The University of Bath is to train a new generation of South African university leaders in what it says is the first such link of its type between a UK university and the country.

In January next year, 27 senior professional staff ¨C one from each of South Africa¡¯s universities and another from the department of higher education and training ¨C will start Bath¡¯s doctorate in business administration (higher education management) programme.

Academics from Bath¡¯s School of Management will fly to South Africa to teach the first part of the course at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in Port Elizabeth, which has been given a government grant to manage the project in the country.

A second cohort of 27 are due to start in January 2017.

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Bath has a strategy to focus on Africa, explained Colin Grant, pro vice-chancellor for internationalisation, and added: ¡°To have this level of agreement with so many fine institutions is a wonderful opportunity and privilege.¡± ?

The deal was signed on 30 September by Dame Glynis Breakwell, Bath¡¯s vice-chancellor, at a ceremony at the University of Pretoria.

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Commenting on the arrangement, Cheryl Foxcroft, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University¡¯s dean of teaching and learning, said: ¡°This initiative will address the manage capacity needs in our university sector.

"I¡¯m hopeful that those who complete the DBA [doctorate in business administration] will act as catalysts in their institutions to enhance management efficiency and effectiveness.¡±

david.matthews@tesglobal.com