UK university to open branch campus in RAK

Prof. Peter David John, CEO, Minerva Schools

The University of West London, one of the leading UK Universities, is starting the University's Branch Campus in the UAE, the first such branch campus in the Middle East.
The branch campus will be offered to students in the UAE within a couple of months, subject to approval from the concerned education authorities.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Prof. Peter David John, vice-chancellor, University of West London, said the university witnessed a 20 per cent drop in the umber of international students, especially Indian students, due to stringent student visa and emigration rules in the UK.
After the Brexit ruling there has been a considerable drop in the number of European students in the UK due to new restrictions on students movement from EU.
"British Universities have witnessed about 25 per cent drop in the number of international students due to strict visa and emigration rules. British and American Universities used to be the most sought after foreign universities for international students from India and the Middle East. The trend may change due to the ongoing campaign in the USA against foreigners especially migrants," he said, adding that there may be a relocation of students from American Universities in the near future.
There are about 12,000 students in the UWL campus and the number of business school students is 1,400.
Prof. Peter said more western universities are encouraging transnational education rather than international education by setting up campuses in India, China, Singapore and different other locations.
"The UK would develop as a popular destination for international students because the new US President Donald Trump has already upset many international students. There will be a gradual shift of international students away from American Universities," he added.
Announcing details of the proposed branch campus in Ras Al Khiamah, Prof. Peter David John, vice-chancellor, University of West London, said the university's board of governors have passed the required resolution to start the branch campus in collaboration with the UAE based Wisdom Education Group.
Initially the UWL intends to offer Master of Business Administration (MBA) BA Hons in Business Studies (BABS), MSC Finance and Accounting, BA Hons in Accounting and Finance as well as travel and tourism management courses in UAE.
In September 2018, the university intends to start tourism and airline management course, said Ahmed Rafi B. Ferry, chief executive officer, Wisdom Education Group.
The university has already applied to RAK Academic Zone-RAKFTZ for branch campus licence, which is now under the approval process. University also intends to start offering courses in May 2017 subject to approval from RAK Academic Zone-RAKFTZ.
sathish@khaleejtimes.com