Press release

UK Government Minister Lord Bourne visits leading Welsh University

Lord Bourne: “The University of South Wales is flying the flag for Wales by taking its aerospace sector leading skills to the world”

UK Government Minister Lord Bourne visits University of South Wales' Newport campus

Marking his return as a Minister for the UK Government in Wales, Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth will visit the University of South Wales (USW) Newport campus today (15 Nov).

It follows the announcement of the university’s plans to deliver degrees to aerospace engineering students as a key partner at the UAE’s new Dubai South development.

The USW will accept its first students in Dubai South from September 2018 in a facility in the development’s existing Business Park.

The visit comes following the Secretary of State for Wales recent trade mission to Qatar, where he highlighted the wider opportunities markets in the UAE present for the whole of Wales. International Trade Secretary Liam Fox also visited the USW’s stand at the Dubai Airshow last weekend (12 Nov).

Lord Bourne said:

The University of South Wales is quickly developing its status as a leading Welsh university with a strong international reputation.

Higher Education is a key export for the UK, and Dubai South will be one of the world’s leading aerospace hubs.

We want to provide our higher education institutions with the platforms to share their expertise and skills worldwide. USW is a dynamic university bridging the gap between industry and academia and the UK Government is committed to supporting its progress.

Lord Bourne will also tour USW’s National Cyber Security Academy where the university is piloting a specialist degree, accredited by GCHQ. The degree aims to train and develop expertise within cyber security, contributing to a developed workforce and plugging a shortage of skills within the sector. He will also take the opportunity while in South Wales to visit Newport’s St Woolos Cathedral.

More information on USW’s presence at Dubai South is at www.southwales.ac.uk/dubai

Published 15 November 2017