The University of Sunderland and the University of Anahuac Mexico have committed to develop what they describe as ‘an exciting collaborative partnership’ – between the Faculty of Psychology at Anahuac and the School of Psychology and Helen McArdle Nursing and Care Research Institute at Sunderland.
It has been spearheaded by University of Sunderland academics, Dr Becci Owens, head of the School of Psychology, and Professor Yitka Graham, head of the Helen McArdle Nursing and Care Research Institute. Dr Graham has been a visiting professor at the Faculty of Psychology at Anahuac since 2019, working with Mexican colleagues on research related to bariatric surgery.
The name Anahuac is Aztec, and means ‘near the water’, appropriate given Sunderland’s coastal location and rich maritime heritage. The University was founded in 1964, and is part of the International Network of Regnum Christi Universities Network, with partners in Chile, Italy, the US, and Spain. Anahuac is rated as one of Mexico’s three best private universities.
The first phase of the strategic partnership is the development of a six-week exchange programme between Mexico and the UK for undergraduate psychology students, starting as early as this summer. Students from Mexico will travel to Sunderland, spending time in the School of Psychology, the Helen McArdle Nursing and Care Research Institute, and external partner organisations, providing experiential learning opportunities across the breadth of psychology disciplines tailored to the students’ interests.
Dr Erika Benitez Camacho, Dean of the Faculty of Psychology at Anahuac Mexico, said: “We are delighted to be working with Dr Owens and Professor Graham to create formal links with the School of Psychology and Sunderland, further building on the strong relationship we have with the Helen McArdle Nursing and Care Research Institute. We look forward to developing this collaboration, which will benefit our students and both Universities.”
Dr Becci Owens added: “It’s great to see our existing collaboration with the University of Anahuac grow and extend. We’re really looking forward to welcoming its students this summer. Exchange programmes provide a unique opportunity to be exposed to practice in different settings and cultures. This initiative will allow students from both institutions to share insights and experiences.”
Studying for a BSc (Hons) Psychology at the University of Sunderland provides what the University dubs ‘a comprehensive and integrated approach to examining the brain and human behaviour’. The University says its Psychology courses are rated first in the north-east for teaching quality (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024) and student satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2024).
Pictured are Professor Yitka Graham (left), and Dr Rebecca Owens.