Higher Education

Sadiq Shaban

Education has been at the forefront of the UAE’s policy to usher into a new era of knowledge and empowerment. No-

tably the country has experienced considerable improvements in the field of higher education since its establishment. This is evident in the massive investment in infra-structure, administration and de-livery systems. In the higher edu-cation sector, the country has been keen to form partnerships and joint ventures with international education providers and have at-tracted some of the most presti-gious education institutions from around the world.

Presently the country’s adult lit-eracy rate hovers above 90 per cent, significantly higher than just a few decades back when it was at 54 per cent for men and 31 per cent for women. A sustained focus on education has witnessed the growing enrolment of nationals

over the years. Local students con-stitute more than 43 per cent of the total student population in Dubai; while the last two years have seen an 18-per cent increase in Emirati males in higher education. The percentage of female students is also on the rise. As the educational infrastructure shows more positive signs of growth, knowledge-based economy that equips young people with choices, is quite inevitable.

Educational Free Zones have been instrumental in transforming the place. The Dubai International Academic City (DIAC), a first of its kinds in the world, has a state of the art campus spread over 18 mil-lion square feet. With more than 20 international branch campuses of reputed universities from around the world, the DIAC has become an education hub that boasts of advanced academic tools, technologies and human re-sources. Furthermore, the UAE is home to top-notch institutions like the American University in Dubai, Tufts University, George Mason

University, Michigan State Univer-sity and Rochester Institute of Technology in Dubai. Institutes like Heriot-Watt, Chartered Insti-tute of Management Accountants, The Institute of Chartered Ac-countants in England and Wales and Alpha Aviation Group among others offer a variety of career-oriented courses.The New York University has also set up its cam-pus, alongside the Sorbonne in the capital Abu Dhabi.

Likewise Dubai Knowledge Vil-lage, based at Dubai Internet City, has attracted several top international universities and re-search facilities to the emirate in-cluding Saint-Petersburg State, University of Engineering and Economics, University of Wollon-gong, Mahatma Gandhi University and the Manchester Business School. Together with DIAC, Dubai Knowledge Village hosts 30 higher education universities that offer hundreds of courses and study programmes.

As a result student numbers in

Dubai have witnessed a growth of 10 per cent. Pertinently most graduates and postgraduates in the UAE choose to opt for courses in business, science, engineering and computer sciences. Vocational and occupational courses in avia-tion, industrial and technical train-ing, creative arts, hospitality, teaching, nursing and occupation-al health, architecture and interior design are also quite popular.

There are numerous scholar-ships available to students opting for higher education in the UAE. The Abu Dhabi Education Council offers a number of scholarship op-portunities based on various crite-ria. The council is formulating a policy for scholarship programmes for undergraduate and postgradu-ate degrees with the aim to support human capital development. These scholarships help students with fi-nances besides monitoring their academic progress, issues and con-cerns throughout the completion of their degrees.

—[email protected]

Strengthening knowledge baseK H A L E E J T I M E S | A DV E RT I S I N G S U P P L E M E N T | w e d n e s d ay, J U n e 5 , 2 0 1 3

Heriot-Watt University’s Dubai Campus has launched a new Masters programme designed to answer the international calls for improved regu-lation, education and greater profes-sionalism in the local property mar-kets. The MSc in Real Estate Investment and Finance is aimed at executives and working professionals who may already have some experi-ence or interest in real estate markets, banking or investment and wish to upgrade their skills. The local real es-tate industry continues to mature to one of great complexity and an in-creasing institutional ownership structure. The increased complexity of the industry will create demand for practitioners who possess a compre-hensive real estate education. Pro-gramme Director, Michael Waters states: “The course is a credible al-ternative to an MBA. Professionals working in property need to start thinking more carefully about their postgraduate study options. Em-barking on a specialist Masters pro-gramme allows them the opportu-nity to study theoretical and

practical finance, investment and appraisal techniques applied to global commercial real estate mar-kets — these are essentials to suc-ceed in this highly competitive business sector.”

Tuition in the programme is based around lectures, IT labs and case studies from a wide range of international real estate markets to ensure students can apply the the-oretical concepts taught. Gradu-ates from the programme will have a strong desire to work in property and investment markets having been taught the latest concepts of mixed-asset portfolios, risk mitiga-tion and financial valuation mod-eling. A graduate degree in real estate can open doors to greater job and career opportunities and command a higher salary in the marketplace.

For more information about Heriot-Watt University’s MSc in Real Estate programmes please contact Michael Waters on +971(0)44358773 or email to [email protected]

Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus

The American University in the Emirates

Expanding horizons

The Interior Design Department at Al Ghurair University (AGU) seeks through its programme to instill passion, nurture talent and develop skills within each student. “Our programme provides rigour and hands-on practice while en-couraging the students to unleash their creativ-ity,” explains Dr Wael Rashdan, Head of the Interior Design Department.

The Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design at AGU is one of the programmes that are fully accredited by the UAE’s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. The quality of the graduates of AGU’s Interior Design Department is well recognised by the community. For example, AGU’s stu-dents won the CEO’s Prize at the Danube Competition 2012, organised by Danube, a leading construction, building material, and home interiors company, in partnership with the Association of Professional Interior De-signers (APID).

AGU’s students enjoy studios, workshops and labs equipped with the latest technolo-gies in a conveniently located campus with outstanding facilities. “Our students are re-ally spoiled, they have access to the latest technologies,” says Dr Ahmed El Shakhs, As-sistant Professor of Interior Design.

When asked about what they appreciated the most at AGU, Sadiq, Nada and Raed, students at AGU, said: “I really appreciated the individualised attention from my teach-ers. We had small classes and we all knew each other and worked closely together. I am going to really miss my AGU family,” answered Sadiq.

As for Raed, “The internship was very valu-able as it allowed me to secure a job in a very good firm before I even graduated.”

“For me, interacting with such a diversified and talented group of people will remain an unforgettable experience,” replied Nada.

Al Ghurair University

Nurturing passion for designTaking pride in providing a quality education

THe American University in the Emir-ates — AUE as it is affectionately known — is one of the most rapidly growing uni-versities in the UAE that offers an Amer-ican curriculum, taught by a highly re-garded faculty, who seek to engage students in excellent learning experi-ences.

AUE faculty members collectively value its hard-earned reputation for high quality in teaching and related research, and seek to promote intercultural understanding and respect, not as an alternative to a sense of cultural and national identity, but as an essential part of the rapidly changing 21st century international, regional and national environment.

AUE also offers students accredited programmes in undergraduate, gradu-ate, and professional degrees that en-courage you to become proactive, reflec-

tive and critical thinkers and researchers. AUE students learn to become part of a fully engaged community, whose mem-bers embrace their own culture and are responsive to other cultures and views.

The American University in the Emir-ates is motivated by a sense of direction to create a better world through educa-tion. This motivation informs the envi-ronment for teaching, learning and col-laboration in daily work, in such a way that encourages potential new faculty and staff who are attracted to its vision and values to join, and to help to further develop the university.

The university has six colleges with many unique programmes:

College of Business Administration•College of Media and Mass •Communication

College of Computer Information •TechnologyCollege of Fine Arts and Design•College of Law•College of Education•To ensure that an environment of

trust and confidence is present, AUE has now a highly qualified faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, accredited partners, and an expanding student body. This reflects the nation’s eco-nomic and cultural wealth, the aspira-tion for knowledge of its people, the learning skills of the population, and the use of new technologies that en-hance quality of life.AUE will continue to offer innovative, excellent programmes of higher educa-tion that provide lasting benefits to the students of the nation, the region and the world.

In tune with a dynamic worldAUE strives to incorporate students into a practical environment

CHarTered Institute of Man-agement Accountants (CIMAs) primary aim is to help both people and businesses succeed. Founded in 1919, it is the world’s leading and largest professional body of management accountants, with over 203,000 members and stu-dents operating in 173 countries, working at the heart of business. CIMA members and students work in industry, commerce, the public sector and not-for-profit organisations.

The CIMA qualification is open to everybody, regardless of their educational background. It can open doors to many different in-dustries and career paths, and one can gain valuable work experience as he or she goes along. You don’t need to have a degree to start your CIMA studies. In fact, many grad-uates who have been to university find that a degree alone is not enough. Many decide to study the CIMA qualification after they have completed their degree to learn the practical skills they need to

achieve their career goals. If you’re looking for an alterna-

tive to university that will allow you to immediately progress your career, earn a great salary and be-come professionally qualified in the process, then CIMA could be for you. Many of the world’s big-gest employers recognise CIMA as a global qualification that best meets their business needs; no other professional accountancy body is aligned so closely to those needs. CIMA combines the rigour of an accounting qualification with business skills needed to of-fer strategic advice and manage risk. Our international reputation ensures that doors will open for you around the world.

CIMA has formed a joint ven-ture with the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) to establish the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation.

CGMA is the global quality stan-dard that further elevates the profession of management ac-counting. A CGMA designation is truly a global passport to success. This is highlighted by the fact that CIMA, already the world’s largest professional body of man-agement accountants, enjoyed massive growth in new and emerging markets.

CIMA has no crystal ball but it believes that the CGMA designa-tion will play a central role in the business and finance profession. The fundamental quality of the CGMA designation is people. The human dimension is life and sole of any businesses. People’s ideas, skills and knowledge drive com-panies. CIMA students who hold the Chartered Global Manage-ment Accountants possess these qualities in abundance and busi-nesses know this.

The CIMA qualifications in Is-lamic Finance (IF) include four certificate modules: Islamic Com-mercial Law, Islamic Banking and Takaful, Islamic Capital Markets and Accounting for Islamic finan-cial Institutions. Diploma in Is-lamic Finance and an Advanced Diploma Programme is also of-fered. These qualifications give a non-theoretical hands-on ap-proach to those taking up IF, giv-ing students the confidence to talk about the various aspects of IF and on completion of the Ad-vanced Diploma, the ability to de-velop products and services rele-vant to today’s business environment.

The institute’s qualification is open to everybody, regardless of their educational background

Career oriented

alpha Aviation Group (AAG) is UK-based group of companies provid-ing innovative training solutions for commercial aviation. The group’s training academies in the UK, UAE and Philippines are strategically located in the world’s key aviation markets. It operates Boeing and Air-bus simulators and a flying academy.

As pioneers in the Multi-Crew Pilot (MPL) training programme, Al-pha Aviation Group relishes opportunities to embrace new technology and new thinking to find innovative solutions that meet the growing demand for qualified commercial pilots.

AAG UAE, in a training partnership with Sharjah-based airline Air Arabia, provides young men and women with a golden opportunity to secure their career as an Airbus A320 First Officer in a period of just 18 months through its Multi-Crew Pilot Licence (MPL) Training Programme.

(Email: [email protected] www.aag.aero)

Catching them young

In partnership with Air Arabia, the group offers a Multi-Crew Pilot Licence Training Programme

HIGHEr EDUCATIonKHALEEJ TIMES / ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

Geetu Ahuja

The ACA qualification from The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), gives access to many amazing career paths in all sectors of business. Once successfully completed, the student will become an ICAEW

ICAEW

Qualified choice

“Being an ICAEW Chartered Accountant has been a passport to a very rewarding and

successful career”

raK Medical & Health Sciences University was established in 2006 by the Ras Al Khaimah Hu-man Development Foundation (RAK-HDF) under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Member of Su-preme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah and Chancellor of the University, with the vision to be the leading Medical and Health Sciences University in the UAE.

The university is dedicated to the pursuit of academic excel-lence and committed to prepare graduates with critical skills to join the medical and healthcare fields in the 21st Century. Study programmes include:

Bachelor of Medicine & •Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) — five-year programme + one year internship

Bachelor of Dental Surgery •(BDS) — five-year programme + one year internshipBachelor of Pharmacy (B. •Pharm) — four-year programme + six months practice schoolM.S. Pharmacy Practice and•M.S. Pharmaceutical Chemistry•Bachelor of Science in Nursing •(BSN) — four-year programmeConversion Programme •leading to BSN (for UAE Nationals sponsored by MOH)RN-BSN Bridge Programme

Master of Science in NursingStudents can apply online at www.rakmhsu.com and send a copy of the 12th grade marks by scanning the same and e-mailing to [email protected] along with their TOEFL/IELTS score. For more details visit www.rakmhsu.com

rAK Medical & Health Sciences University

Pursuit of excellence

HIGHEr EDUCATIon KHALEEJ TIMES / ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

Manipal University (MU), Dubai (www.manipaldubai.com) is a branch campus of Manipal Univer-sity, India. MU established its pres-ence in Dubai in the year 2000 and has grown into a leading multi-disciplinary university in the Mid-dle East attracting students not only from the UAE but from across the GCC and the Middle East and Africa region. At present, Manipal University, Dubai enrolls over 1,500 students from 26 nations across the globe and is the only In-dian multi-disciplinary university in the region.

Similar to its mother campus in India, the Dubai campus offers a variety of disciplines for students to pursue their undergraduate and graduate studies, ranging from laboratory and workshop intensive courses like engineering, informa-tion technology and bio technolo-gy to creative and new-age disci-plines like interior design, and

media and communications. The university also offers a highly hands-on, industry relevant pro-gramme in management at the undergraduate as well as at the masters’ level.

The university has introduced new programmes in architecture, hospitality management and auto-mobile engineering over the last two years. At the masters’ Level, the university has launched two new M. Tech programmes in man-ufacturing engineering and tech-nology, and digital electronics and advanced communication. The campus and all its programmes are licensed and recognised world-wide for higher education or career opportunities.Facts and Figures: Date Estab-lished: 2000; Number of Students: 1,500; Nationalities represented: 33; Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:15; De-gree Awarding Body: Manipal Uni-versity, India.

Manipal University, Dubai

Multi-disciplinary university

Chartered Accountant and can use the letters ACA after their name.

The ACA is one of the leading profes-sional finance and business qualifica-tions. It equips individuals with skills and knowledge needed to work in a variety of roles in a diverse business environment. Students will gain a solid background in finance, business, marketing, economics, management and information systems,

opening the door to a wide range of ca-reer paths once qualified.

ACA training is a mixture of classroom learning and work experience. When studying for the ACA participants will work for an ICAEW authorised training employer. These employers are in all business sectors, including practice (ac-countancy firms) and commerce. Their employer will sometimes fund all or part

of the training, and allow study leave and pay a competitive salary, which can in-crease as ACA exams are completed.

Organisations employ school leavers and graduates to study the ACA. There are a variety of entry routes available af-ter A-levels/equivalent level. Candidates who are school leavers will have to train for five years and those who are bache-lors or post-graduates for three years.

ATTENTION!

Students from all educational systems / boards may visit the website for qualifying marks / equivalencies. Fee concessions offered to meritorious students.

12th grade completed students, aspiring to bemedical & health science professionals!

A P P LYO N L I N EN O W AT

www.rakmhsu.com

Masters Programs also offered:• M.S. in Pharmacy Practice • M.S. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry• Master of Science in Nursing

Admissions in progress for September 2013 session

Bachelor Programs:

• MBBS • BDS • B.Pharm • BSN • RN-BSN Bridge Program

Enquiries for MBBS, B. Pharm & BSN may contact Tel: + 971-7-2269999 Email: [email protected] Website: www.rakmhsu.comEnquiries for BDS may contact: Tel: + 971-7-2222593 Website: www.rakcods.com

All programs are accredited by Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, UAE.

Listed in International Medical Education Directory(IMED) https://imed.faimer.org

Listed in the AVICENNA Directories (formerly WHO Directory of Medical Schools)

http://avicenna.ku.dk/database/medicine