ABU DHABI, May 30, 2013: A new career-focused Applied Diploma in Engineering Technology will be rolled out for Higher Colleges of Technology students in September, after the HCT senior Engineering faculty members recently worked with leading industry representatives to finalise the course structure.

From September 2013, HCT will offer an Applied Diploma in Engineering Technology, with majors in Chemical, Electrical, Mechanical and Instrumentation & Control.

The new Applied Diploma will have the same framework for all engineering technology majorsincorporating a common first semester. All courses in the new Engineering Technology Applied Diploma will contain practical, learning by doing delivery methodologies, which will include hands-on teaching &learning, work placement and a course project.

The educational objectives for the Applied Diploma include graduates demonstrating the following:

  • Practical application of engineering technology solutions

  • Effective teamwork and communication skills

  • Effectivepracticeof industrial ethics, health, safety, and environmentstandards.

As a result, HCT graduates will be ready to:

  • Be successfully employed in an engineering technology industry or accepted into a bachelor program

  • Expand knowledge and capabilities through continuing education or other lifelong learning opportunities

  • Serve the community, whether locally, nationally, or globally.

Under  the Applied Diploma components of General Education, English Communication and Mathematics &Physics will make up 43% of the program, and themajor 57% balance will be made up of core Engineering courses, the Engineering Majorand an elective.

Dr. Phil Quirke, HCT Director of Academic Affairs, said the focus of the Applied Diplomas will definitely be on the 'Applied' nature, in response to employers' demands, giving HCT graduates the appropriate qualifications for employment.

"They are very much targeted to employment for the students, which means they are marketplace-oriented, industry-focused, practical and hands-on," Dr. Quirke said."All of our Applied Diplomas will have a strong focus on HCT's Learning by Doing philosophy, as well as providing articulation into the Bachelor's degree," he added.

"Importantly, they will give our Foundation Program students the chance to get into the Applied Diploma track which will be targeted directly to employment. This new Applied Diploma in Engineering Technology will be a wonderful pathway for those students who either can't enrol directly in the BAS courses, or who want to enter the workforce or who are working and want to enhance their skills."

"With this new Applied Diploma we are meeting the UAE's demand for qualified Emiratis at all levels, ensuring our graduates are work-ready."

Dr. Quirke said there had been detailed consultation and collaborations with local employers and industry leaders to ensure the marketplace and employability focus of the new Engineering programme.

"We have recently held intensive workshops and consultations with employer groups and industry partners who are really excited about the new Applied Diplomas.They are very keen to get involved in the planning of this Applied Diploma as they want to see our Engineering Technology graduates meet the needs of employers and the UAE's national priorities," Dr. Quirke said.

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About the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT)
Founded in 1988 with four colleges, the Higher Colleges of Technology have grown to be the largest of the higher educational institutions in the UAE, gaining a well-respected reputation for innovative learning. More than 18,000 students attend 17 modern men's and women's campuses in the cities of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, Fujairah and the western region cities of Madinat Zayed and Ruwais.

HCT offers a wide range of English-taught programs in Applied Communications, Business, Education, Engineering Technology, Computer & Information Science, General Education and Health Sciences.  These programs are all relevant to the UAE's fast growing and evolving economic sectors.  All programs are designed in consultation with business and industry leaders to ensure that the skills students learn are job-relevant and to high standards. They are constantly monitored to ensure they are at the cutting edge of industry standards and technological change. Visitwww.hct.ac.ae. Follow us on Facebook  hctuae and Twitter @hctuae

For more information or to arrange interviews contact:
Paul Lancaster.
HCT Office of Communication.
Mobile: 050 616 0964.
Email: paul.lancaster@hct.ac.ae

© Press Release 2013