BUV brings gold standard from 200 years of Manchester education to Vietnam

The new programs not only meet global trends but also provide Vietnamese students access to two centuries of academic heritage from Manchester, the cradle of Britain's Industrial Revolution.

Contributing to the Government's goal of making Vietnam a new transnational education destination in Southeast Asia, BUV has identified extending tier 1 UK university partnerships as an ongoing strategic priority, reflected in the new partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University.

Manchester Metropolitan is one of the largest and most well-established universities in the United Kingdom, with a history spanning over 200 years. The university has been at the forefront of educational, industrial, and innovation advancements in the U.K., particularly during the Industrial Revolution in Manchester.

Professor Rick Bennett (R, 4th), Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice President of BUV, and Matt Dean (L, 4th), Director of International Relations at Manchester Metropolitan University, signed MoU during the ceremony. Photo courtesy of BUV

Manchester Metropolitan University has earned high regard for its academic standards, receiving a Gold rating in the 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) for its teaching quality, the highest recognition in U.K. higher education. Its Business School holds the Triple Crown Accreditation, a distinction held by only about 1% of the world's leading business schools. This accreditation assures students of strong academic foundations, practical skills, and international business opportunities.

This accreditation ensures three core strengths for students. First, a solid academic foundation accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB, United States). Second, practical skills recognized by the Association of MBAs (AMBA, United Kingdom), aligned with global business needs. Third, international networking and business collaboration opportunities meeting the European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS) standards.

Additionally, the Manchester School of Art with 187 years of history, ranks top 51-100 globally in art and design according to the QS World University Rankings.

Two options, one "gold" quality

The new partnership between BUV and Manchester Metropolitan will see five programs launched in 2026, including bachelor's degrees in Banking and Finance, Graphic Design, Digital Business and Technology Innovation, Illustration with Animation, and a master's degree in International Business Management. These programs aim to meet global labor market needs by combining rigorous academic standards with practical skills. This synergy prepares students not only to become experts but also to think critically and creatively in order to advance to leadership positions in their chosen fields. 

The programs are structured as dual-degree models, allowing students flexibility in their educational and financial choices.

Professor Rick Bennett, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice President of BUV, introducing the new programs collaborating with Manchester Metropolitan University. Photo courtesy of BUV

The BUV degree provides British-standard education with QAA quality assurance, a distinction unique to BUV in Vietnam, alongside recognition by Vietnam's Ministry of Education and Training. 

The dual-degree option awards qualifications from both BUV and Manchester Metropolitan, recognized in over 100 countries. This enhances opportunities for international employment and postgraduate study in the UK, Europe, the United States, and beyond. Students also gain access to a global alumni network of over 350,000 Manchester Metropolitan graduates worldwide. 

Regardless of pathway chosen, all students receive the same world-class education from Manchester Metropolitan, delivered in BUV's internationally acclaimed QS 5-Star learning environment. 

Outstanding partner

Matt Dean, Director of International Relations at Manchester Metropolitan University, emphasized the alignment of values between the two institutions. "BUV maintains academic standards at the highest level. Programs taught in Vietnam will follow the same system and structure as those in Manchester," he noted. "This offers students an opportunity to experience British education while studying at home."

Dean expressed that Manchester Metropolitan is excited to offer its degrees in Vietnam, a key destination in its globalisation roadmap, citing the country's rapid growth and strong UK–Vietnam relations, which the partnership with BUV aims to further strengthen.

Matt Dean, Director of International Relations at Manchester Metropolitan University. Photo courtesy of BUV

Professor Rick Bennett, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice President of BUV, described the partnership as part of BUV's ongoing strategy to expand its portfolio of high-quality programs from leading U.K. universities. He highlighted the long-standing collaboration with Manchester Metropolitan as a natural progression for the university, underscoring its commitment to innovation and practical experience in education. In celebration of the new partnership, BUV and Manchester Metropolitan University have introduced the Manchester Scholarship scheme, offering 50% tuition support to students enrolling in the five new programs during the inaugural year. The scholarship is available for both single- and dual-degree pathways.

The scholarship is part of BUV's broader scholarship portfolio for the 2026 academic year, which aims to support students from diverse backgrounds. Its scholarship program is built on the philosophy of "Empowering the Next Generation of the Lionhearted," anchored by three core values constituting the ACE Model: Aspiration, Commitment, and Empowerment, helping students achieve academic excellence while developing practical skills and resilience.

The 2026 scholarship fund worth millions of USD continues BUV's commitment to Vietnam's future and stands as one of the most socially impactful scholarship programs.

With its expanding portfolio of programs and continuous investment in facilities, technology, and international partnerships, BUV continues to support the development of highly employable graduates who can make positive contributions to society.

BUV is the first university in Vietnam to earn a 5-star rating from Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) and the first in Vietnam and ASEAN to achieve global accreditation from the UK's Quality Assurance Agency (QAA)—two of the world's most prestigious education quality organizations. Its curriculum is carefully designed and regularly updated to reflect the latest industry trends, emphasizing the seamless integration of theory and practice. 100% of the university graduates secure employment or continue higher education within three months of graduation. 

See more about the new programs at BUV here.