Dr Anton Muscatelli, principal of Heriot-Watt (HW) University, is an economist and a professor of economics at the University of Glasgow. He served as the dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences in 2000 and the vice president for strategy from 2004-2007. In February 2007, he became the principal and vice-chancellor of Heriot-Watt.
Professor Brian Smart is the executive dean and head of Heriot-Watt University Dubai. A University of Strathclyde in Glasgow engineering graduate, he worked at Cardiff University as lecturer then joined Strathclyde as a professor. Professor Smart spent 16 years at Heriot-Watt, three and a half of which he served as the Head of the Institute of Petroleum Engineering and Principal of International Business Development. In that capacity, he moved to Dubai and now heads the university campus.
Why did you choose Dubai?
Dr Muscatelli: We chose Dubai because of our interest in the Middle East and Asia and because we developed rapidly as an international university. It was ideal because of its openness and vast development; we provide higher education in Dubai and the emirates as well as in other countries in the region.
It is an exciting place to be, a region where because of the rapid development the demand for skills is growing quickly, so it is inevitable that authorities wanted to attract sources to fill that capacity.
How big is the student body?
Dr Smart: We draw students from all over the region, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Africa, Asia, etc. In the next four-five years, we are targeting 2,000 students for graduate and undergraduate courses.
What are the facilities offered at HW?
Dr Smart: We have 800 full-time students studying in this building [in Dubai International Academic City (DIAC)]. Different time schedules make this possible. We are dependent on DIAC providing recreational activities, a food court and sports facilities. If the number grows beyond 900, we will need more space, an additional block or a purpose-built separate building.
What programmes does HW offer in Dubai?
Dr Muscatelli: Heriot-Watt, described as a ‘technological university,' is focused on business and engineering. We offer in Dubai what is best matched to the skills needed in the country, that is business and management, but we moved towards engineering. We offer mechanical, electrical and petroleum engineering, IT, management, strategic project management.
How close are your links to the mother campus?
Dr Muscatelli: We have a very close connection. All academic staff are employed at HW; the courses offered here match the ones offered in Edinburgh, although they are less in number. The importance of not having a separate branch is maintaining the same quality standards here as students get in the UK.
Are HW's programmes accredited in the UK and the UAE?
Dr Muscatelli: We operate as a UK university. The Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) in the UK also examines overseas operations and ensures quality. In Dubai we are licenced by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, but we haven't yet sought accreditation from the federal authorities; it is something we may or may not do depending on the regulation regime.
Students don't raise accreditation as an issue because employers don't require it in a public sector position; but authorities are reviewing the situation. The situation is currently changing.
Why would you advise students to join HW and get a UK education?
Dr Muscatelli: The UK is a strong brand; Scottish education is particularly strong because it adds an international dimension and has been driven by a focus on relevant disciplines that are important to today's market.
Do you provide accommodation and transport for students?
Dr Smart: The university offers transportation services to students. Thirteen buses take more than 135 students on 10 different routes, including Deira and Abu Dhabi. Student accommodation is a challenge because villas can't be turned into hostels; International City doesn't accept students so the university occupies floors in a hotel in Sharjah. A bus transports students to the university every day.
Is the level of English among new students adequate?
Dr Smart: Language is not an issue because there are entry requirements; some do pre-session courses elsewhere. A degree entry programme gives English, maths, science for academic purpose to raise them to the required level. HW provides a school-level support in science, maths and languages. We have experience in pre-uni education.
