All systems go

The British University in Dubai (BUiD) recently launched the first MSc degree in systems engineering in the UAE – and in the Middle East – in partnership with the UK-based University of Manchester. The research-based postgraduate university hopes the programme will boost the level of engineering skills in the region. The programme focuses on manufacturing, power generation, process and refining, aerospace and robotic systems.

"We see a critical demand in the market to address the skills gap for qualified engineers that exists within key industries in the Middle East," said Dr Abdullah Al Shamsi, vice-chancellor of BUiD.

"With leading energy and aerospace companies currently importing professionals, market analysts are urging academics to train local talent in an effort to create a knowledge-based economy and reduce recruitment costs," he added.

Industry needs

"This programme is direly needed by industries," said Dr Ayoub Kazim, Executive Director of Dubai International Academic City and Dubai Knowledge Village, who attended the launch event.

He added that industries in the UAE that might tap into the skills offered by the programme include roads and transport, aviation and aerospace, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Dubai Aluminium (Dubal) and oil and gas companies.

Kazim said the companies could use the programme to develop the skills of their personnel as it provides students with the basic knowledge to manage complex systems.

Al Shamsi said that "globally there is a perceived shortage of qualified systems engineers, particularly in intensive industries such as oil and gas".

He added: "In fact a recent study by energy giant BP suggests that the average age of working engineers is almost 50 years old, indicating the need for young professionals."

Degree advantages

Unlike highly-specialised engineering degrees, a systems engineering degree gives graduates a broader experience. BUiD representatives said systems engineering is relevant to a wide range of sectors including aviation, manufacturing, transport, energy and logistics. Until now companies in these sectors have had to seek professionals abroad or sponsor students to train outside the region.

According to BUiD officials the degree is aimed at students who already hold an engineering degree and applications are now open.

"Systems engineering provides a fascinating range of career opportunities across a broad range of industries and we believe 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 Professor Robert Whalley, dean of the Faculty of Engineering at BUiD.

About the degree

The master's programme is available full-time over one year or part-time over two or three years. The programme comprises eight modules of 15 credits each and a dissertation of 60 credits.

Entry requirements

Note:

To apply