NEWS
The University of Bahrain Expands the Offered Associate Diploma to Include All University Colleges
Sakhir – University of Bahrain (Ali Al-Sabbagh)
September 10, 2022
The University of Bahrain has announced that it will expand the Associate Diploma being offered to include all colleges, aiming to help students who face difficulties in obtaining a bachelor’s degree, reducing the number of students dismissed from the University, and providing students with the option of studying the Associate Diploma.
The University of Bahrain President, Dr. Jawaher bint Shaheen Al-Mudhahki, confirmed that this decision was made after an extensive study and review of the programs and their outputs, and is in line with recent trends in the field of education quality in higher education institutions.
Dr. Al-Mudhahki pointed out that, “the experience of some students who leave the University without obtaining any degree is difficult and costly for both the student and the University. Accordingly, the University has decided to find a solution for such students, so they would not leave the University empty-handed after all these years in the University. Instead, they can obtain an Associate Diploma, marked by focusing on technical and professional aspects.”
Dr. Al-Mudhahki noted, “The recent trend in the systems of granting qualifications stresses the importance of reducing the student’s stay in the school to accelerate his/her entry into the labor market to contribute to the national economy. In addition, appreciation of experience and knowledge has become highly important, so quality frameworks are now granting qualifications to those with long work experience, even if they did not attain certificates from higher education institutions.” Dr. Al-Mudhahki mentioned, “The decision to introduce the Associate Diploma was based on this modern trend in the systems of granting qualifications, based on what students achieve during their period of study, their abilities and competencies, in addition to the market need for technicians and professionals of the Associate Diploma holders.”
For his part, the Vice President for Academic Programs and Postgraduate Studies, Dr. Mohammad Reda Qader, indicated that Associate Diploma holders can complete their study in the second (evening) program at the UoB, join another university, or enter the labor market.
Dr. Reda added that dismissed students will benefit from this decision, as the University Colleges will list cases that meet the the Associate Diploma requirements, from among students dismissed during the past five years, to join the program. He explained that the University is studying several options, including providing students with the opportunity to return to study technical courses in the University’s evening program, that will enhance their practical abilities, and enable them to obtain the Associate Diploma.
Regarding whether the students wish to obtain the Associate Diploma or not, Dr. Reda stated, “The Associate Diploma may be a goal in itself for some students who cannot stay to obtain a bachelor’s degree, either because they desire to start a business, or for any other circumstances.” Dr. Reda stressed that the Associate Diploma would enable students to continue their study in the evening program at the University of Bahrain or any other university.
