As students planning to go to university this September explore alternative opportunities to studying overseas, a unique international progression path that will see graduates earn two bachelor degree qualifications in four years of study becomes available in the UAE. 

American University in Dubai (AUD) and the UK’s Manchester Metropolitan University (Manchester Met) have announced the launch of a unique international progression path that will see graduates earn two bachelor degree qualifications in four years of study. Starting in September 2020, the business administration program presents a timely opportunity for students to embark upon a collaborative international university curriculum, while beginning their higher education in the UAE.

Offering a new solution for high school graduates seeking a global dimension in their studies, the International Progression Program in Business and Management enables students to spend their first three years in Dubai, and then transition to complete their final year of study in Manchester. Graduates of the program will receive both a BBA from AUD in the general discipline, or any one of six specialized majors, as well as a BA (Hons) in Business Administration Management from Manchester Met. There is also an option for students to extend their stay and complete a one-year master degree at Manchester Met. 

The new program comes as students planning to go to university this September explore alternative opportunities to studying overseas, due to the current uncertain COVID-19 related situation. Dr. Assaad Farah, Dean of the School of Business Administration at AUD commented, “The launch of the program is extremely timely as many students who were applying abroad are now choosing to stay in the UAE. With the first three years at AUD, this program offers them a top education, diversity, and an authentic American campus life, backed by the option to go to the UK for the final year.” 

Dr. Farah continued, “We are very proud of this unique collaboration with Manchester Met, a top ranked sister AACSB accredited business school in the UK. Students will benefit from the networks, resources, and mentorship of three years at AUD, then transition to build those same networks in Europe, and ultimately walk away with two degrees from two universities, an offering that will truly set them apart. This program opens up opportunities for students in the Middle East and Europe, giving them the best of both – studying in Dubai and abroad.” 

In spite of the current uncertainty around the format of delivery for the new academic year, the School is well prepared for all scenarios. Dr. Farah confirmed, “Our transition to online learning was seamless, as AUD was equipped with all the necessary technologies and expertise to insure a successful continuation of the students’ education. There has already been significant interest in the new program from students graduating in the UAE this year whose plans have shifted and who want the peace of mind and safety of remaining in Dubai at this time.”

The International Progression Program is the first step in a long-term partnership between the two institutions, which are both accredited by the internationally renowned Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International), an accreditation only granted to 5% of business schools worldwide. The accreditation means that in addition to a globally benchmarked curriculum, students are taught by some of the most distinguished academics and industry professionals in their field. 

Professor Christine Horrocks, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the Faculty of Business and Law at Manchester Metropolitan University, said, “Our new Business Administration and Management program will offer AUD students a unique opportunity to complete their studies in Manchester at our triple accredited business school. Our University is home to over 3,500 international students from over 140 countries and we look forward to developing our partnership with AUD and welcoming students to our community.” 

AUD’s President David A. Schmidt said, “The global double-degree was one of the first priorities of my presidency and it is so promising to see it come to fruition under the leadership of Dean Farah.  We were selective in seeking a highly ranked UK partner with AACSB accreditation and Manchester Met is the perfect partner. In a time of uncertainty, this distinctive program is forward thinking and provides students with an academic global passport that supports AUD’s global curriculum and #1 Employability ranking.”  

The collaboration is among several international academic partnerships that AUD holds with top universities worldwide, such as The Paris Institute of Political Studies (Sciences Po), Georgia Tech, Bocconi University, and Cornell University. AUD is also recognized by the United Nations for its global collaborative approach, as the academic hub for Sustainable Development Goal #17, ‘Partnerships’.