On September 16, 2021, due to the complicated developments of the Covid-19 pandemic in Vietnam and around the world, the graduation ceremony for the brand-new Cohort 7 graduates of the International Professional English Program was held for the first time on Zoom. More remarkably, the ceremony marked 10 years, a decade of cooperation between Hanoi University of Science and Technology of Vietnam and Plymouth Marjon University of the United Kingdom.

Prof. Ian Luke, Pro Vice-Chancellor of University of Plymouth Marjon

The ceremony took place in a formal, moving atmosphere with the participation of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Phong Dien – Vice President of Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Dac Trung – Head of Academic Office; Dr. Phung Lan Huong - Head of External Affairs Department, Assoc. Dr. Pham Thanh Huyen – Head of Communication and Branding Office. From the School of Foreign Languages, the ceremony was attended by Dr. Nguyen Viet Khoa – Dean, together with the Vice Deans, IPE teaching staff, students, and their families. From Plymouth Marjon University, Prof. Ian Luke, Pro Vice-Chancellor of University of Plymouth Marjon, and Dr. Steve Disney – Academic Link Tutor of the IPE Program attended the ceremony via Zoom and sent the warmest congratulations to the new graduates.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Phong Dien – Vice President of HUST

The International Professional English (IPE) Bachelor's Program is the fruit of the cooperation between Hanoi University of Science and Technology and Plymouth Marjon University, under the British Council Programme PMI 2 Connect UK – East Asia. The program combines the strengths of both universities in professional and academic language education, opening the door to study opportunities of international academic excellence.

At this year's graduation ceremony, 24 new bachelors are conferred dual Bachelor's degrees from Hanoi University of Science and Technology and Plymouth Marjon University, with 2 High Distinctions, 8 Distinctions, 13 Credits, and 1 Pass. The valedictorian of this year's graduating class is Nguyen Thi Thu Uyen with CPA of 3.67. The second runner-up is Tran Phu Dat with CPA of 3.66.

In addition, the graduation ceremony is an opportunity for the students of Cohort 7 to express their gratitude to the teachers through a short video clip and a witty but equally emotional speech delivered by the valedictorian Nguyen Thi. Thu Uyen. The program also had the participation of 2 alumni of IPE Cohort 2 (K57) and Cohort 5 (K60) with a very special DAN TRANH performance "Viet Nam Oi" and a useful sharing session of job-search advice. Finally, there are congratulations and warm messages from the teachers of the IPE program, which is full of love and hope for the new graduates of Cohort 7.

Dr. Nguyen Viet Khoa - Dean of the School of Foreign Languages, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, expressed his pride when witnessing the long journey of 24 students studying and growing, making great efforts and progressing over the past 4 years and believed that they have had the capabilities to adapt to a changing and challenging world. Dr. Nguyen Viet Khoa also affirmed that this event is clear evidence for the long-term commitment between Hanoi University of Science and Technology and Plymouth Marjon University to providing students with the best learning opportunities following international standards. He also expressed his special thanks to the teaching and administrative staff and PMU for their tireless efforts, making the Program successful during the past 10 years.

Speaking at the ceremony, Assoc.Prof.Dr. Nguyen Phong Dien – Vice President of HUST affirmed the continuous efforts, bravery and solidarity of the students to overcome difficulties and challenges in the context of the pandemic, making their degrees achieved more valuable. Besides, the Vice-President affirmed that the success of the IPE program comes from many sides: the enthusiastic support of Plymouth Marjon University, especially Dr. Steve Disney - Academic Link Tutor, the dedication of the SOFL Management Board and staff, as well as the students. The Vice President hopes that the cooperation between the two universities will develop further in the future.

EAO-HUST