News sites are littered with stories about how automation and AI will impact our lives. And although this may all still feel far off, pressure is increasing on universities globally to prepare students who can thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Opportunities for gainful employment in coming years will not only be contested by too many graduates for too few positions but also by robots. In the UK more than 10 million jobs – a third of the total – are thought to be at risk from automation within the next two decades, with the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) saying the scale of the challenge requires urgent action.
Future-proof careers
In the UAE, universities are tackling the challenge head on by introducing future-ready degrees to help students thrive once they enter the job market.
A good example is Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) university Dubai, which is offering master’s degrees in Smart Cities Science. The programmes study the pillars of a smart city and then apply digital transformation to various verticals to achieve digitisation goals.
RIT is also starting a new master’s programme in data analytics. “Students will be able to analyse data to make informative decisions that would help guarantee success for their future organisations,” says Dr Yousef Al Assaf, President of RIT. “Other in-demand majors are mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, computing security, and computing and information.”
Dr Kevin Dunseath, Regional Director for Mena, City, University of London and Head of its Dubai Centre, says that students and employers alike in the UAE are increasingly recognising that degrees and majors today must have significant relevance to the world of work.
“However, this does not mean that all degrees and majors should be linked almost exclusively to a specific occupation as in the case of medicine, dentistry and architecture,” he explains.
“Also of great value are subjects such as engineering, law and business studies that prepare students for less specific but equally important career opportunities. Both kinds of subject specialisation encourage students not just to acquire subject-specific knowledge and technical skills but also to equip themselves with transferable soft skills, including critical thinking, teamwork, creativity, communication, work ethic and resilience.”
This year, City, University of London is launching two new master’s degree programmes – an MSc in Airport Management and an LLM in Maritime Law. All classes will take place at the DIFC in intensive block format, mainly over the UAE weekend on Fridays and Saturdays.
The American College of Dubai has catered to the market needs with its programmes. “We have kept a close watch on recommendations given by the advisory board, alumni, and the directives of the Ministry of Education on the addition of entrepreneurship, innovation, creativity and ethics courses to the curriculum,” says Dr Hasan Wahbah, President of American College of Dubai, adding, “We have designed two master’s programmes where sustainability, renewable energy and green buildings are thoroughly addressed.”
Another leading institute, Middlesex University Dubai offers programmes across the disciplines of business, law, psychology, computer engineering, graphic design and media, among others. And this September MSc Robotics will be launched in line with market demand. MBA programmes in Islamic business, innovation, entrepreneurship and data analytics have been launched to support industry requirements. The MSc in hospitality and events management will meet the talent needs for these sectors as well in the run-up to Expo 2020.
Future success
“We always endeavour to build our programme portfolio not only on the demands of the future employers in the region but also in line with the UAE’s 2021 vision,” says Dr Cedwyn Fernandes, Director and Pro Vice-Chancellor of Middlesex University Dubai. “We are preparing our graduates to be employable and ready to hit the ground hard, with strong theoretical and practical knowledge.
“Today’s graduates need to offer something different and this is where our student experience provides support, both within and outside the classroom. With the new academic year fast approaching we want to make sure the communities not only in the UAE but also overseas can be supported in achieving their career goals and bring talent to the region.”
Meanwhile, at a press event in July at The British University in Dubai (BUiD), where the UAE’s first AI undergraduate programme was launched, Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, said that giving students the edge now will serve them well in the next decade.
The research-based university was announcing the launch of seven new bachelor’s degree programmes in the areas of IT, engineering, business and architecture — including Dh4.5-million worth of scholarships being offered to students who were high achievers.
Many of the programmes introduced touch on areas of sustainability, climate change, AI and innovation. “I truly believe that AI, in the right hands, is going to solve all the important challenges like climate change, poverty and access to technology as well as open new frontiers,” said the world’s first appointed minister for AI. “I believe the future will be more positive and hope it
will graduate more students with PhDs in important fields.”
