Overview

The DGUT-CNAM Institute (DCI), jointly established by Dongguan University of Technology (DGUT) and the Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers (CNAM) of France, is the first Sino-foreign cooperative educational institution in Dongguan and the sixth in Guangdong Province approved by the Ministry of Education of China. The DCI, affiliated with Dongguan University of Technology, is a non-independent legal entity and an integral part of CNAM’s global teaching network. Its development focuses on the field of intelligent manufacturing.

Relying on CNAM’s long-standing tradition, well-established system, and outstanding achievements in engineering education, and grounded in DGUT’s rapid growth and disciplinary strengths in science and technology, the DCI responds to the strong demand for industrial upgrading in Dongguan. By adopting the French engineering education model, it seeks to develop a new form of engineering education with distinctive characteristics and shared international features. The DCI reflects the deep integration and refinement of the educational philosophies and systems of both universities.

Located in the International Cooperation and Innovation Zone of DGUT in Dongguan City, the DCI adheres to the university motto “Learn and realise one’s insufficiency” and follows the university’s educational principles of being application-oriented, regionally rooted, and internationally connected. It represents an essential step for DGUT, as a local university, to meet the globalisation needs of the regional economy and to prepare internationally minded professionals.

The DCI aims to develop highly qualified engineers who contribute to the innovation-driven development of the regional economy and possess an international outlook, multilingual competence in Chinese, English and French, and intercultural communication skills. Its overarching strategy is to introduce CNAM’s high-quality educational resources comprehensively, strengthen the international dimension of teaching staff, pedagogy, and quality assurance, and maintain DGUT’s distinctive higher education characteristics. Drawing on Dongguan’s strong manufacturing base, the DCI provides abundant opportunities for practical training. It aims to advance education, research, and social engagement in a mutually supportive way and to build a high-quality, locally and nationally recognised model of Sino-foreign cooperative education.

Development History

In January 2013, representatives from the Science and Education Cooperation Office of the Consulate General of France in Guangzhou visited DGUT, expressing interest in promoting cooperation between French higher education institutions and the university after learning about its academic and research profile.

In March 2014, DGUT and CNAM signed a framework agreement to jointly establish the Institute and formed a preparatory committee.

In June and November 2014, the presidents of both universities exchanged visits and signed the formal agreement on cooperative education.

In March 2015, the CNAM Dongguan Centre was inaugurated.

In April 2015, DGUT sent four academic coordinators to CNAM to finalise the curriculum design and teaching arrangements.

In October 2015, under the witness of Mr Bai Tao, then Member of the Standing Committee of the Dongguan Municipal Committee and Head of the Organisation Department, and Mr Ma Yansheng, Minister-Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in France, DGUT and CNAM signed the Agreement on Joint Master’s Training and the Agreement on Establishing a Sino-French Research Collaboration Platform. CNAM authorised the awarding of its academic degrees, thereby completing the framework for cooperation based on “one distinctive institute, one collaborative centre, and one research platform.”

In March 2016, DGUT submitted a formal application to the Ministry of Education to establish a Sino-foreign cooperative educational institution. The People’s Government of Guangdong Province and the Department of Education of Guangdong Province both issued official letters to the Ministry supporting this initiative.

In July 2016, representatives from DGUT attended the expert review and project evaluation session organised by the Ministry of Education, with Deputy Director-General Xing Feng and Director Li Jinjun from the Guangdong Department of Education present.

From October 2016 onwards, DGUT submitted a comprehensive improvement report addressing the Ministry’s evaluation comments. After extensive discussions and revisions with the French partner, the proposal met the Ministry’s standards.

In February 2017, the Ministry of Education formally approved the establishment of the DGUT-CNAM Institute.

Educational Model

Students admitted to the DCI are registered with both DGUT and CNAM. They study under the academic systems of both universities and may undertake study periods at CNAM in France. Credits are mutually recognised by the two universities. Upon meeting graduation and degree requirements, students are awarded degree certificates from both universities.