Newcastle's overseas degree bargain.

NEWCASTLE University's new campus in Malaysia will offer medical degrees at about half their cost in the UK, it was announced yesterday.

In a move expected to be followed by other British universities, Newcastle is setting up its first international base in the southern state of Johor.

Eventually accommodating 900 students, the NUMed campus will offer degrees recognised by Britain's General Medical Council. The bachelor of medicine and bachelor of surgery (MBBS) course will be the same as that taught in Newcastle.

A spokesman said the qualification would cost overseas students about half the pounds 100,000-plus they pay for five-year medical degrees in the UK.

It is scheduled to open in 2011, although the first intake will be next year, with students spending their first two years in Newcastle. Professor Reg Jordan, who will head NUMed, said: "Our new campus here in Malaysia will widen access to affordable UK education, extend Newcastle's global footprint and help to meet the university's mission to translate the outcomes of its academic endeavours for the benefit of society."

High Commissioner Boyd McLeary said: "I would be surprised if at least one or two other British universities don't sign up in the next year or so."

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Publication:	The Journal (Newcastle, England)
Date:	Nov 21, 2008
Words:	202
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