Applications double for Heriot-Watt University in 2008

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Over 250 new undergraduate students and 200 new postgraduate students joined the well-established Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus for its fourth year of operation this week, beginning their journeys through higher education.
 
This year’s student numbers are expected to reach 1000 at the University, with applications having doubled since last year. Offering a range of engineering, management, business and IT degree courses as well as a degree entry programme, Heriot-Watt University pioneered the opening of Dubai International Academic City three years ago and has grown in strength with each year.
 
Professor Brian Smart, Executive Dean and Head of the Campus, said, “It is obvious from this year’s intake of students that our international reputation and the assured quality of our courses are attracting significant numbers of undergraduate and postgraduate students from the UAE and the region. Indeed many of our new postgraduate students have come from beyond the region to study with us.”
 
A special induction programme was carefully crafted to introduce undergraduate students to the University as well as to their chosen programmes and peers. Students attended course specific lectures as well as general University introductory sessions, which included social activities, to encourage interaction between the new students.   
 
New undergraduate Mechanical Engineering student, Owais Hameed, commented, “Choosing a university requires a lot of research, my choice, however, was made easy as Heriot-Watt University offered me the option of studying mechanical engineering through the British system of education at a reputable establishment here in Dubai.
 
“I was excited and apprehensive about starting university, but having been through the induction process and meeting and socialising with my fellow multi-national students, I look forward to studying hard and making new friends over the next three years.”
 
Fellow new Electrical and Electronics Engineering student Neha Sdivan added, “I have really enjoyed my first week as a university student. The faculty staff are extremely friendly and the pre-organised social activities have meant that I have quickly made new friends.
 
“I chose to study at Heriot-Watt University as a result of its international reputation and the option of transferring to the UK campus to study for a year. I look forward to furthering my education and working towards a professional degree, which will allow me to work as an engineer within an international organisation.”           
 
New postgraduate students were welcomed to Heriot-Watt University with an Iftar at the Dubai campus, followed by a formal introductory presentation regarding the University and its postgraduate programmes. 
 
Alexandra Kowalewska, from Poland, studying an MSc in Strategic Project Management said, “The job market is extremely competitive in Europe and I want to ensure that my CV stands out and is appealing to my future employers. Heriot-Watt University has an unrivaled reputation and I was extremely impressed with the campus, faculty staff and the course content when I attended the open day in April.”
 
New postgraduate student Rory O’Farrell, studying an MSc in Construction Management (Project Management), said, ”I was transferred by my company to Dubai from the UK in March 2008 and felt that I wanted to further my education in order to help me progress professionally. I carefully researched the relevant postgraduate courses available in the region and quickly chose to study at Heriot-Watt University. 
 
“My company has been extremely supportive, due to the reputation and flexibility of the University and course programme. I look forward to seeing the benefits of studying whilst working over the next year,”
 
The University is looking forward to the new academic year and to celebrating further student success and achievement in 2009.

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