/24-7PressRelease/ - (RAS AL KHAIMAH, UAE) - August 14, 2008 - First UK University to Open in Ras al Khaimah
In order to support the rapidly developing economy in Ras al Khaimah, the University of Bolton will establish the first UK branch campus in the Ras al Khaimah Free Zone. Both the University and its partner, Western International College, have identified RAK as an ideal location for the new Bolton campus.
The lower costs of operations within Ras al Khaimah will be passed directly to the students in the form of highly competitive fee levels.
A wide range of Undergraduate and Postgraduate programmes will be available in Engineering, Business, Computing and Art & Design from September 2008. Postgraduate programmes will be designed so that students can continue in work while they study.
All the programmes delivered at the branch campus in RAK will be directly equivalent to those offered in Bolton; they will be assessed by the same examination boards and moderated by the same external examiners. It is expected that UK and international students will choose to move freely between both campuses.All degrees and transcripts will be issued directly by the University of Bolton, UK and these will be identical to those offered to students at the parent campus.
The University positions itself as student centred and in providing career relevant programmes. It is currently already delivering programmes in 9 countries, predominantly in the Far East, Asia and Africa. The University has received the highest recommendations on all its recent UK teaching quality audits.
In a recent global bench marking survey of 84 universities, Bolton's international students had the highest level of satisfaction with their learning experience. Dr George Holmes, Vice Chancellor, says 'The student experience is more than just about attending lectures. We deliver a blend of academic knowledge with practical applied skills employers need. Students gain professional insight and skills that enable them to advance at work and in their chosen careers.'
Zubair Hanslot, Principal Lecturer in Computing and Engineering Mathematics and Interim Project Manager for the Ras al Khaimah campus said, 'The University of Bolton is exactly the type of University needed in Ras al Khaimah. The University's philosophy is wholly focussed on teaching, learning and support to ensure student success in achieving a degree and transforming students work and career prospects.'
'We aim to provide modern teaching facilities, state of the art laboratories and equipment and the broadest range of flexible degree options available from a UK university in the Emirates. We're also keen to develop relationships with local employers to meet their employees professional and high level skill needs. We are confident of attracting students from all over the region as we will be providing transport to all regions of Dubai ,Sharjah, Ajman, UAQ and Fujairah , enabling students to stay with their families while studying. Dubai is only a 45-50 minute drive away .We will also be providing student visa options as well as accommodation for students wanting these facilities'
H.E Sheikh Faisal Bin Saqr Al Qassimi, Chairman of RAK Free Trade Zone said 'I am delighted to welcome the University of Bolton from the UK to RAK. We have ambitious economic development plans for RAK. Higher level skills are essential and the demand for graduates from employers is set to grow rapidly.
I am convinced they will make a big contribution to the prosperity of the region and the economy of RAK. '
Paul Sellers, Director of the British Council in the UAE, stated: 'We are extremely pleased that the University of Bolton has reached agreement with the RAK authorities to establish a campus. The quality of UK higher education is second to none and this development will be of enormous benefit to students and the academic community in RAK.'
Further information is available on http://www.bolton.ac.uk/UAECampus/
About University of Bolton
University of Bolton, Ras Al Khaimah offers graduate & post graduate programmes across 14 dispilines. Programmes are scheduled to commence through Sep 2008. For more information on our programmes or scholarships or to partner with us call 0097172281725
# # #
Read more Press Releases from Raj Nambiar:
