The Whistling University (WU), a private institution with a focus on energy-related technology, is due to be established in India following a partnership with Oxford’s technology transfer unit Isis Innovation.
WU, due to open in 2015, will maintain a 1:10 teacher-student ratio, focus on conventional and alternative energy technology and management, have its own constitution and give its own degrees.
As part of the agreement, Isis will transfer Oxford intellectual property including course curriculums, databases, how to effectively maintain industry relationships, and faculty knowledge.
The university is being established by the India-based Whistling Group, which specialises in managing projects in a number of fields, including food and drink retail and education. The firm has acquired a 52 acre spot in Ahmedabad, and the project will be executed by its subsidiary Whistling Sun Education, a joint venture with alternative energy firm Sun Shakti.
Loren Griffith, director of international strategy at Oxford University, said: “Oxford University has no plans in the foreseeable future to offer full degree courses anywhere other than Oxford itself, and so has no plans to establish an overseas campus. However, the university has identified increasing global cooperation as a key objective of its 2013-2018 strategic plans. This agreement between the Whistling Group and Isis will broaden overseas ties. We anticipate that the project will make a positive contribution to providing energy security for India.”
UPDATE: This article originally inaccurately stated that the Whistling University would provide co-branded degrees, and has been updated to reflect this correction.
