Dubai, February 28, 2011: University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) has launched UOWD Pi (Professional Institute) which offers short certificate courses aimed at enhancing the continuous learning opportunities for individuals in the UAE.  Specific emphasis is being placed on professionals wishing to accelerate their career growth.

The move, which represents the 18-year-old university's foray into short, non-degree courses, is in response to the growing demand for high quality short courses from prestigious educational institutions.

The short courses are being offered in a number of disciplines, ranging from Islamic Banking to Forensic Accounting. The latest addition will be a course on "Corporate Communications: Public Relations for Tomorrow's Managers" which will begin from March 6, followed by another one on "Islamic banking" to start in the first week of May.

Each course will have duration of about five weeks, with classes held in the evenings once a week and each session lasting for three hours.

"UOWD identified a distinct need for short courses, prompted by the tight and challenging job market that exists today. Professionals have realised that additional qualifications can provide a passport for a promotion or a job switch," said Raymi van der Spek, Executive Director of Administration & Strategic Development, UOWD.

"With the launch of UOWD Pi, the UAE's oldest private university is unveiling its plans to become a more comprehensive tertiary education provider. There are not many institutions of the calibre of UOWD that offer short courses. We wish to bring to short courses the same professionalism and standards that distinguish our full degree programs," said van der Spek.

"UOWD Pi programs are targeted at professionals who are chasing career growth, those people looking to develop new skills, or anyone wishing to acquire a quick grasp of a particular new discipline, before taking up a job. Our goal is to make UOWD Pi the ultimate place for market-driven short courses," added van der Spek.

Dr. Alma Kadragic, a journalist and public relations professional who will be conducting the Corporate Communications course, said: "The program aims to provide junior and mid-level employees with a basic understanding of how public relations works and how it can be used as a tool for effective management."

Short courses in Banking Risk Management and Forensic Accounting are among the programs that are already running successfully at UOWD.

"While we expect that the short courses will benefit professionals by way of career mobility, we also anticipate that it will whet the appetite of some to pursue full-fledged degree programs at the university," said van der Spek. "As the name Pi suggests, we see infinite possibilities in this area."

van der Spek also said that UOWD Pi is talking to companies to offer customized short courses to their employees in different areas of business. UOWD Pi is already talking to Panasonic Middle East to provide a program in sales and marketing for its employees.

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© Press Release 2011