Dubai, United Arab Emirates - Thursday, July 19th 2012 [ME NewsWire]
Responding to market demand for qualified legal professionals in the UAE and across the region, Michigan State University (MSU) in Dubai has launched two new programmes: Master of Laws (LLM) and Master of Jurisprudence (MJ).
The LLM enables individuals with an existing law background to gain an in-depth knowledge of the US legal system and study law at a post-graduate level in English. The MJ programme is specifically designed for students with no prior experience of legal study or practice. Both courses are set to commence with the new academic year in September 2012.
The programmes aim to provide individuals, in particular those either currently engaged in business or aiming to trade with US firms, with a broad understanding of the legal issues involved in such partnerships. Furthermore, having local practitioners with adequate knowledge of the US legal system and business laws will encourage US firms operating out of the UAE to seek legal counsel on a local level, rather than having to engage the services of US-trained lawyers.
MSU Dubai’s initiative comes in response to the high number of enrolments received annually by US-based universities from students in Arab countries.
Michael Lawrence, Professor of Law at Michigan State University College of Law, who was instrumental in establishing the two programmes in the UAE, said: “Over the years we have witnessed a growing interest from students across the Middle East in the law programmes of MSU in the US. Recognising the need for the programme in the region, we have instituted LLM and MJ courses in the UAE.
“One of the best aspects of the programmes in Dubai is that the courses are taught by our faculty from the US. The professors have lived and practiced abroad, and are eager to work with foreign-trained students who will bring their diverse experiences and backgrounds to the programme.”
With a focus on international and business law, the programmes will follow an executive-style approach with a new class offered once every few months during an intensive three, four or five-day period coinciding with the two-day weekend. The approach will allow students to maximise the time spent in their home countries or working while pursuing their degrees. Students will be able to complete the programme, which requires a total of 24 credits, in as little as two years.
Dr Tessa Dunseath, Executive Director, MSU Dubai, said: “The Michigan State University has established itself as a reputed international institution providing world-class opportunities for higher education. The introduction of the two new programmes by MSU Dubai reiterates our commitment to building capacity in the UAE and the region. With the support of Dubai International Academic City and our main campus in Michigan, we are confident that the programmes will draw the anticipated response from the academic community.”
MSU Dubai in conjunction with the MSU’s College of Law also plans to offer short diploma style courses on the topics of International Business Law and Sharia Law (in English) in response to demand from expatriates interested in gaining a greater understanding of the legal system across the GCC and Middle East. These courses will be taught in short blocks, each focused on a key theme, giving students a solid grounding in each subject.
Dr Ayoub Kazim, Managing Director, Dubai International Academic City, said: “With Dubai fast becoming a key global business hub, it is important for academic institutions to equip students and business professionals with the knowledge required to meet the challenges that accompany this growth. In an effort to bring to the region reputed universities that offer programmes of high academic standards while simultaneously meeting the needs of the diverse industries, Dubai International Academic City is pleased to support MSU Dubai in the launch of its two new programmes.”
Dubai International Academic City, part of the Education Cluster of TECOM Investments, hosts 27 higher education institutions from 11 different countries that include universities offering online, as well as traditional campus education and blended learning programmes. Students at DIAC have access to over 300 higher education programmes including undergraduate and post-graduate disciplines in engineering, IT, media, business, fashion design, healthcare and mass communications.
- Ends-
About Dubai International Academic City:
Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) is the world’s only Free Zone dedicated to Higher Education. Established in 2007 as part of TECOM Investments, DIAC aims to develop the region’s talent pool and establish the UAE as a knowledge-based economy.
DIAC is the premier destination for Higher Education in the region, located on a fully-appointed 18 million sq ft. campus with state-of-the-art modern facilities. DIAC currently has 27 Academic institutions from 11 countries.
The DIAC campus is host to nearly 20,000 students from 137 nationalities. DIAC students also have access to over 300 Higher Education programmes.
DIAC Phase III achieved a “Green” status and was awarded Silver LEED certification. DIAC provides an established educational environment for academic institutions and caters to students from around the world.
DIAC is also ranked top 10 in the Middle East under “Best Transportation” category and top 25 in the Middle East under “Best Overall” category according to 2011 Financial Times Rankings.
Contacts
Zeba Ahmad
APCO Worldwide
+9714 361 3590 (direct)
+9714 361 3333 (switchboard)
E-mail: zahmad@apcoworldwide.com
Tara Basrur
APCO Worldwide
+9714 361 3596 (direct)
E-mail: tbasrur@apcoworldwide.com
No comments:
Post a Comment