UOB Offers Six New Postgraduate Programs

The University of Bahrain (UOB) announced the introduction of six new postgraduate programs in response to the requirements of the evolving labor market, stressing that continuing to offer quality programs is in line with Bahrain’s 2030 Economic Vision, which seeks to create effective education that contributes to comprehensive and sustainable development.

The University’s College of Engineering has offered four new programs, namely: master’s in artificial intelligence applications, master’s in communication and network engineering, master’s in renewable energy engineering, in addition to master’s in architecture.

While the College of Business offered a master’s in real estate development and property management and a master’s in financial technology (fintech), and therefore increasing the number of master’s programs at the University.

The University President Dr. Riyad Yousif stressed that the introduction of these programs was based on in-depth studies of the market in order to meet the needs of various concerned sectors, keep pace with the scientific and technical development, and be forward-looking as promising majors that have an impact on the economy, referring to the role of postgraduate studies in expanding the students’ horizons of knowledge, as well as their capabilities in analysis, creative thinking, and scientific research.

The postgraduate studies currently include 47 programs in various disciplines, including 36 master’s programs, 9 doctorate programs, and two higher diploma programs in eight Colleges in the National University.

Moreover, Dr. Hamzah explained that the University has developed and modified the master’s in business administration and master’s in information technology programs, after reviewing the two programs, and that in order to achieve greater compatibility with the labor market and its needs.

For his part, the Dean of the College of Engineering, Dr. Fuad Mohammed Al-Ansari, stated that the new programs raised the total number of graduate studies programs in the college to fourteen programs, of both master’s and doctorate degrees.

Architecture Introduces Its First Postgraduate Program

He further explained that the master’s in architecture program offered by the Department of Architecture and Interior Design is the first program of the department to be followed by a minor of either interior design or urban design, according to the student’s choices from the bundle of specializations.

Also, he stated that “The master’s in architecture program is divided into three semesters only, and after passing the three semester courses, the student can obtain a master’s in architecture with a sub-specialization through elective courses and research and design courses related to the specialization. The program content includes common introductory courses among the offered architecture disciplines, which revolve around architecture’s deep concepts and its importance in relation to designing for society, and it includes methods of research and academic writing.

Furthermore, he explained that “After that, the student delves into the required specialization from the bundle of specializations. Also, the student must submit a thesis and a design project related to the chosen specialization, and in each session of the program, only one or two specializations will be offered from the following: housing, urban design, building technologies, digital design, sustainability, interior design, environmental architecture.”

Master’s in Science in Communication and Network Engineering

He mentioned that one of the new attractive programs to be offered next September is a master’s in science in communication and network engineering, explaining that this program provides an in-depth understanding of telecommunications network design and management, and he pointed out that the program focuses on developing mastery of theoretical knowledge and practical skills related to modern communication systems, the internet of things, and communication systems of fifth generation and beyond. Also, the program focuses on studying the latest developments in advanced technology systems for wireless broadband networks, and the design and security of computer networks, as well as applications of artificial intelligence and their applications in communication systems, multimedia, optical connections and satellites. Graduates of this program will have the skills necessary to excel in various fields of communication, including satellite communications, space research and remote sensing, self-driving vehicle development, transportation, healthcare, and banking services.

Master’s in Science in Renewable Energy

As for the master’s in science in renewable energy, the Dean of the College of Engineering explained that it focuses on advanced stages of various renewable energy systems.

Stating that “The idea of ??the proposed program came in response to global trends in highlighting and encouraging various fields of sustainable energy. Also, this program was designed in a way that keeps pace with the rapid development in the field of renewable energy, which exceeded all expectations in terms of its spread and increase in its percentage of the total energy produced globally, as the global demand for renewable resources is still increasing steadily, as the same happened regarding energy consumption.”

Master’s in Science in Artificial Intelligence Systems

In relation to the master’s in science in artificial intelligence systems, Dr. Al-Ansari said that the program provides its enrollees with several advanced knowledge related to the latest developments in artificial intelligence systems and applications in several disciplines. Also, it provides students with contemporary solutions to implement several solutions, as well as the ability to do consultations of practical projects related to artificial intelligence.

Moreover, the Dean indicated that “With the transformation of daily practices into more aware and intelligent actions and capabilities, the master’s program in artificial intelligence systems comes as a way to build individual capabilities that are able to deal with the contemporary era that has taken the tools and software of artificial intelligence as a work approach more than ever before”.

The master’s ‘s program in artificial intelligence systems consists of 36 credit hours and courses that have been carefully designed to obtain the master’s degree in this emerging discipline.

Real Estate Development and “Fintech” Programs

For his part, the Dean of the College of Business, Dr. Hatem bin Hamoud Al-Masri, explained that the number of postgraduate studies programs in the college increased to seven programs after the introduction of the programs of the master’s in real estate development and property management, and the master’s in financial technology “Fintech”.

Also, Dr. Al-Masri said that the master’s in fintech program develops modern visions in graduates towards new financial technologies, financial analysis, and methods of asset management such as blockchain and virtual banks, indicating that the first batch of the financial technology program will be organized in September 2020.

Furthermore, Dr. Al-Masri stated that “the master’s in science in real estate development seeks to keep pace with the market requirements as well, as Bahrain enjoys several advantages in the real estate sector, which is one of the most important economic stimuluses.”

And he further stated that “This program is multidisciplinary, as economics, information technology, science and engineering students from almost any discipline can join it”.