University of Birmingham forms Dublin links over Brexit

The University of Birmingham says it will work with Trinity College Dublin 'as students face uncertainty about study opportunities in Europe post-Brexit'

The University of Birmingham has launched a partnership with Trinity College Dublin to "strengthen European links" amid "post-Brexit uncertainty".

Birmingham says Brexit leaves study opportunities in Europe unclear.

But the partnership with Ireland, it says, affords exchange programmes through a "student mobility agreement".

BBC Inside Out West Midlands has been told Birmingham's undergraduate recruitment from EU nations has dropped sharply in recent years.

In the event of a no-deal Brexit outcome, a spokesperson told the programme the university could lose tens of millions of pounds.

Robin Mason, pro-vice-chancellor (international), said: "Since December, we have gone full into considering what might happen if there is no deal at all and we are looking at all aspects."

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He added uncertainty over Britain's future had meant some research projects had fallen through, with undergraduate recruitment from the EU falling by 30% over the last two to three years - and no-deal meaning a potential £30m loss of income.

The agreement was signed by TCD's Dr. Patrick Prendergast and University of Birmingham vice-chancellor, Professor Sir David Eastwood

Birmingham said the partnership would allow collaboration across three research areas: medical schools' clinical trials; bioengineering; and digital textual editing.

In a statement released on Friday, vice-chancellor Sir David Eastwood said: "Europe continues to be a region of key importance.

"As a major strand in our global engagement strategy, we are building and strengthening partnerships with priority institutions across the EU, and are delighted to agree this key partnership with [Trinity College]."

Trinity College provost, Dr Patrick Prendergast, said: "I look forward to working closely with the University of Birmingham over the coming months, to strengthening our research links and building our student exchange programmes at such a critical time for both our countries."

The full investigation can be seen on BBC Inside Out West Midlands at 19:30 GMT on BBC One on Monday 28 January and for 30 days after on BBC iPlayer.