Constructor University bolsters international cooperation efforts by establishing dual degree programs with HTOU in China

Constructor University and Hainan Tropical Ocean University (HTOU) have signed a formal agreement to jointly establish the HTOU-Constructor International (Marine Science) dual degree program, a Sino-foreign cooperative education program to be based on HTOU's Jiyang Campus in Sanya, Hainan Province, China. The agreement marks Constructor University's first cooperative education platform with a Chinese university and represents a major milestone in the university's international outreach and partnership strategy.

The new dual degree programs will combine HTOU's regional strengths in marine science education with Constructor University's international academic model. Designed to support the growing talent needs of the marine science and technology sectors, particularly in the Hainan Free Trade Port, the partnership will offer three joint degree programs that prepare students with global perspectives and internationally recognized qualifications.

The agreement was signed at a formal ceremony on HTOU's campus in Sanya, and was attended by HTOU President Lü Zhiguo, Constructor University Chancellor Turgut Tülü, Provost Frazer Cairns and Vice President of Growth and Engagement Ahmet Aydin. “As Constructor University celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, this partnership marks both a milestone and a statement of our ambitions for the future," said Chancellor Tülü. "Over the past quarter century, we have built an international university committed to academic excellence, innovation, and global collaboration. Establishing our first cooperative education platform with a Chinese university is a natural next step in that journey. We are proud to lay the foundation for what we believe will become a flagship partnership and a benchmark for future international cooperation in higher education. We look forward to welcoming the first cohort of students to Bremen and to developing this partnership further through future collaboration in research and innovation."

Once launched, the program will enroll up to 940 students, including annual intakes of 100 students in Marine Science, 120 in Electronic Information Science and Technology, and 30 in the Electronic Information Master's pathway. Constructor University will provide more than one third of the courses for each program, along with faculty, curriculum design support, and degree-awarding standards for its respective degrees. Eligible students will also be offered dedicated scholarships or tuition waivers for their period of study in Bremen.

"This partnership is the creation of an integrated academic program built on the complementary strengths of both universities," said Frazer Cairns, Provost of Constructor University. "By jointly designing curricula, sharing teaching expertise, and aligning academic standards, we are creating an educational environment that equips graduates with the knowledge, international experience, and practical skills needed to address some of the most pressing challenges facing our oceans and the global marine economy.”  

Joint Degree Programs

The dual degree program will offer:

• Marine Science (undergraduate), corresponding to Constructor University's Earth Sciences and Sustainable Management of Environmental Resources program, delivered under a "2+1+1" model—two years at HTOU, one year at Constructor University's Bremen campus, and a final year back at HTOU—leading to a dual Bachelor's degree from both institutions.
• Electronic Information Science and Technology (undergraduate), corresponding to Constructor University's Robotics and Intelligent Systems program, delivered under a "3+1" model, also leading to a dual Bachelor's degree.
• Electronic Information (Master's pathway), corresponding to Constructor University's Data Engineering program, delivered under a "1+1" model, leading to a Master of Science degree conferred by Constructor University.

The dual degree program will be governed by a Joint Management Committee composed of representatives from both universities and supported by dedicated Academic and Degree Committees to oversee academic standards, faculty appointments, and degree conferral.

About Hainan Tropical Ocean University

Founded in 1954, Hainan Tropical Ocean University is a public university located in the coastal city of Sanya on southern China's Hainan Island. HTOU offers 55 Bachelor's and 3 Master's programs in 18 faculties to its 18,000 students.