In March 2025, Zhejiang University (ZJU)'s College of Media and International Culture Associate Professor Zhang Hong, director of its global communication PhD program, led a student delegation on an academic tour of the University of Glasgow, the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), and the University of Westminster in the UK. The visit enhanced ZJU's partnerships with these three top-tier UK universities and broadened international platforms for student development.
From March 10 to 11, the delegation visited the University of Glasgow. They held thematic discussions on summer research programs, focusing on optimizing curriculum design and incorporating cultural practice modules. The ZJU delegation also visited the Hunterian Art Gallery and the Mackintosh architecture complex, gaining cross-cultural inspiration from art and history. At an academic exchange session, scholars from both universities focused on cutting-edge digital communication topics and explored joint training program possibilities. The visit to the University of Glasgow solidified the summer collaboration framework and helped students understand pathways for academic innovation in multicultural contexts through immersive cultural experiences.
On March 13, the delegation visited the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). In the Roger Silverstone conference room, named after a founder of LSE's communication studies, ZJU students showcased their academic achievements. Zhu Minghao explored “media convergence” in traditional media transformation, Wen Wenpan analyzed the “fan circles” economic phenomenon, and Wang Yiyang interpreted advertising symbol evolution in China's reform era. LSE professors remarked, “ZJU students' research is both profound and innovative, and we anticipate future joint projects.” The two universities plan to collaborate on summer school programs combining academic training and cross-cultural courses, creating practical platforms for undergraduates. During the visit, students toured the LSE Library and study facilities, experiencing the academic ecosystem of a world-class institution and furthering bilateral cooperation.
On March 14, the delegation visited the University of Westminster, where they signed a 1+1+1 Dual Master's Joint Training Agreement and engaged in discussions on digital media and AI. The hybrid signing ceremony was attended by several key figures, including Executive Dean Fang Xingdong, Deputy Dean Zhao Yuppei, Assistant Dean Li Siyue, and Associate Professor Zhang Hong from the College of Media and International Culture at ZJU, as well as Westminster's Pro Chancellor Catherine Dormor and project leaders. Following the ceremony, the delegation explored the Harrow Campus' media labs and design workshops, immersing themselves in the innovative industry-academia integration environment. Professor Pieter Verdegem, the project leader from the University of Westminster, commented: The agreement opens up new postgraduate pathways for undergraduates. Future interdisciplinary collaborations will focus on nurturing international talents who excel in both technical skills and critical thinking.
The academic journey to the UK has enabled students to witness the diverse forms of civilizational integration and more possibilities for cross-cultural communication, enhancing their adaptability in cross-cultural settings. Yu Yueyang, a ZJU student in the delegation, remarked, This academic trip to Britain has allowed me to see the myriad gestures of civilization integration and more possibilities for cross-cultural communication. Another student in the delegation, Wang Yiyang, stated, The exchange not only deepened my understanding of the subject of media, but also made me more determined to promote the mission of Sino-Western academic dialogue.
图 | 朱铭浩（Zhu Minghao）
文 | 温文攀（Wen Wenpan）