Ian Jarvis, Director of International Academic Operations, and Charlotte Prinja, Project Manager, share the exciting developments in the Apollo partnership.

- New research centre set to open in coming weeks
- Joint undergraduate programmes launching
- Supporting NHS pipeline
- Teaching centre in discussion phase
Progress in our strategic partnership with Apollo Hospitals Group, India, will see the launch of a joint research centre later this month as well as new undergraduate programmes.
The partnership with Apollo is a collaboration that supports a shared vision of innovation, expanded educational opportunities, and improved healthcare globally. It has been made possible through the dedication and hard work of many staff members, and we look forward to launching several initiatives in 2025 that reflect our collective commitment to making a positive difference.
In January, we will be launching the Centre for Digital Health and Precision Medicine (CDHPM), a joint global centre with the Apollo Hospitals Group. The centre aims to become an internationally recognised research institute in precision medicine and digital health across multiple domains.
It will harness the expertise of researchers from Leicester, Apollo and its partners to deliver its mission. Outcomes will include better disease prediction and prevention, and improved and earlier detection, diagnosis and management of multiple acute and long-term conditions in hospital and community settings.
Professor Sir Nilesh Samani, Professor of Cardiology at the University of Leicester, will be one of the Co-Directors for the CDHPM.
We will strengthen the partnership further with the launch of three undergraduate 2+1 programmes: BEng Computer Science, BBA Business and Management, and BEng Electrical, Electronic and Information. These programmes will allow Indian students to complete their first two years of study at The Apollo University (TAU), before joining us in Leicester for their final year. Graduates will be awarded a University of Leicester degree, and we look forward to welcoming many of them to continue their academic journey with us through postgraduate studies.
The first cohort will start at The Apollo University (TAU) in Chittoor, India, in September 2025 and will transfer to Leicester in September 2027. Throughout their initial two years, we will stay closely connected to ensure a smooth transition and help them feel part of our global community from the outset. Students will be supported by summer schools, staff visits and online seminars. Looking ahead, we aim to broaden our range of 2+1 programmes for TAU students, offering an accessible and cost-effective pathway for Indian students to earn a respected UK degree from Leicester.
A key focus for the partnership is supporting the NHS workforce needs. There are 11,000+ doctors and over 10,000 nurses working across the Apollo ecosystem, providing a potential pipeline of healthcare professionals seeking upskilling programmes and opportunities to gain work experience in the NHS.
Later this year, Leicester will be launching a new Master’s programme in Mental Health Nursing, designed for internationally qualified general nurses. There is a shortage of nurses globally, however, mental health nurses are in critically short supply. This new program will provide international general nurses with the opportunity to specialise in mental health, gain invaluable NHS work experience and acquire the qualifications to help continue their careers in the UK after completing the programme.
We will also be launching a new MSc Computational Health Data Science, which will address industry skills that are widely in demand. Developing a portfolio of healthcare Master’s programmes will be crucial to the partnership, meeting global workforce demands and fostering growth in emerging areas of innovation.
Building on our professional pathways, Leicester will also become a partner in the Clinical Fellowship programme offered by the BAPIO Training Academy, which allows Indian doctors to spend two years at an Apollo Hospital, followed by another two years at an NHS hospital in the UK. During this time, they will further enrich their experience by pursuing either a Master’s in Clinical Education or Healthcare Management through part-time, distance learning study. We anticipate welcoming our first distance learning students into these programmes in 2026.
Staff at TAU have expressed a strong interest in academic development programmes delivered by Leicester. This interest includes potential participation in the PGCAPPi or a tailored CPD programme. There are exciting opportunities for our School of Education, and we will continue to discuss these early in 2025.
Apollo has made significant investments in their TAU Chittoor campus, including brand-new teaching facilities and student accommodation, with substantial potential for further expansion. Leicester is keen to be part of these developments, and we are currently in discussions to establish a Leicester Teaching Centre on their campus. This initiative will provide Indian students with the opportunity to study for a University of Leicester degree in-country. As part of our strategic focus on global partnerships and expanding access to world-class education, this development represents a key step forward. We are thrilled about this opportunity and are committed to progressing it over the next few months.
We will continue to keep staff updated on our progress.
For more information, see Ian’s previous update.