities while also opening the door for future joint research and graduate studies projects.
It was signed during a visit this week (30 April) to Brock University's St. Catharines campus by Professor Graham Galbraith CBE, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Portsmouth, and Chris Chang, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement and Student Life).
Brock University, located in the heart of Ontario's wine region and near the iconic Niagara Falls, is one of Canada's leading comprehensive universities, with strengths in areas such as health sciences, business, environmental sustainability, and sport performance.
The partnership will allow University of Portsmouth students to benefit from unique facilities, including the Brock Functional Inclusive Training Centre and the cutting-edge Canada Games Park , a major hub for health, sport, and community engagement.
The University of Portsmouth is initially seeking to validate three dual-degree programmes, set to commence in September 2026. These programmes will be offered in sport science and management, and computer science - areas in which both institutions demonstrate excellence.
Through these dual degrees, students will graduate with qualifications from both Portsmouth and Brock, giving them a powerful advantage in the global job market.
Students at Portsmouth benefit from access to world-class facilities, including the award-winning Ravelin Sports Centre , one of the UK's most sustainable sports centres, featuring a swimming pool, climbing wall, and extensive gym and training spaces.
Building on this, the University will soon open the new Portsmouth Elite Athlete Centre (PEAC) , providing specialist facilities and support for high-performance athletes. This strong focus on sport will complement Brock University's expertise and create even more opportunities for students pursuing careers in sport science and management.
Speaking after the signing ceremony, Professor Graham Galbraith said: "We are delighted to be partnering with Brock University, an institution that shares our commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and real-world impact. This partnership will create new global opportunities for our students and staff and will strengthen Portsmouth's international profile. By building relationships across the world, we also bring knowledge, skills, and experience back to Portsmouth, boosting our economy and enriching our community."
Chris Chang added: "International collaboration is at the heart of what we do at Portsmouth. This partnership will provide our students with access to exceptional learning experiences in Canada and will allow our academics to work closely with leading researchers at Brock in fields such as health, sport science, and computer science."
Through the new partnership, University of Portsmouth students will also have access to a variety of study abroad and exchange programmes, giving them the chance to develop global perspectives, build international networks, and enhance their employability.
Opportunities for work placements and internships in Canada's dynamic economy will also be explored, providing Portsmouth graduates with a competitive edge in the job market.
Brock's President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Lesley Rigg, welcomed the agreement, highlighting the benefits it will bring to learners throughout their studies and as they begin their careers. She said: "This partnership is one of many ways Brock is equipping students with the tools necessary to reshape the world and reimagine the future. With international experience at two world-class institutions, graduates will gain the skills and global perspective needed to excel in competitive fields and create meaningful change at home and abroad."
This new agreement marks another important step in the University of Portsmouth's strategy to build strong, impactful partnerships around the world that bring real benefits to students, the local community, and the regional economy.
