British University in Dubai attracts students from around the region

The exhibition will feature a number of academic institutions as well as regional and international experts who will participate in seminars to address the importance of learning technology, the development of tertiary education and human resource training.

BUID is the only exclusively postgraduate, research based University in the region, with all programmes accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. Programmes offered include Project Management, Information Technology and Environmental Design of Buildings and MEd's in English Language Teaching, International Management and Policy and Education.

In 2006, BUID expects to offer MScs in Finance and Banking and IT Management, both of which are subject to accreditation. The university is also exploring programmes at the doctoral level, reflecting BUiD's drive to offer specialized programmes to meet the demand of students and of an economy requiring more and more specialized knowledge and skills in its drive to be a global competitor.

BUiD has attracted strong interest from a number of organizations and students in the UAE, the GCC and the region as a whole. The university's postgraduate programmes meet UK standards and are affiliated with leading institutions such as Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff, Edinburg and the CASS Business School of City University in London. The university is currently in discussions on accreditation of PhD programmes in 2006.

At the moment, BUID has 180 students, most of who are from the UAE and represent over fifteen different nationalities. Ages range from fresh grads in their early 20s to mid-career individuals in their 50s, yet another statement to the diversity that is BUID.

One of these students is Saima Tariq Khan currently pursuing a MSc. in Informatics with a specialization in Speech and Language Engineering. What are her plans after graduation? "I would like to pursue a PhD in my discipline. The details of time, place and so on I do not really know!" said Khan. "Fortunately, BUID has plans of opening further education programs which is definitely an option I will consider."

Through this year's GETEX, BUID hopes to provide first-hand information to people looking to enhance their careers or who plan on continuing their education at the postgraduate level. Through showcasing their programmes and highlighting some of the unique offerings of BUID, the University believes people visiting GETEX will be able to make the right choice in choosing the right university for furthering their academic careers.

Khan had some advice to offer students looking for their 'right university match': "I think the fact that BUID has associations with some of the best universities in the UK strengthen its programs." She added: "Our courses are quality controlled by the respective universities - I can tell you its hard work completing projects, assignments and exams which are then moderated by an examiners group from the University of Edinburgh!"