The graduation ceremony of the first cohort of the Dual Degree Master’s Programme in “Renewable Energy,” jointly implemented by Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University (ASOIU) and the University of Warwick, has been held at ASOIU.
The event was attended by the university leadership, representatives of government institutions, international partners, industry representatives, faculty members, graduates, and parents.
Prior to the ceremony, participants visited the bust of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and laid a wreath.
The official part of the event began with the formal entrance of the graduates to the stage. This was followed by a presentation reflecting the programme’s one-year journey, along with an overview video.
In his speech, the Rector of ASOIU, Associate Professor Rufat Azizov, emphasized that dual degree programmes hold a significant place in the university’s internationalization strategy. He noted that such initiatives provide students with access to internationally recognized education and enhance their competitiveness in the global labor market. The Rector also highlighted the importance of state funding for the programme, describing it as another example of the attention given by President Ilham Aliyev to ensuring high-quality education for young people. He expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Science and Education, and WMG at the University of Warwick, for their support in the successful implementation of the programme.
Subsequently, Professor Robin Clark Pro-Dean International, WMG - University of Warwick delivered remarks, expressing his satisfaction with the successful implementation of the programme and highlighting the prospects for further development of the partnership.
The Chairman of the Board of the Education Development Fund, Nijat Mammadli, as well as BP’s Vice President for the Caspian Region, Dr. Bakhtiyar Aslanbayli—recipient of the honorary Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)—also addressed the audience, congratulating the graduates and emphasizing the importance of the programme, noting that the graduates will play a key role in the development of the country’s energy sector.
It was noted that the programme implemented between ASOIU and the University of Warwick aims to train highly qualified specialists in the field of renewable energy. Within the programme, students have acquired internationally recognized academic knowledge as well as practical industry experience. The curriculum consists of modules delivered by Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), academic courses offered by ASOIU, and a dissertation component. A total of 27 students successfully graduated in the first cohort.
An important component of the programme is the Summer School held in the United Kingdom, where students had the opportunity to visit renewable energy facilities, meet with industry representatives, and gain exposure to the international academic environment.
As part of the ceremony, speeches by graduates were delivered, followed by the diploma presentation. Graduates were awarded dual master’s degrees from Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University and the University of Warwick.
The ceremony continued with the traditional cap toss and concluded with a group photo.
It should be noted that the programme is fully funded by ASOIU, providing students with the opportunity to receive high-quality international education free of charge. This initiative makes a significant contribution to the development of human capital in the field of renewable energy in the country.
