The University of Manchester’s Middle East Centre in Dubai has enrolled a total of 80 new students from across the region on to The Manchester Global Part-time MBA and Kelley-Manchester Global Part-time MBA, following a strong rise in applications for the July intake. Applications to the blended learning programmes rose by 29% compared to July 2019, while the number of enrolled students increased from 76 (July 2019) to 80 (July 2020). The Middle East Centre also enrolled the highest number of accelerated MBA programme students across all international centres – a study route allowing senior managers to complete the programme in 18 months. The two-year, faculty-led Manchester Global MBA programme was recognised as the ‘Best MBA Programme’ at the Forbes Middle East Higher Education Awards 2019.
The July 2020 MBA cohort comprises working professionals of 25 nationalities and the majority are resident in the UAE, with a significant group resident in Saudi Arabia, working in a range of industries, notably Finance, Energy, Technology and Healthcare. The majority of the new students are self-funded and 20% of the cohort are female professionals. The new cohort was welcomed by the team from the University’s Alliance Manchester Business School and Middle East Centre in Dubai, during a virtual induction hosted from Dubai, recently.
Randa Bessiso, Director – Middle East at The University of Manchester, said: “Applications to top MBA programmes tend to rise in challenging times and we have seen this during the current pandemic, as working professionals review their career direction and future employability, and the workplace undergoes dramatic transformation. It’s very encouraging to see rising interest in the part-time MBA and to sustain enrolment in the region, especially in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The MBA builds knowledge, skills, networks and confidence, which are all important especially in a very difficult market. Through the pandemic, we have been able to ensure continuity of study for our students by virtualising our blended learning programme, and continuing to provide counselling, support and careers advice from our team in Dubai. Our aim is to help students develop sustainable and fulfilling careers beyond this crisis.”
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