First of its Kind in the Sultanate, promising Quality and Choice
Muscat Universityhas today 9th December launched a pioneering year-long programme expertly designed to support students whose ambition is to study overseas for the full duration of their undergraduate degree. The Muscat University International Foundation Programme– unique in the Sultanate of Oman – will complement the University’s existing Foundation Year, which is already preparing students for the high quality, UK-accredited and career-focussed Bachelor Degree courses offered exclusively at Muscat University’s flagship facilities in the heart of the capital.
Bachelors and Masters programmes at Muscat University are jointly awarded with leading British institutions and focus on engineering, logistics, business, finance and aviation. They are industry-facing, helping meet the priorities of the Omani and global economy with a large percentage of the programmes taught by visiting international faculty.
Today’s announcement provides an extra, high-quality route to undergraduate study. It is tailored to prepare and help fulfil the potential of those who choose to study overseas, while offering an opportunity to experience an exciting year of life and learning at Muscat University.
Candidateswho successfully complete the International Foundation Programme, and meet English language requirements,can either progressto an undergraduate programme at Muscat University orchoose to enrol onrelevant programmes ata growing number of well-established UK higher education institutions. Muscat University has already signedagreementswith Aston Universityin Birmingham, The University of Hull, The University of Sunderland, Leeds Beckett University and The University of Central Lancashire, with others expected to follow.
For local students and their families, the opportunity to participate in an International Foundation Year within the Sultanate brings advantages. Three or four years of higher education abroad is a significant investment, and transition to university study is a demanding step. The International Foundation Year at Muscat University has been designed to provide a supportive bridge between high school and university, enhancing prospects for individual success. It also means lower associated costs, and the reassurance of closer proximity to support networks at this important transitional stage.
Muscat University’s Vice-Chancellor,Professor Yusra Mouzughi,said: “This new offering from Muscat University further demonstrates our commitment to provide outstandingeducation and bring fresh opportunities to the Sultanate ofOman. As well as deepening our existingpartnership with Aston University,the International Foundation Programme will build connectionswith dynamic and innovative universitiesacrossthe United Kingdom equipping students for success.”
Academic leaders at UK universities already committed to the programme have warmly welcomed the initiative. Aston University Birmingham – a founding academic partner of Muscat University – was awarded Gold status in the UK government’s recent Teaching Excellence Framework. This recognised ‘consistently outstanding outcomes’ for students, with a very large proportion entering highly-skilled employment or advanced study. The University, whose history stretches to 1895, is ranked in the Top 25 British universities for Overall Student Satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2019), and its business school ranks in the top 1% globally. Muscat University’s undergraduate programmes in Oman are dual awards with Aston University.
Saskia Loer Hansen, Pro-Vice-Chancellor at Aston University, said: “Whether they stay in Oman and progress to one of the career-building dual Bachelor degrees we offer with Muscat University, or if they come to the UK for the full duration of their undergraduate study, we believe that our global approachto higher education, and the values we share, will prepare students to become the next generation of leadersinOman”.
The University of Hull’s Director of Academic Partnerships – Professor Andrew Abbott stated “We are delighted to have established an international partnership with Muscat University, such a well-regarded institution in the region. This collaboration will provide valuable opportunities for students at Muscat University to study at the University of Hull towards Engineering and Business degrees. We look forward to welcoming the first cohort soon!”.
Professor Jeanne Kaye, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement at Leeds Beckett University, added: “We have a proud history of welcoming students from Oman and look forward to providing an excellent education and experience to more Omani students in the futureas a result of this programme”.
The University of Sunderland’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Professor John McIntyre, noted that: “We welcome students from over 90 countries aroundthe world and are delighted that this innovative programme at Muscat University will broaden opportunities for study with us”.
The University of Central Lancashire, in the north west of England, is also committed to the programme. Tim Steele, Executive Director of International Strategy and Partnerships, said: “Wegreatlylook forward to accepting students through Muscat University’s newfoundation pathway.”
Muscat Universityis nowaccepting applicationsforits 2019-20 International Foundation Programme. Further informationcan be found at www.muscatuniversity.edu.omor by contacting the University directly.