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UEH & University of Huddersfield (UK) Launch a Joint PhD Program: Elevating Research to International Standards
26/11/2025
On 24/11/2025, at Campus A, the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) proudly hosted the Introduction Ceremony of the Joint PhD Program with the University of Huddersfield (UK). The event marked a significant milestone in UEH’s strategy to internationalize postgraduate education, opening opportunities for Vietnamese doctoral candidates to access world-class academic knowledge and prestigious degrees.
In the context of globalized education, connecting with leading international institutions has become essential for enhancing research capacity. The collaboration between UEH and the University of Huddersfield goes beyond academic exchange, aiming to co-create a sustainable research ecosystem where local knowledge is aligned with global standards.
Overview of the Ceremony at Campus A – UEH
The ceremony was attended by senior leaders from both universities. On UEH’s side, participants included Dr. Dinh Cong Khai – Vice President of UEH; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Phong Nguyen – Head of the Department of Research - Development and Global Engagement; Assoc. Prof. Tran Ha Minh Quan – Dean of UEH.ISB School of Talents; Prof. Dr. Vo Xuan Vinh – Dean of the Institute of Business Research (IBR); Mr. Pham Quoc Thy – Training Officer at IBR; alongside leaders from faculties and administrative units.
From the University of Huddersfield, the event welcomed Prof. Monty Adkins – Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Knowledge Exchange and Dean of the Graduate School, and Prof. Abhijit Sharma – Director of Graduate Education.
In opening remarks, Dr. Dinh Cong Khai emphasized: “The introduction ceremony for the Joint Doctoral Training Program between UEH and the University of Huddersfield held today is a clear testament to UEH’s strong commitment to advancing its internationalization strategy and developing into a multidisciplinary university aligned with sustainable standards and deep global integration. This milestone plays a pivotal role in strengthening UEH’s academic standing within the global education network while offering the opportunity to access the elite higher education of the United Kingdom right here in Vietnam.”
Dr. Dinh Cong Khai delivers a warm welcome to the delegation from the University of Huddersfield.
In response to the warm welcome, Prof. Monty Adkins from the University of Huddersfield expressed confidence in the strong foundation of collaboration built since 2019. He emphasized, “This partnership will open new opportunities for academic innovation and enhance research capacity. It will elevate the quality of postgraduate education to international standards and provide a solid foundation for our universities to jointly promote research projects, disseminate knowledge, and make meaningful contributions to the development of global higher education.”
In response to the warm welcome, Prof. Monty Adkins, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Huddersfield, expressed his confidence in the strong and sustainable partnership that has been built since 2017. He affirmed: “Since 2017, we and Professor Võ Xuân Vinh from UEH, who also serves as a visiting professor at the University of Huddersfield, have had numerous discussions and reciprocal visits that laid the foundation for today’s collaboration, which we hope will continue to flourish in the future. This partnership will open new opportunities for academic innovation and strengthen research capacity between our two leading universities. At the same time, it will serve as a platform for promoting joint research projects, disseminating knowledge, and making meaningful contributions to the advancement of global higher education. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to UEH’s Board of Directors and the UEH Institute of Business Research for their support in making today possible.”
Prof. Monty Adkins shared his reflections
Prof. Vo Xuan Vinh, Dean of the Institute of Business Research, who has devoted significant effort to fostering the connection and collaboration between the two universities, affirmed: “Through this partnership with the University of Huddersfield, we hope to implement a high-quality doctoral training program that not only confers degrees from a world-leading university but also enhances professional expertise, research capacity, and international publication output. Through this program, academic staff from both the University of Huddersfield and UEH will be able to collaborate more closely by co-supervising the program’s doctoral candidates.”
In response to the warm welcome, Prof. Monty Adkins, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Huddersfield, expressed his confidence in the strong and sustainable foundation of cooperation that has been built since 2017. He emphasized: “Since 2017, we and Professor Vo Xuan Vinh from UEH, who also serves as a visiting professor at the University of Huddersfield, have had numerous discussions and reciprocal visits that laid the groundwork for today’s collaboration, which we hope will continue to grow even stronger in the future. This partnership will open new opportunities for academic innovation and enhance research capacity between our two leading universities. At the same time, it will serve as a platform for promoting joint research projects, disseminating knowledge, and making meaningful contributions to the development of global higher education. I sincerely thank the UEH Board of Directors and the UEH Institute of Business Research for their support in making today possible.”
Prof. Vo Xuan Vinh speaking at the ceremony
Introducing the University of Huddersfield at the ceremony, Prof. Abhijit Sharma proudly described the institution as a “hub of academic innovation,” where theory and practice are deeply interconnected.
The University of Huddersfield is a long-established educational institution in the United Kingdom, internationally recognized for the quality of its teaching and its strength in applied research. Notably, Huddersfield Business School was honored with the title “Business School of the Year 2023” by Times Higher Education. In addition, the School proudly ranks among the world’s leading business schools accredited by the prestigious AACSB.
Overall, the University of Huddersfield has consistently achieved TEF Gold (Teaching Excellence Framework 2023) - the highest standard of teaching quality in the UK and has been awarded a 5-Star rating by QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) for its comprehensive educational excellence. The university is also ranked 501–600 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. These outstanding achievements serve as a strong testament to the high-quality education that doctoral candidates will benefit from.
Prof. Abhijit Sharma introduced the University of Huddersfield
Highlight of the program: Dual supervision and international standards
UEH representatives presented the Joint PhD Program between UEH and the University of Huddersfield
Representing IBR–UEH, Mr. Pham Quoc Thy presented a detailed overview of the Joint Doctoral Training Program between UEH and the University of Huddersfield, emphasizing that the program structure is designed in accordance with international standards, features a rigorous co-supervision mechanism between academic staff of both institutions, and offers a flexible research pathway tailored to the needs of Vietnamese doctoral candidates. He also introduced the comprehensive research-support ecosystem of IBR–UEH, which includes guidance for international publications, research methodology training courses, and an extensive network of scholars and experts. The program not only enhances the research capacity of UEH faculty and doctoral students but also strongly promotes international scientific collaboration, expands academic networking opportunities, and improves the quality of publications in reputable journals.
Exchange of commemorative gifts between the delegations
Group photo of UEH and Huddersfield representatives
Delegates from UEH and Huddersfield captured memorable moments at the Introduction Ceremony of the Joint PhD Program
The introduction ceremony concluded with resounding success, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the collaboration between the two leading universities.
Through this strategic partnership, UEH continues to affirm its position as a hub of research and innovation in Vietnam and across Asia. The joint doctoral program with the University of Huddersfield is not only an invaluable opportunity for young researchers but also a tangible contribution by UEH toward enhancing the quality of highly skilled human resources, supporting Vietnam’s knowledge-based economy and international integration.
See more highlights from the ceremony:
Information about the UEH and University of Huddersfield Joint Doctoral Program: For detailed information regarding admission requirements, study pathways, and scholarships, faculty members and prospective students are kindly invited to contact:
Written by: Institute of Business Research
