Home LearningExcellence In...Higher Education Middlesex University Dubai to host panel discussion on the journey from school to higher education amidst a global pandemic

Middlesex University Dubai to host panel discussion on the journey from school to higher education amidst a global pandemic

by Eddie Rayner

Middlesex University Dubai will be putting the worries of parents and students at ease through its dedicated panel discussion on the transition to higher education

As global educators adapt to the change brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Middlesex University Dubai is set to host a specialist virtual panel discussion to help tackle the questions and concerns posed by parents and students about the transition from school to higher education, amidst the backdrop of the coronavirus outbreak.

Facilitated by the University’s Centre for Academic Success (CAS), the virtual panel discussion on ‘The Transition from School to University’ will be held on Wednesday, July 8 and will include staff, faculty and current students who will come together to discuss a myriad of topics, including: the decision to delay studies overseas for one year and the benefits of doing this; support for students under the age of 18 years joining university and how they integrate into to an independent learning environment; English language and university academic language support; the transition from the different curriculums into a UK Degree programme; the student experience beyond the classroom and the importance of this for the students and top tips for parents and students.

Panellists will also topically discuss the challenges posed by the COVID-19 crisis, including the precautionary measures put in place to re-open the campus in September and how to protect both students and staff at university, as well as student finance during uncertain times. Other queries addressed during the discussion are safety and support offered to students once they start their studies and any concerns that future students and parents may have – such as ‘Will it be safe to start studies?’.

Virtual attendees to the panel discussion will also be able to learn about the benefits of the International Foundation Programme – a 30-week programme designed for students who wish to study at Middlesex University Dubai but who may not meet the necessary entry requirements for direct entry onto one of its undergraduate programmes.

The IFP prepares students for enrolment onto one of the University’s many Bachelor’s Degrees and allows them to settle into life on campus and bridge the gap between high school and university education. Students can choose to specialise in Business, Law and Politics, Psychology, Arts and Media, or Engineering and Computer Informatics.

The panel will consist of members of Middlesex University Dubai’s Centre for Academic Success, Student Learning Assistants, Facilities Management, Finance and current students from Middlesex University Dubai – all of whom will be able to provide valuable insight into the transition from school to university.

Dr Cedwyn Fernandes, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Director of Middlesex University Dubai, said: “University transforms lives. It is an experience where students find themselves and discover their passion and begin to lay the foundation for a successful career. “It is undeniable that university is a different environment from school, complete with its own unique demands and expectations. While most students successfully make the transition, the switch to higher education is a process that can sometimes be challenging.

Dr Cedwyn Fernandes, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Director of Middlesex University Dubai

“The pandemic has also brought about a fresh layer of concerns and questions for undergraduates and parents of students. Therefore, we hope this panel discussion will serve a dual process; one whereby our panelists will address and advise students on the best practices to circumnavigate the many ways university can differ from school – and ease the understandable concerns of students and parents about the safety and precautions the University has put in place as we continue to mitigate the aftermath of the pandemic.”

Prospective students wishing to study at Middlesex University Dubai can enjoy safe and secure surroundings and a wide variety of programmes spanning not only Law and Psychology, but also Business, Art and Design, Science and Technology, Education, Media, and more. Students who choose to pursue their academic journey at Middlesex University Dubai are also being offered the opportunity to transfer to its home campus in London in September 2021.

The panel discussion on Wednesday, July 8 will begin at 6pm and can be accessed here: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/505659909

You can register your interest via the booking form and include any questions that you would like the panel to answer during the session at: https://www.mdx.ac.ae/school-to-university