The University of York is linking up with four major American universities to take advantage of the growing global market in teaching and research.

Together with Leeds, Sheffield and Southampton Universities, they are to form a partnership with the University of California, Pennsylvania State University, the University of Washington and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

The intention is to invite other major universities around the world to join the group to establish a global alliance of leading universities.

The provisional title for the partnership is Worldwide Universities Network.

The universities have agreed to collaborate initially on research, postgraduate degree programmes and continuing professional development.

They plan to produce common courseware, establish joint PhD supervision and develop common benchmark standards.

Professor Ron Cooke, vice-chancellor at the University of York, said: "The three research-led universities of York, Leeds and Sheffield have been collaborating successfully for some years as the White Rose Group.

"This strong alliance, augmented by the like-minded University of Southampton, is now seeking to collaborate internationally with comparable universities overseas - first in the US and later elsewhere."

York's initial contribution to the project will centre on its expertise in medieval studies, but is expected to expand into other areas in the future.

The initial focus of the collaboration will be on nine carefully selected areas where the partners already excel, ranging from environmental technology, through systems engineering, knowledge management and bioinformatics to public policy.

Professor Sir Gareth Roberts, vice-chancellor of the University of Sheffield, said: "This alliance has potentially far-reaching consequences for the delivery of higher education in the emerging global market. Together we can develop and sustain learning materials of the highest international standards and extend opportunities for all students and staff."

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