Bamberg University opens British studies centre

Citation

(2000), "Bamberg University opens British studies centre", Journal of European Industrial Training, Vol. 24 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/jeit.2000.00324fab.002

Bamberg University opens British studies centre

Bamberg University opens British studies centreKeywords United Kingdom, Germany, Business education, National cultures

Bamberg University, Bavaria, Germany has opened a Centre for British Studies aimed at producing graduates with a comprehensive understanding of British business and culture. The core aim of the centre is to promote a deeper understanding of how British traditions and practices can interact with those of Germany, and it will provide a successor generation of experts in business, government, law and media from both cultural perspectives.

Sir Nigel Broomfield, former British ambassador to Germany and Chairman of the Steering Committee of the centre, says:

It is clear that cross-border and multinational co-operation in a wide range of fields is becoming increasingly important as Europe becomes more integrated. Those attending the centre will study British traditions and practices in a variety of disciplines, which will enable them to work easily with British partners. I'm confident it will be of benefit both to Germany's economic future and to Britain's European aspirations.

The Centre for British Studies is a post-graduate interdisciplinary institution offering a special two-year course culminating in either a Master's degree or the opportunity to obtain a doctorate. Areas of research will include British economic performance, focusing on foreign trade, business and specific British political and legal systems. The centre will provide students with a thorough understanding of the special traits of British culture. Among its distinctive features is that 50 per cent of lectures and seminars will be in English, better preparing students for future employment.

The centre, which has the good wishes of the British Government and support from the British Council, will collaborate closely with similar institutions in Germany and Britain. It intends to establish partnerships with prominent industrial and commercial concerns. Sponsors will be able to recruit from the highly qualified graduates produced by the centre. Sir Nigel Broomfield says:

The centre will open a gateway for forward-thinking businesses to establish close relations with some of the best bilingual graduates in Europe.

The location of the centre should be a key attraction for prospective students and business partners. Bavaria is Germany's most technologically developed region and attracts more investment and exports from Britain than any other state in Germany. The new centre is housed in its own distinctive premises in the heart of historic Bamberg.