Middlesex University Dubai is the first overseas campus of the internationally renowned Middlesex University. The campus opened in 2005 and now offers a quality UK education to over 3,200 students of more than 100 nationalities. It is a global university committed to meeting the needs and ambitions of a culturally and internationally diverse student cohort by providing challenging academic programmes underpinned by innovative research and professional practice. Since opening, the university has seen a range of honorary graduates including Yusuff Ali M.A., Chairman and Managing Director of Lulu Group International; Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Duty Free; Gerald Lawless, Head of Tourism and Hospitality at Dubai Holding and Chairman of the World Travel and Tourism Council; and Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline.
As well as having all the advantages associated with a British university, students studying at the Dubai campus can benefit from all the opportunities afforded by a dynamic and rapidly developing modern city in the heart of the Middle East, while experiencing the diverse nationalities and cultures that make up the population of Dubai. Students pursuing Bachelor’s study at the university are also able to benefit from the option to transfer their studies to the home campus in London, in their second year of study.
The campus is located in Dubai Knowledge Park, occupying spacious classrooms and study areas, along with laboratories, and a dedicated student lounge HUB 19, which includes a music room, dance studio, and recreational lounge. Dubai Knowledge Park was set up in 2003 for international institutions that promote learning, with many other international universities located within the area.
Meeting demands
Middlesex University’s quality credentials are of the highest order. The university is audited by the UK’s Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) for Higher Education, and the Dubai campus is an integral part of this audit process. The campus is subject to the same rigorous quality assurance procedures that have earned Middlesex University the highest possible endorsement from the QAA. The Dubai Campus is also licensed by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority. Academic programmes in Dubai have the same validation and monitoring system as in London, with the same examinations taken simultaneously in both cities. The degrees awarded to students of Middlesex University Dubai are therefore identical to those awarded at the London campus. Wherever they study – Middlesex students are prepared for a significant role within the global economy.
The programmes are designed to meet the requirements of both industry employers and employees in a rapidly changing and competitive job market, with specialisms in business, accounting, psychology, computer engineering, robotics, fashion design, media, film, law, and much more. Many of the university’s programmes also provide exemptions from professional body examinations, such as the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. It also provides graduate students memberships in professional bodies, such as ACCA’S Accelerate and CIMA University Schemes. Various programmes are recognised and accredited by leading professional bodies, including professional accounting bodies and the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development, the Chartered Institute of Marketing, and the Chartered Management Institute.
Students at the university get a comprehensive, well-rounded experience. Alumni progress to work for leading companies including Emirates Airlines, Grant Thornton, and DAMAC Hotels & Resorts. BA Honours Accounting and Finance Alumna Naureen Shajahan now works as an Associate Auditor with Deloitte. Speaking of her experience, she commented: “During my time at university I was exposed to situations where I had to take responsibility which gave me a taste of a working environment. I don’t think I could have got such an experience elsewhere.”
The university also provides exceptional placement opportunities with leading companies, such as Canon Middle East, Bloomberg ME, Emirates Airlines, SAP, Oracle, Microsoft, Warner Bros, and EY. Such opportunities are further enhanced by the university’s Careers and Employability Service, which provides tailored careers advice to students. Through this exposure to industry, students are able to apply knowledge in a professional setting by working on real-life projects, meeting high profile practitioners and building industry contacts.
Paramount to the success of the students is the faculty – comprising of researchers and award-winning professionals who have an abundance of practical and academic experience. Many of the university’s faculty have appeared as keynote and guest speakers at research conferences across the world, and received international recognition for their research – they are keen to instil this mindset into their students. The university prides itself on its innovative teaching approach – challenging students to put their academic knowledge into practice via internal and external activities including field trips, competitions and events.
The university now offers short, bespoke programmes specifically designed for companies and organisations based on their individual requirements. These in-house training progammes are customised and can be delivered as a series of short courses or as a single block of training as an intensive and immersive experience. These include: Accounting for Non-Account Managers, Fundamentals of Coaching for Educators, Advanced Social Media Master Class, Startup and SME Planning and Optimisation, and Business Strategy and Innovation.
Middlesex University Dubai was recently awarded ‘Best Media Centre’ in the region at the Forbes Middle East Higher Education Awards. The title was in recognition of the outstanding curricula, achievements, and facilities of the University’s Media School. One of the highlights of the Media School is its film programme, taught by faculty with outstanding industry credentials, who have experience in filmmaking, producing, and screenwriting. The university’s unique MDX Studios features industry-standard editing suites with colour grading suites, editing and VFX suites, an ADR booth, 4k editing facilities, and a newly-designed integrated learning space including a screening room. It is also the only university in the Middle East to be certified by Blackmagic Design.
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