BUiD aims to close "Skills Gap" for Middle East engineers

Systems engineering is an industry-focused discipline with significant relevance for a wide range of sectors, including aviation, manufacturing, transport, energy and logistics. Typically, companies in these sectors have had to look for qualified professionals abroad or sponsor students to train outside the region.

Globally, there is a perceived shortage of qualified systems engineers, particularly in intensive industries like oil and gas - a recent study by energy giant BP suggests that the average age of working engineers was almost 50 years old, indicating the urgent need for young professionals.

The new BUiD course, developed in partnership with the UK's prestigious University of Manchester, will focus upon on the analysis, design, diagnostics and control of industrial, electro-mechanical systems using modern computer-based procedures. Typically, industrial manufacturing, power generation, process and refining, aerospace and robotic systems are all considered in this programme.

"We see huge potential in creating this course to both address the skills gap that currently exists within the Middle East engineering sector and also to create vital employment opportunities for Emarati youth,"

said Dr. Abdullah Alshamsi, Vice-Chancellor of BUiD.

"Working with the University of Manchester, we have analysed the gap in the market which exists for qualified systems engineers. It is evident that many of the region's most important industries, including the energy and aviation sectors, are looking for a new generation of professionals, as are some of the most strategically-important sectors of the future, such as industrial manufacturing and robotic engineering,"

he added.

Academics are confident that the first year of the course will attract an ambitious group of students looking to specialise in the field, and that the course will continue to increase in size as more professionals see the career opportunities in this field.

"Systems engineering provides a fascinating range of career opportunities across a broad range of industries, and we think the launch of this specialist MSc will provide an important boost for participating professionals. In particular, many of the modules on offer are linked to research projects and students will gain by exposure to an excellent research environment,"

said Prof. Robert Whalley, Dean - Faculty of Engineering, The British University in Dubai.

The degree will be open to all engineering undergraduates who will progress in their relevant areas of specialisation by using modelling, simulation and computer aided techniques applied to spatially dispersed, computer controlled, state space and multivariable systems. The course of study has been accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education and Scientific Research and approved by the School of Mechanical, Aeronautical and Civil Engineering, University of Manchester.

Applications for the programme are open; apply on the university website to enrol for the September 2008 intake.