The University of Ulster has secured a significant contract in Saudi Arabia to provide healthcare education and training.
The new venture with Dr Soliman Fakeeh College of Nursing and Medical Sciences in Jeddah builds upon the programes already being provided by Ulster to educate and train nursing students to degree level in a purpose built college in Al Khobar within the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.
The first cohort of 50 male and female students has already registered on Ulster’s BSc (Hons) Nursing Science programme in Jeddah.
Over the forthcoming year Ulster is planning to expand its provision with Dr Soliman Fakeeh College of Nursing and Medical Sciences by delivering BSc (Hons) Radiography and BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences programmes.
The new partnership represents the culmination of three years of negotiation and planning by the University’s subsidiary company, Ulster Educational Partnerships Limited and its Faculty of Life and Health Sciences following introductions secured through an InvestNI Trade Mission to the region.
The programmes are recognised by the Saudi Ministry of Higher Education and students, upon graduation, will be eligible to work as healthcare professionals within Saudi Arabia. This partnership contributes to the Saudi Government’s objective of educating and training Saudi nationals to meet the workforce requirements within the Kingdom.
Professor Anne Moran, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Educational Partnerships and International Affairs (pictured) welcomed the venture: “The partnership between Ulster and Dr Soliman Fakeeh College of Nursing and Medical Sciences showcases the growing reputation of Ulster within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Co-operation Council and reflects the University’s aims to support the provision of professional education regionally, nationally and internationally.
"The contract has at its centre the excellent teaching and learning provided by Ulster’s staff, and is a strong endorsement of the international educational activities that Ulster can deliver to partners within their respective countries.
“The delivery of these degrees creates opportunities for Ulster staff to broaden their expertise by working in differing cultural and professional situations. The experience that they gain working internationally also adds value to the suite of health-related programmes commissioned by the Department of Health and Social Services and Public Safety who continue to be a significant partner for the institution within Northern Ireland.”
Notes for Editors
Ulster Educational Partnerships Limited (UEP) is a wholly owned subsidiary company of the University of Ulster, established to develop, secure and manage education and training contracts regionally and internationally across a range of disciplines.