Essex's School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering and Northwest University in China launched a double degree programme in 2017 approved by the Ministry of Education in China. As a prestigious joint four-year programme, Students will complete the first three years of the programme in China, with Essex staff travelling to Xi’an to deliver month-long modules, followed by online support from the UK. After completing the final year in the UK students are awarded qualifications from both institutions; a BSc in Electronic Systems Engineering from Essex and a BSc in Electronic Information Science and Technology.