The history of Middlesex University began in the late 1880’s, when two educational institutions opened their doors in North London – St Katherine’s College and the Hornsey School of Arts and Crafts. Both would become part of Middlesex Polytechnic, which was founded in 1973. Middlesex was awarded the title ‘University’ – by Royal Assent – in 1992.
Middlesex University Dubai is the first overseas campus of the internationally renowned Middlesex University. The campus opened in 2005 and now offers a quality UK education to over 3,200 students from more than 100 nationalities. It is a global university committed to meeting the needs and ambitions of a culturally and internationally diverse student cohort by providing challenging academic programmes underpinned by innovative research and professional practice. Since opening, the University has seen a range of Honorary Graduates including Yusuff Ali M.A. (Chairman and Managing Director of Lulu Group International), Colm McLoughlin (Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Duty Free), Gerald Lawless (Head of Tourism and Hospitality at Dubai Holding and Chairman of the World Travel and Tourism Council), and Tim Clark (President of Emirates Airline), amongst others.
As well as having all the advantages associated with being a British university, students studying at the Dubai campus can benefit from all the opportunities afforded by a dynamic and rapidly developing modern city in the heart of the Middle East, while experiencing the diverse nationalities and cultures that make up the population of Dubai. Students pursuing Bachelor’s study at the University are also able to benefit from the option to transfer their studies to the home campus in London, in their second year of study.
The Campus is located across four buildings of Dubai Knowledge Park, occupying spacious classrooms and study areas, along with laboratories, and a dedicated student lounge ‘HUB 19’; including a music room, dance studio, gaming room, and recreational lounge. Dubai Knowledge Park itself was set up in 2003 for international institutions that promote learning, with many other international universities located within the area. Middlesex University Dubai students, therefore, have the opportunity to participate in a much wider student community.
Middlesex University’s quality credentials are outstanding. The University is audited by the UK’s Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) for Higher Education, and the Dubai campus is an integral part of this audit process. The Campus is subject to the same rigorous quality assurance procedures that have earned Middlesex University the highest possible endorsement from the QAA. The Dubai Campus is also licensed by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KDHDA). Academic programmes in Dubai have the same validation and monitoring system as in London, with the same examinations taken simultaneously in both cities. The Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees awarded to students of Middlesex University Dubai are therefore identical to those achieved by students at the London campus. Wherever they study – Middlesex students are prepared for a significant role within the global economy.
The University’s Business School has been a key player in providing business, management, and professionally accredited programmes, with a proven track record of working in partnership with both public and private sector organisations within the UAE and across the globe. Programmes include Accounting and Finance, Business Management extending 7 specialist pathways (General, Human Resource Management, Finance, Marketing, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Project Management, and Supply Chain and Logistics), International Tourism Management, Marketing, HR, International Business, and a prestigious MBA offering 11 pathways including Finance, Marketing, Business Excellence, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Islamic Economy, and the newly launched Healthcare Management, and Project Management.
MBA alumnus Kelven Shihai Zhang, Vice President of Far East Heng Fai Façade (Zhuhai) Limited, said of his experience: “Studying at Middlesex University Dubai was a great journey – the MBA programme was elaborative and interesting, and practical to my work needs.”
The programmes are designed to meet the requirements of both employers and employees in a rapidly changing and competitive job market. Many of the University’s business programmes also provide exemptions from professional body examinations such as the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). It also provides graduate students memberships in professional bodies such as ACCA’S Acelerate and CIMA University Schemes. Various programmes are also recognised and accredited by leading professional bodies internationally, including professional accounting bodies and the CIPD (Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development), the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), and the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). Alongside such professional accreditation, the University works closely with leading organisations to provide students with the platform to engage with industry and work on live case studies whereby they can apply their academic knowledge into practice. Middlesex University Dubai launches a range of new programmes each year in line with the demand of the industry. Programmes launched this year include Digital Media, Data Science, MA Education (SEND) and Fashion Design.
The University also provides exceptional placement opportunities with leading companies including Canon Middle East, Bloomberg ME, Emirates Airlines, SAP, Oracle, Microsoft, Warner Bros, and Ernst & Young. Such internships and opportunities are further enhanced by the University’s Careers and Employability Service, which provides guidance on interviews, CV writing workshops, one-to-one support on job applications, access to vacancies, as well as programme specific Career Days. This significant exposure to industry, students are able to apply knowledge in a professional setting by working on real life projects, meeting high profile practitioners and building industry contacts along the way.
Naureen Shajahan, Alumna of BA Honours Accounting and Finance, now weeks in Deloitte as an Associate Auditor. Speaking of her experience, she commented, “During my time at University I was exposed to situations where I had to take responsibility which gave me a taste of a working environment. I don’t think I could have got such an experience elsewhere.” Alumni of the Business School have gone on to work for leading companies such as Emirates Airlines, Grant Thornton, DAMAC Hotels & Resorts, and Saatchi & Saatchi, amongst others.
Paramount to the success of the students is the faculty at Middlesex University Dubai – comprising of researchers, specialist practitioners and award winning professionals with an abundance of both practical and academic experience. Many of the University’s faculty have appeared as keynote and guest speakers at research conferences all over the world, and received international recognition for their research, and are keen to instill this mindset into their students. The University prides itself on its innovative teaching approach – challenging students to put their academic knowledge into practice via internal and external activities including field trips, competitions and events.
The University now offers short bespoke programmes specifically designed for companies and organisations based on their individual training requirements. These in-house training are customised and can be delivered as a series of short courses or as a single block of training as an intensive and immersive experience. Such short courses may include: Accounting for Non-Account Managers, Fundamentals of Coaching for Educators, Advanced Social Media Master Class, Startup and SME Planning and Optimisation, and Business Strategy and Innovation.
Middlesex University Dubai was recently awarded ‘Best Media Centre’ in the region at the Forbes Middle East Higher Education Awards. The title was awarded in recognition of the outstanding curricula, achievements, and facilities of the University’s esteemed Media School. One of the highlights of the Media School is its Film programme, taught by faculty with outstanding industry credentials, who have experience in filmmaking, producing, and screenwriting. The University’s unique MDX Studios features industry-standard editing suites with colour grading suites, editing and VFX suites, an ADR booth, 4k editing facilities, and a newly-designed integrated learning space including a screening room. Middlesex University Dubai is the only university in the Middle East to be certified by Blackmagic Design.
