An MBA isn't too far away...

A local academy joins hands with a prestigious foreign university to bring yet another masters programme to the UAE, Manal Ismail writes

Oxford Brookes University has partnered with the Etisalat Academy to offer students Masters degrees in Business Administration (MBA).

This agreement is the first of its kind for the University of Oxford Brookes, creating a benchmark of business learning in the UAE and validating the nation's position as the regional hub for talented professionals.

Expanding the curriculum

Dr Doaa Fares, Director-General of Etisalat Academy, said the masters programme was an essential addition to the curriculum as it opens yet another door for seekers of higher education.

"Our objective is to offer the highest possible standards of education and a world-class curriculum to professionals across the Middle East and North Africa," he said.

Dr Fares added that the programme is part of Etisalat's continued support in providing the facilities and the environment to offer the "ultimate in business and technical education".

David Langford, dean of the business school at Oxford Brookes University, said they have brought their programme to the region because of its steady progress as the hub of education.

"We see clearly that the UAE is a dynamic centre of development," he said. "Etisalat Academy represents to us a model of a new business school and a relationship that is integral to a very large dynamic company. It offers flexible work between business and education to students at the academy."

The benefits

The MBA programme will be available to students in the Gulf during the first phase before accepting applications from other parts of the Middle East and North Africa. Students can participate online or by physically attending the classes.

"The programme offers the opportunity for distance learning, so students are able to undertake a very high level of educational training within the confines of a high pressure environment," said Christopher Des Forges, assistant dean and director of business features at Oxford Brookes University.

"So students can maintain their positions within their companies, and improve their performance throughout the training."

Another advantage to the programme is its affiliation with the academy, providing a chance for practical application and enhanced learning within the framework of the Gulf region.

"Because we are working so closely with the colleagues at the academy, we are able to introduce some of the course work in the context of the specific conditions and challenges of the region," Des Forges said.

"Rather than bringing examples from English or American experiences, we can bring real local context to the training that we give."

The main aim of the programme is to enhance leadership quality.

"We hope to improve management learning through our collaboration by improving the process through which managers can develop their leaders," Langford said. "And we want to do this by working and learning together."

Got questions? Well, we've got answers.

What are the criteria and eligibility requirements? Is work experience required?
Interested applicants must register for the MBA curriculum and should have a TOEFL mark of over 320 or an IELTS certificate. Work experience is required and applicants must submit official documents and letters from their companies and schedule a personal interview at the Etisalat Academy.

How long is the programme?
The MBA programme takes 30 months, although it can be completed in a shorter time in some cases (24 months minimum).

What does the programme entail? Is the timing flexible?
Students will undergo the programme in three stages. The first stage begins at the Etisalat Academy in the UAE; the second is via distance learning and the final stage is completed in a 45-day stay at the University of Oxford Brookes in England.

All participants who pass the course will be invited to attend the graduation ceremony at the University's Oxfort Brokkes campus and receive their degrees.

The course has been designed to take into account the work pressures of the region, with courses taking place in evenings and weekends. Participants can also take a vacation during their course, if they require it.

When can I apply?
Registration will start at the beginning of April, and courses will commence in July.

Information provided by Dr Doaa Fares, Director-General of Etisalat Academy

For more information, visit www.etisalat.ae