USW signs medical education partnership with American University of Antigua

The University of South Wales (USW) has agreed a partnership with the American University of Antigua to train the next generation of clinicians.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been agreed between the two institutions, which will see the AUA’s Global Track Programme provide students with the chance to complete their medical degrees on the island of Antigua, and have the option to complete their clinical training in the UK.

The agreement, which recognises the benefits of a transatlantic partnership that provides state-of-the-art learning, is recognised by the General Medical Council (GMC), and is supported by NHS Trusts offering clinical rotations.

The relationship with AUA was established through Professor Parag Singhal, a Visiting Professor at USW who has previously been involved in setting up courses for Indian students to study at the University.

“As national secretary of the British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO), and an  Executive Director of the BAPIO Training Academy, with which AUA works very closely, I was able to make an introduction between the institutions, and help to develop the connections that led to this agreement,” Professor Singhal said.

Dawn Story, Head of USW’s School of Applied Sciences, said: “This is an excellent opportunity for students undertaking courses in Medical Sciences to access an opportunity to study for an international qualification.”

Dr Peter Bell, Vice-President of AUA, said: “I’m delighted to be a part of an exciting journey through which students would receive exposure to learning through the latest technology during their studies, which are delivered on a US-modelled curriculum.”

Dr H Kundaje, Partner at Lakeside Group, which is one of the host organisations in the UK, added: “The partnership with AUA is exciting in many ways, including offering UK students an opportunity to study at a global institution with an impressive track record, which boasts a pass rate for parts of the course which exceeds 95%.”

Students on the course at AUA - which is one of the most successful Caribbean Medical Schools, ranking in the top three - will spend just over half of their time in Antigua, with the option of clinical work in the UK, India, Canada, or the US.

Contact AUA’s UK Admissions Director Dee Narga at [email protected] for more details.