An academic expert says that more UAE universities should recognize credits earned by students who obtain BTEC Higher National Diploma (HND) qualifications when they decide to pursue university studies.
Wassim Hamadah, Marketing Manager, Middlesex University, said that UAE universities should follow the example of three universities in the country which recognize BTEC credits earned when pursuing higher education in their institutions.
Currently, only three UAE universities – Middlesex, Heriot-Watt and American University in Emirates – compared to 48 in the UK allow holders of Edexcel BTEC HNDs to transfer credits to the relevant Associate or Bachelors programmes.
Middlesex University Dubai welcomes students who have completed one or more years of study at a recognized university, college or higher education (HE) institution who have earned academic credits in approved post-secondary qualifications.
Hamadah added: "Most of our undergraduate programs accept entrants onto the second and third year. In addition, we offer a number of top-up programs which cover the third year of bachelor's degrees and are specifically designed for applicants wishing to progress from Higher National Diplomas or following the second year of a standard Bachelor's degree program."
Hamadah added that vocational qualifications provide students with practical knowledge, which may be limited in the classroom.
He said that students who have completed an Edexcel HND qualification are qualified for advanced entry onto Middlesex University Dubai programmes.
Mr. Hamadah added: "Edexcel offers UK based qualifications and the standards of their program are equivalent to the standard provided at Middlesex University Dubai."
Mr. Hamadah explained that Dubai campus of Middlesex University had 41 enrollments for the 2009-2010 academic years from students that have completed BTEC qualifications. For the academic year 2010-2011, he anticipated there will be more than 100 students enrolling that have completed a BTEC qualification.
Mr. Hamadah said that in 2009, Middlesex University Dubai had placed for employment a good number for employment who took advantage of its Careers and Employability service that provides students and graduates with the guidance they need to achieve their career goals.
Hamadah emphasized that depending on their system, some UAE universities have restrictions on advanced entry applicants which means that many students that have completed higher studies may be not granted advanced entry into these universities.
BTEC qualifications are internationally recognized vocational qualifications, and those who have completed these qualifications are eligible for advanced entry onto a variety of undergraduate programs in universities across the world.
Edexcel's exclusive BTEC qualifications provide a practical, real-world approach to learning alongside a theoretical background. They are designed both to replicate the professional working environment and provide learners with the skills, knowledge and behaviours they need to succeed in the current job market. Various opportunities for higher education are available for BTEC HND holders in North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Australasia.
