Westminster International University in Tashkent

About

In 2002 the University of Westminster founded the Westminster International University in Tashkent (WIUT) in collaboration with the Foundation of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan has a rich history and was for centuries part of the ancient Great Silk Road where different cultures, traditions and ideas converged. Tashkent is a beautiful capital city, boasting an eclectic combination of ancient and modern, providing an inspiring learning environment for students.

The University of Westminster is proud to have been part of establishing the first international university in Uzbekistan fully accredited to provide UK degrees through a unique model of Transnational Education (TNE). WIUT is an excellent example of a sustainable British‐Uzbek partnership that is making a difference to the development of Uzbekistan through the provision of world‐class British education.

From left to right: Dr Peter Bonfield, Professor Geoffrey Copland and Bakhrom Mirkasimov

In July 2022, Professor Peter Bonfield, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Westminster, hosted a reception to mark the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the University’s partnership with Westminster International University in Tashkent (WIUT). As part of the celebrations Westminster was delighted to welcome a delegation from WIUT led by WIUT’s Rector Bakhrom Mirkasimov. The group included Dr Abdumalik Djumanov who served as the second Rector of WIUT. The University also welcomed back a number of colleagues who had been involved in the establishment of WIUT. These included Professor Geoffrey Copland, Westminster Vice-Chancellor at the time, and Alan France, who served as First Deputy Rector until 2020.

Teaching

WIUT students are taught by an academic team with significant international experience using a dynamic, student-centred teaching and learning philosophy. From the first cohort of 120 students in 2002, WIUT now hosts around 3,600 students. The expansion has been supported by major local investment and development in the campus, which offers state of the art equipment and facilities. WIUT faculty and students share their ideas and knowledge through regular research seminars and workshops

Research

Research events and collaborative projects with private and public sectors in Uzbekistan establish WIUT as a leading institution, able to generate innovative ideas and lead the development and production of evidence-based research.

The past year has seen increased research activity focusing on the region. This includes two British Council-funded projects led by Professor Andrew Linn, with WIUT colleagues investigating English-medium university education across the South Caucasus and in Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. During this time period, we have also seen the launch of the Westminster Development Policy Network (WDPN), an online policy research seminar series, created in partnership with Westminster Business School and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), based in Washington DC and WIUT.

WIUT and the University of Westminster regularly hold joint international research conferences, workshops and seminars. For example, an inaugural workshop designed to promote research collaborations between the University of Westminster and WIUT was held in December 2020. Colleagues from both institutions presented the aims, progress and findings of a variety of research projects largely focusing on Central Asia. The workshop was the first event held under the auspices of the newly established Forum for Uzbek and Silk Road Studies (FUSRs) – a group designed to bring together academics from both institutions, to celebrate their work, and help develop an enhanced understanding of the region’s strategic importance. This academic year's projects can be found on the Projects section of the FUSRS webpage.

The University of Westminster also offers the opportunity for colleagues at WIUT to study for a PhD, and we currently have five colleagues studying with us.

Collaboration and future development

WIUT and the University of Westminster are keen to grow activities, including increasing programme provision, research links, mobility, CPD/short courses and other KE activities. Both institutions are also looking to develop new collaborative opportunities for student and staff interaction, including virtual activities via employer engagement/enterprise projects.

Courses

WIUT provides internationally recognised programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Courses offered at WIUT are designed and validated in partnership with the University of Westminster, and are subject to the same quality assurance and control regulations as those taught in the UK. Classes are taught in English, with entry requirements and degree certificates meeting international standards. WIUT provides an opportunity for students to be introduced to the UK higher education culture, whilst the increasing number of international students at WIUT generates a global diversity within the classroom and teaching environment. Graduates from WIUT now play an important role in the development of Uzbek society and Central Asian communities as a whole. Westminster validated courses at WIUT include:

Undergraduate courses:

Postgraduate courses:

Information for prospective students

If you are considering studying at Westminster International University in Tashkent, you will need to apply directly to the University by following the application process detailed on the relevant course pages of the WIUT website.

Information for current students

If you are currently studying at WIUT and would like to enquire about continuing your studies at the University of Westminster (UoW) in London, please contact WIUT Head of Student Services (Shoira Mirzakhidova) via email: or the . You can also request an e-copy of the WIUT/UoW Student Application Guide by emailing . This guide includes detailed information about courses and levels at UoW that permit transfer of studies from WIUT, the application process and the FAQs students may have.

As a WIUT student, you will be also eligible for a 15% student fee discount for each year of your studies at the University of Westminster in London which will be applied upon enrolment.

For information or enquiries about student exchanges, please visit the relevant pages on our website or contact the Education Abroad team at .

Please note that not all courses permit transfer of studies, therefore applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Students will need to fulfil relevant academic entry requirements for a selected level and course at UoW before an offer can be made, as well as satisfying applicable UK visa requirements.