Study with us

DSEE welcomes 900–1000 Preliminary Year students each year. Approximately 50% follow the Science and Engineering pathway, 25% the Computer Science pathway, 21% the Mathematics pathway, and 4% the Architecture pathway. Overall, around 80–90% of FoSE Preliminary Year students are admitted through the Gaokao, while 10–20% come from either Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan regions, or other countries.

The overall aim of the Preliminary Year education is to help students cope with and succeed in their future studies at UNNC. The education will equip students with the academic study and thinking skills needed and help support their language development to manage their studies independently to meet the demands of their future academic studies. The Preliminary Year education introduces basic ideas and skills that students will be using for their degree. It provides a bridge between the knowledge and skills students have now and those they will need over the coming years. The Preliminary Year education comprises of two types of modules: English for Academic Purposes (EAP) modules and Content Modules. The EAP modules are provided and managed by Centre for English Language Education (CELE), and the Content modules are provided and managed by FoSE. 

English for Academic Purposes (EAP) modules

EAP modules offered by Centre for English Language Education (CELE) are designed to help students improve their language skills and academic abilities needed for success at UNNC and beyond, across various subject areas. These modules focus on reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, customized to meet the specific needs of students on various academic paths. For details of the EAP and Content module specifications, please check the link Curriculum Catalogue (nottingham.ac.uk).

Content modules

Content modules offered by Department of Science and Engineering Education (DSEE) at Faculty of Science and Engineering (FoSE) are structured to establish foundational knowledge relevant to students' areas of study across various majors. These modules are designed to equip students with essential subject-specific knowledge crucial for their academic pursuits. By focusing on building a strong foundation in key subject areas, Content modules aim to provide students with the necessary background information and understanding needed to excel in their chosen fields. Students follow structured pathways aligned with their intended degree progression.

•   Science and Engineering Pathway

•   Computer Science Pathway

•   Mathematics Pathway

•   Architecture Pathway

For details of the EAP and Content module specifications, please check the link Curriculum Catalogue (nottingham.ac.uk).

The government has placed strong emphasis on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into university curricula, recognizing AI education as a cornerstone of national talent development and technological innovation. The Faculty of Science and Engineering at UNNC likewise places great value on embedding AI across academic disciplines. We have actively integrated AI components into undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across various majors, enabling students from diverse fields to acquire essential AI knowledge and skills. Through thoughtful curriculum design, targeted skill training, and interdisciplinary projects, we aim to equip students with the digital and intelligent competencies needed to thrive in future societal and industrial developments.

In addition to embedding AI elements within degree programme modules, FoSE also offers AI-related courses that are freely available to all students.

Introductory AI 

Introductory AI is a two-week intensive course designed to equip students with fundamental conceptual and practical skills in artificial intelligence. The course offers a balanced combination of Python programming training and core AI knowledge, providing a strong foundation for further study and research. Offered to all FoSE students during the summer, it serves as a key component of the Essential Skills Training Programme within the FoSE Undergraduate Experience Enhancement Initiative.

University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) is the first Sino-foreign university approved by the Ministry of Education in the People’s Republic of China. UNNC has over 9,000 students enrolled, including students from more than 50 countries and regions worldwide. More information can be found here. 

Preliminary Year students are strongly encouraged to engage in a wide range of enriching activities, including:

• Learning Community Forums (LCF)
• Student leadership opportunities and roles
• Student clubs and societies
• Independent learning opportunities

 UNNC provides a full‑range support system dedicated to fostering students’ academic success and personal development. The University is committed to helping each student to reach his or her full potential in terms of academic achievement, employability and personal development. In addition, we aim to enable students to feel that you are part of our learning community, which comprises all our undergraduates, taught postgraduates and research students, our academic and administrative staff.

Support from Preliminary Year Teaching Staff

CELE and EAP Module Teachers 

CELE has around 80 experienced and engaging teachers from different countries and regions. CELE embraces the ethos of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and promote diversity and professional career development. Please visit our website for list of CELE staff: CELE Academic Staff List - University of Nottingham Ningbo China

Content Module Teachers 

DSEE has around 15 experienced and engaging teachers from different countries and regions, providing quality teaching of 11-15 content modules. DSEE is equally committed to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and to fostering diversity and professional career growth among students.

Personal Tutorials

Every student in our University will have a Personal Tutor assigned to them. Personal Tutors are academic members of staff and their responsibility is to help students develop and maintain their wellbeing, support their academic and personal development, help them understand University practices and standards, enhance their employability, help them build a sense of community and refer them to the appropriate support services.

Personal Tutorials are usually one-to-one meetings and last for 15 minutes. The purpose of these meetings is to discuss anything of a personal nature; for example, how you are settling in at UNNC, or what your goals are during your first year at university, or whether you feel comfortable in your classes. Personal tutorials should be student-led. This means that you should decide what you feel comfortable to discuss. 

The Writing Lab @UNNC

The Writing Lab offered by CELE provides English language and study skills support and guidance for all students through one-to-one advising, workshops, discussion groups, and online self-study opportunities. Our aim is to help students adapt to university life and study, and to support the development of their language and study skills. More information can be found here. 

Faculty Office of Science and Engineering

The Faculty Office is FoSE’s administrative office, which provides Preliminary Year students with a variety of academic services to support their studies in the University. Students are welcome to contact Faculty Office when they need any support at Faculty. 

Faculty Office contact information:

• Email: FoSE@nottingham.edu.cn
• Office hour: 8:30-12:00, 13:30-17:00 (excluding weekends and holidays) 
• General enquiries: 8818 0000 (Ext. 6512)
• Office room: PMB 416 & PMB 427
• WeChat: FoSE_UNNC

CELE Professional Services Office

The CELE Professional Services Office (CPSO) provides Preliminary Year students with a variety of academic services to support their studies at CELE and transition from high school to university. 

CPSO Contact Information:

• Email: cpso@nottingham.edu.cn
• Office hour: 8:30-12:00, 13:30-17:00 (excluding weekends and holidays) 
• General enquiries: 8818 0000 (Ext. 8664)
• Office room: Trent Building 315
• WeChat: CELE_UNNC

Department of Campus Life

The Department of Campus Life (DCL) provides an extensive range of administrative and support services to all students of University of Nottingham Ningbo China. It encompasses quality services in the areas of wellbeing support, extracurricular engagement and initiatives for diversity and social inclusion. Staff of Campus Life care about students' needs, listen to students' voices and respond to students' requests in a timely manner, all of which aim to enhance students' experience through a diverse, interactive and rewarding journey with lifelong impact. More information can be found here. 

Careers and Employability Service

The Careers and Employability Service (CES) team is committed to the career development and employability of students and graduates of the University of Nottingham Ningbo China. Through a range of career-focused services and programmes, CES provides students with comprehensive job market information and insightful advice to help actualise their career aspirations. More information can be found here.

Health and Wellbeing Centre

The Health and Wellbeing Centre is committed to promoting an inclusive university experience that encourages a proactive, accessible, and holistic approach to health and wellbeing. It provides an array of professional services tailored to support the physical, emotional, and mental health and wellbeing needs of our staff and students during their time at UNNC. It houses the services of the Clinic, University Counselling Service, Mental Health Advisory Service, Disability Support Service, and Health Promotion. More information can be found here.

The Hub

The Hub is a student service centre where students can access various university services, ranging from Academic Service, Card Service, Document Collection, Financial Service, General Service, as well as other specialized services offered. We aim to provide a high quality and sufficient student support from the moment you are admitted to the university. More information can be found here.

Academic Services Office

The Academic Services Office (ASO) provides professional administrative services that support the University's curriculum and student journey.

The core functions of the Academic Services Office include the management of student records and systems, teaching and examination timetabling, module enrolment, curriculum management, student case management and local TL reporting. More information can be found here.