DUBAI: Tuesday, 5 April 2005

Heriot-Watt University, the acclaimed Scottish university established as a school for engineers under the Royal Charter, is to open a branch campus in Dubai Knowledge University (KV), Dubai Knowledge Village's newly announced mega campus for international universities, to provide engineering and technology degrees and qualifications.

The new courses in engineering and technology will usher in a new phase of educational diversity at KV, leading to a wider range of courses that students can choose from in order to further develop their careers.

Heriot-Watt University is classed as one of the top five universities in Scotland, according to the 2005 Sunday Times league table, and has a strong reputation for excellence in the fields of education and technology. This is backed up by its foundation by champions of technology, education and commerce; George Heriot, financier to King James IV and James Watt, the pioneer of steam power.

"As Dubai Knowledge Universities grows, we are looking for diversity of education. Universities that set up at Dubai Knowledge Universities should offer the most diverse programmes and degree courses, as well as different origins. As a result of this, we are pleased to welcome Heriot-Watt University. It is the top engineering school in Scotland and the first such university from Scotland to join us," explained Dr. Abdulla Al Karam, CEO of Dubai Knowledge Village.

The programmes will be delivered by a mixture of residential lecturers based in Dubai, and visiting lecturers from the University's Scottish campuses.

"This is the first step in what I believe is a tremendously exciting prospect for Heriot-Watt. We are confident that locating in Dubai, in conjunction with the proven quality and reputation of Heriot-Watt's international degrees, will prove popular with students keen to gain a quality education," said Professor Brian Smart, Deputy Principal Academic and International Business Development.

"We are building on a portfolio of existing degree courses, with plans to develop others tailored specifically to local demand over the next two years."

Heriot-Watt is likely to produce a further range of courses, including undergraduate and postgraduate courses relating to the hydrocarbon and energy industries, engineering, construction, actuarial science and design, will follow in the next two to three years.

-Ends-

Notes to Editors
About Heriot-Watt University
Heriot-Watt University is recognised internationally for excellent teaching and research in fields such as Science, Engineering, Business Management and Design. Heriot-Watt is a dynamic university at the forefront of the knowledge economy. Its mission is to provide the highest quality education and training to suit the professional employment sector; meet the aspirations of students and help them realise their potential; deliver world-class innovative research in the fields of business and industry; and exploit knowledge for the benefit of society. Heriot-Watt, one of the United Kingdom's leading universities for business and industry, has a reputation for innovative education, enterprise and leading-edge research. It educates technologists, professionals and thinkers of tomorrow. The graduates of Heriot-Watt are highly sought by employers. There are more than 6,000 students on its campus in Scotland, and more than 9,000 students on external programmes in 140 countries.

Heriot-Watt University, with its rich experience, intends to provide quality international education to students from the Far East, Middle East, South East Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe from a new base in Dubai. The benefits students will enjoy in this Dubai location will include studying in a safe country; easy access and a convenient regional time zone; a modern campus environment, international standards; global recognition; introductory scholarships; campus placement; rapid issue of student visas and travel assistance. It is intended that the September session will commence with the following programmes:

*BBA

*BA in Management

*BA in Business and Accounting

*BA in Business and Finance

*BA in Financial Management and Accounting

*BSc IT

*MSc Strategic Project Management

*MSc IT

English as a foreign language (one semester)

Heriot-Watt is the eighth oldest higher education institution in the United Kingdom, originating in the School of Arts of Edinburgh founded in 1821. An early pioneer of equal opportunities, women were welcomed as early as 1869 - 20 years ahead of other institutions. Heriot-Watt became a university by Royal Charter in 1966. The Scottish College of Textiles in Galashiels merged with Heriot-Watt in 1998. The Watt Club - the University's alumni association - celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2004.

For more information, visit www.hw.ac.uk

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© Press Release 2005