BUiD makes progress through research-based degrees
Rushika Bhatia
Industry Watch
Published:

BUiD makes progress through research-based degrees

The British University in Dubai (BUiD) has recently received approval from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research to re-structure the modules of its Masters programmes for its September 2011 intake.

BUiD’s Postgraduate programmes have often taken well over two years to complete on a part-time basis, which is considered overlong compared to other leading universities in the UAE. But now with BUiD’s new structure students can complete taught modules well within two years on part time basis.

This decision was based upon feedback BUiD received from its students, most of whom are also working in demanding jobs and are challenged by the duration of BUiD programmes. BUiD has enhanced its programme by removing over lapse of content in the academic programmes, thereby strengthening academic content whilst maintaining integrity.

Prof Abdullah Alshamsi says “The revised, more-focused structure of BUiD’s Masters Courses should now encourage more and more working professionals to enroll for research-based degrees as the duration is one of the key deciding factors for students. Students can now complete their research-based Masters in similar time-frame to a taught Masters.” With these re-structured programmes, module offerings are now more uniform and consistent throughout the university.

BUiD is one of few universities to offer research intensive programmes where students not only involve themselves in research projects during the taught modules, but also undertake a 60 credit research- intensive dissertation, is equivalent to one-third of the programme content.

With the new structure, students can finish the taught element in nine months and then progress on their research. BUiD is now working a trimester system which also allows students more flexibility. The re-structure will cover the ten different Masters as well as PG diplomas in the three faculties of the university namely Education, Engineering and IT, and Business.

As a result of the restructuring there is greater coherence within modules and topics complement and support each other more effectively. It is also anticipated that this will result in enhanced student perception and understanding of key concepts and their applications. This re-structure will result in more timely progression and increased graduate numbers. Martin Prince, Registrar at The British University says “Dubai is pursuing its ambition to be a progressive world-city with a 21st century economy. To fulfill its potential as a regional hub for a knowledge-based society, the under 35s in the population must recognise the importance of research and development. By making its research-based programmes more appealing to that generation, BUiD will better serve the interests of the people and the nation.”

Commenting on the restructuring of BUiD’s MSc in Human Resource Management, Prof Ashly Pinnington, Dean of the Faculty of Business says “The new structure for the M Sc in Human Resource Management is mapped to the UK Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (CIPD) Advanced Diploma in HRM. BUiD’s MSc in HRM is designed for people wanting to develop advanced knowledge and skills relating to HR management. It is a well-known Masters qualification and the modules are compatible with CIPD Diploma level examinations.”

Classes start on the 17th of September 2011 for all programmes across the university. Preparations are underway to welcome the new cohort of students at BUiD. New e-resources databases have been added to the learning resources within the university to provide academics and students access to advanced academic content for teaching and research.

Students wishing to enroll for BUiD programmes can apply online on www.buid.ac.ae or call +971 (0) 4 391 3626 for more information.