HERIOT-WATT LAUNCHES GLOBAL LEARNING INITIATIVE AT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

Heriot-Watt University, a global institution with campuses in Scotland, Malaysia and Dubai, has unveiled a new online education initiative designed to open up higher education opportunities to thousands of non-traditional students around the world. 

Heriot-Watt Online, which will be announced during a day-long Future Skills Conference held at Expo 2020 Dubai today, differs from other mass learning approaches by offering tailored courses that address the key issues and skills gaps identified by businesses and industry bodies. 

Heriot-Watt Online includes Masters courses in subjects like Digital Transformation, Data Analytics and Supply Chain Management and Logistics alongside undergraduate degrees and apprenticeships.

With applied and work-based learning at its core, the new approach will enable the University to support organisations with a range of impactful workforce development needs. 

New courses coming in the future reflect the emphasis that many businesses are placing on the drive to net zero including Masters in Sustainability and Energy Transition.

With the global workforce predicted to grow by 230 million people by 2030, the job market is rapidly changing with around 2 billion jobs predicted to change due to new technology, decarbonisation and new growth industries. 

The adult education market is therefore predicted to grow dramatically as the pace of new knowledge and the demands of the global workforce continue to accelerate. 

According to the education market intelligence firm HolonIQ 18, the global online degree market was valued at $36 billion in 2019 and is expected to grow to $74 billion by 2025. 

Dr Gillian Murray, deputy principal of business and enterprise at Heriot-Watt University said: “Our mission is to power the economy and transform lives by providing world-class relevant and flexible learning. 

“The devastating impact of the pandemic has accelerated acceptance and understanding about the benefits of digital learning but also highlighted the urgent need for businesses to build a suitable talent pipeline who are trained for the future jobs market. 

“The demographic of learners is changing and is unlikely to go back to the pre-pandemic landscape.  

“Our largest student group by age is now late 30s and early 40s with a higher percentage of women, as barriers are broken down to accessing higher education.

“Workplace skills are also changing rapidly, so both employers and employees must keep pace. 

“Heriot-Watt University has spent the past two years undertaking a detailed analysis of the current marketplace and researching the needs of business, identifying where the gaps are. 

“We conducted research with students, industry bodies, partners within corporate businesses and academics to design this new learning approach. 

“Many people simply can’t take time out to study due to financial or personal circumstances. 

“It’s essential that universities facilitate this shift in approach to education, continuing to cater for students who are leaving school but ensuring that adult learners can receive a world-class education at any age, anywhere in the world. 

“We are breaking down the borders and barriers many people face when trying to reach their career goals by offering a flexible approach. 

“Non-traditional students will soon outstrip traditional campus-based students.

“Initiatives like Heriot-Watt Online will allow learners to continue in full-time employment, gain credit for their work-based projects and accelerate the skills that are relevant to their role, informed by the needs of their employers.”