UAE nationals are increasingly turning to part-time postgraduate studies to improve their career prospects, and with over 80 percent of students at the British University in Dubai combining work and study, this trend is set to continue.
Currently BUiD – the region’s first postgraduate, research based university – offers part time options in each of its Institutes, enabling students to fully utilise their advanced BUiD masters programme without having to take a career break. All the programmes offered at BUiD, have accreditation eligibility from the UAE Ministry of Education.
“Studying for a masters in Project Management at BUiD has significantly enhanced my career as a Senior Project Engineer with the Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Oil Operations (ADCO). The programme has provided me with the most sophisticated project management techniques, in addition to extensive cost control and scheduling techniques which I regularly use in my job,” said Ahmed Ali Basioni.
The specialist project management programmes available at BUiD offers state-of-the-art teaching on areas such as planning activities, team work and value management.
These are vital to the UAE’s continued advancement in several industrial sectors, such as oil and gas, IT, banking and finance and construction.
“My job with ADCO demands the very highest standards in Project Management, and studying at BUiD has enabled me to rapidly expand my career options and fulfil my ambitions. Furthermore, BUiD’s pro-active and sophisticated approach to studying ensures I am supported fully throughout the course,” continued Ahmed Ali Basioni.
The project management programme aims to provide students with a comprehensive grounding in key principles and techniques considered to be essential for any project manager today.
“As the region’s only postgraduate, research based university, BUiD’s part-time and full-time programmes are immensely popular. Students studying part time can gain a world-class qualification without interrupting their career, which benefits both the student and their employer”, said David Lock, Registrar and Acting CEO, BUiD.
BUiD students regularly divide their time between continuing their careers and studying for their masters’ programme. Ahmed Ali Basioni spends two days a week on his studies with evening lectures taking place at BUiD’s Dubai, Knowledge Village campus.
“Not only does BUiD provide me with a first-class postgraduate degree, but the links the university has with its partner in the UK ensures I have the same opportunity as if I was studying there. This means I learn world-class project management skills, which I can put straight into practise here in the UAE,” concluded Ahmed Ali Basioni.
The University offers a full-time and part-time masters degree programme in Project Management in collaboration with The University of Manchester (UoM). Students may complete the programme either full time or part time over two years through a flexible study mode. Masters programmes in Information Technology, Environmental Design of Buildings, and Education are also offered at BUiD in partnership with other leading UK universities and new Masters programmes in Finance and Banking and IT Management are expected to be offered in the spring.
About The British University in Dubai
The British University in Dubai (BUiD) is the Middle East’s first research-based, postgraduate university. The University was established to facilitate access to world-class education, training and research in the Middle East. BUiD aspires to the highest, internationally recognized British standards as reflected in its partnership with the University of Edinburgh, the University of Birmingham, the University of Manchester, Cardiff University and now the Cass Business School at City University, London. Each has a five or five-star rating in the UK national Research Assessment Exercise that signifies research of international standard.
The not-for-profit university offers full and part-time Masters Degree programmes and Continuing Professional Development courses in Information Technology, Project Management, the Built Environment and Education. Subject to accreditation, a new Masters programme in Finance and Banking and IT Management will be offered in spring 2006.
All BUiD’s current Masters Programmes have received Accreditation Eligibility Status from the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research’s Commission for Academic Accreditation.
The founders of the University are the Al Maktoum Foundation, the Dubai Development and Investment Authority, Rolls-Royce, the British Business Group and the National Bank of Dubai. The University is managed by a provisional council under the chairmanship of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.
The Emirates Group, DUCAB, Atkins and Dubai Duty Free are supporters of the university through financial contributions or the provision of scholarships.
