Demand for doctorates rising in Middle East

The primary number of requests for information are received from graduate students and professionals aged between 25 and 35, according to figures from The British University in Dubai (BUiD), but the trend is apparent across all ages and professions.

Increased interest in the possibility of studying at the highest levels was demonstrated by a recent workshop held at BUiD, designed to help students prepare to study a research degree in education at the doctoral level.

Aimed at postgraduate students interested in pursuing a doctoral thesis in education, the event attracted over 50 people from across the UAE - exceeding expectations - including a substantial number of current teachers.

Dr. Mick Randall, who spoke at the event, said the impressive turnout reflected the wider interest in doctoral level research.

"The high turnout at the workshop was very pleasing, and reflects the increasing number of people looking to pursue research at higher levels in the UAE. We are examining the possibility of introducing the British Doctorate in Education specifically to further educational research in the region," said Dr. Randall, Dean for Faculty of Education at BUiD.

In addition to rising levels of interest from potential students, a growing number of companies and not-for-profit organisations are becoming actively involved in attempting to increase the depth of research-based education carried out within the UAE.

BUiD has received widespread interest from potential sponsor companies since it announced that it was in the process of offering doctorates in education, pending the approval of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.