Future Gulf banking and business leaders acquire hands-on experience

Students were hosted by the Reuters Lab in Dubai, the local home of Reuters 3000 Xtra. Reuters 3000 Xtra is Reuters' premium market terminal, giving traders and analysts a commanding view of the global real-time financial arena with news, information and insight as well as access to the global Reuters trading community.

Typically, the tool is widely used across financial markets but also provides massive potential for academic research and vocational training. In a clear indication of its commitment to preparing future financial sector leaders, The British University in Dubai is in the process of acquiring licences to allow student use of the service as part of a wider programme of training and development.

The Reuters Lab package provides analytic support for students wishing to monitor finance and banking information in a simulated setting that would replicate the world of work.

Students can also use the service to gather data towards the practically focussed research projects. Taken together, opportunities such as the newly forged link with Reuters underwrite the practical and vocational character of the Finance and Banking degree.

Dr. Kostas Giannopoulos, Head of Finance and Banking at BUiD, said: "Since this specialist vocational degree was launched by BUiD, it has gone from strength to strength. The course has a strong practical focus that has been designed specifically for banking and finance professionals in the region looking to enhance their skill-sets and expertise."

"Students learn how to conduct market research so that upon graduation they will be equipped with the data analysis skills needed to work as traders, portfolio managers, risk assessors and treasurers," he added.

Course provision is influenced by the fact that the UAE is experiencing unprecedented economic growth, necessitating continual innovation in technology and curriculum-based provision. The close collaboration with the Reuters' Lab is the latest example of this process.

Places are still available on MSc in Finance and Banking at BUiD, both full time (one-year) and part time (two years) to allow those who want to work and study to benefit from the programme. Teaching commences on 21 October 2007 and online enrolment is available at http://www.buid.ac.ae/

The fully accredited postgraduate degree is offered in partnership with the Sir John Cass Business School of City University, London, one of Europe's leading business schools.

The Masters programme covers key aspects of banking and finance including risk management, investments, trading, fixed income markets and Islamic banking, all designed to enhance the students' skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the expanding and highly competitive market.

Classes commence on Sunday 21 October, with a few places remaining for students still wishing to enrol.