British University to open doors in Bahrain this year

Manama : A new university backed by the British University of Bahrain and The University of Salford, Manchester will open its doors to students here later this year. 

Christened ‘British University Bahrain’ (BUB), the project inaugurated yesterday by Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, has been hailed by him as the “latest example of an enduring bilateral partnership with Bahrain that spans over 200 years”. 

BUB, according to the University of Salford, will offer courses designed at contributing to growth in the national and regional economy by supporting skill development programmes. 

The project was given green signal at a ceremony held at the headquarters of the British University in Saar in the presence of Minister of Follow-up Affairs at the Royal Court, Shaikh Ahmed bin Ahmed Ateyatallah Al-Khalifa, the Education Minister and Higher Education Council (HEC) Chairman, Dr. Majid bin Ali Al-Nuaimi and HRH the Crown Prince’s Court President, Shaikh Khalifa bin Daij Al-Khalifa, as well as a number of officials.

In his inaugural speech, the Duke of York stressed that the new university will make valuable contributions to Bahrain’s well-established higher education sector.

British University Bahrain (BUB), according to the University of Salford Manchester, will deliver a range of undergraduate degree programmes on a brand new campus, offering courses in Engineering, the Built Environment, Computer Science and Business. 

Salford, in an earlier statement, said that the first cohort of students is expected to arrive at the campus in September 2018. 

Speaking on the occasion, Education Minister noted that the establishment of BUB reflects the ambition of Bahrain’s Higher Education Council to build partnerships with leading international universities and higher education institutions. 

“These partnerships directly contribute to sustainable economic development by supporting skills growth and by boosting Bahrain’s status as a regional destination for higher education,” the minister said citing the existing partnerships with the British Accreditation Council, the British Higher Education Academy and the British Council. 

Professor Helen Marshall, Vice Chancellor of Salford University, said she looks forward to BUB making a positive impact on the lives of students in the Kingdom and contribute to Bahrain’s sustainable development. 

BUB Vice President Professor Keith Sharp stressed the university’s readiness to commence services in the coming school year, with the university due to launch a range of academic programmes including bachelor’s degrees in accounting, finance, project management, computer networking and civil engineering.

During the inauguration ceremony, a cooperation agreement was signed between BUB and Batelco.