The British University in Dubai announces senior academic appointment

A native Egyptian, Dr. Gaad brings a wealth of teaching experience with a focus on special education. Most recently she was on the faculty of the UAE University, Department of Special Education where she taught a range of subjects including assessment of special needs, behaviour modification, rehabilitation in special education and educating students with exception learning needs.

Prior to her tenure at the UAE University, Dr. Gaad was a member of the academic staff at East Anglia University in England. She has done extensive research in the areas of educating children with special needs. Additionally, she has been instrumental in organising Islamic seminars and Arabic workshops for a number of educational institutions including primary and secondary schools and universities.

"I am very excited to be joining such a vibrant and innovative institution where I will be able to develop my research interests and lead a high quality masters programme," said Dr. Gaad.

The Masters degree programmes at BUiD's Institute of Education are based on the modular framework of The University of Birmingham. Students will be required to complete taught modules and a dissertation. The MEd programme offers three specialist 'tracks', supported by core modules in Education and Research Methods. The three tracks offered at present are International Management and Policy of Education, Special Education, and Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language.

The programme consists of common modules in research methods in education and school observation, evaluation and supervision; and then specialist modules according to the track chosen. In International Management and Policy in Education, these modules are in leadership, education policy and planning, curriculum innovation and citizenship. In Special Education they are in learning difficulties, emotional and behavioural difficulties, inclusion and the policy and practice for Special Educational Needs. In English Language Teaching, the modules are in Introduction to English Language, Second Language Learning, ELT syllabus and design, and discourse for teachers.

The British University in Dubai 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 and The University of Manchester Institute of Science (UMIST). The university has achieved official candidacy from the Ministry of Higher Education. Programmes are either under review or will be brought forward for accreditation. Starting in October 2004, BUiD will offer full and part time masters degree programmes and Continuing Professional Development courses in Informatics, Engineering and Education.