The Masdar institute is all set to commence their new research degree program from next month. The course is designed keeping in mind the schedules of working professionals. The two year course will enable the professionals to conduct their research in the area or field of choice that could benefit the company, generally in the field of computer science and engineering.
The first batch of students will be the professionals of Mubadala’s Aerospace department and Emirates Aluminum (Emal). More industries are anticipated to join the institute in the coming years. Employers are expected to grant the scholars study leaves and reduce their work hours in order to complete their scholastic work without deducting the salary. However, Masdar will not be paying a stipend to these students and the tuition fees will be sponsored by the industry which costs around US$2,500 (Dh9, 182) a year. Authorities of the institute hope that the course would reinforce the links between the industry and the educational program while granting professional insight to the faculty and the students as well.
However, most companies do not grant study leaves to their employees and expect them to continue their scholastic endeavors at their own expense without sacrificing any work time. Zayed University’s masters degree program was sacked after it failed to lure enough students. Authorities at Higher College of Technology (HCT) are visibly impressed with Masdar’s program and are enthusiastic about its commencement.
Experts assert that if companies could introduce flexible work protocols for employees willing to pursue a research degree, more people would take up the course. Academicians at the Canadian University in Dubai stated that the number of students enrolled in their evening and weekend courses have been increasing hence displaying a growth in the demand for higher studies. However, the cost of the studies compels aspirants to shun away from studies. Though Scholarships are available, they cannot be used to sponsor every student. Therefore, Gulf universities must analyze the plan of introducing higher education plans for the employed population.
Source: Minglebox