The University
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Send to friendDeciding where to apply to study for your first degree can be a daunting and confusing process. There is a plethora of institutions worldwide offering courses in every discipline, varying in quality, cost and, of course, location. You probably know of the Seychelles as a high-end tourism destination and may initially consider it to be an unlikely location for a university offering internationally recognised and robust degrees. Therefore some information on the genesis of this new university may be useful at this point.
In 2007 the President of the Republic of the Seychelles, James Michel, announced that the nation was ready to develop a university. The Seychelles University Foundation (SUF) was established the same year and given the task of taking the project forward. The SUF website contains a summary of the work that then followed, and which led to the opening of the university, projected for October 2009. Initially the university is offering a limited number of degree programmes in Business Administration and Computer Information systems as well as Foundation/Access programmes. At this time these courses are restricted to Seychellois students but, as the university expands and offers a larger number of programmes and places, students from overseas will be able to apply to study in the Seychelles.
You will know that at the end of a challenging degree programme the value of the qualification that a student is awarded is paramount. The University of Seychelles (UniSey) is a new university and, in common with many other institutions globally, is offering degree programmes through the University of London External Programme. This programme has been running successfully for more than 150 years. Many universities with international repute started by delivering the London External Programme prior to developing their own. Students enrolling at the University of Seychelles will receive course materials generated by the University of London External Programme Colleges. Essentially these programmes reflect the rigour and content of courses which run in London. There is no difference in status (or indeed appearance) between a degree parchment awarded to a student who studies in London and a student who studies in the Seychelles. Graduating students will receive a degree from the University of London and a degree from the University of Seychelles. The international currency of the first is established; the currency of the second will grow as the University of Seychelles expands as an internationally recognised centre for teaching and research. Following the initial course offerings in the fields of Business Administration and Computing Information Systems the University intends to add undergraduate programmes in Creative Computing, Education, Environmental Science and Tourism & Hospitality. Thereafter the University will develop programmes which are more Humanities and Arts based. Opportunities for research at Masters and Doctorate level will rapidly follow.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of London, Sir Graeme Davies, has agreed to join the Board of University of Seychelles, and commented ‘I am delighted that the University of London is involved from the outset in this exciting venture to launch a high quality University in the Seychelles, and that it has chosen to prepare students from University of London degrees on a number of our internationally recognised programmes. I look forward to our Universities working very closely together for the benefit of students studying in the Seychelles, and for economic growth in the region’.
UniSey will serve as a hub for the development of a knowledge-based society in Seychelles and in the region. It will offer academic training through a system of flexible entry and the initial small intake of students will facilitate closer individual attention and guidance for all students. Teaching will emanate from faculties staffed by well-qualified resident academics as well as visiting lecturers. Faculty will be supported by the latest higher learning tools and technologies in an environment that fosters independent learning with high academic outcomes.
With the support of the Government of Seychelles and the Private Sector by way of scholarships, UniSey will start offering degree level programmes in October 2009. The University will offer interesting and relevant programmes that are in tune with the current industry and market trends. By building close relationships with industry the University aims to achieve high employment rates for its graduates. This is extremely important. The courses initially offered by the University very much reflect the economic strengths of the Seychelles. Therefore, a significant part of each programme will be ‘outreach’ work, for example Tourism specialists will work closely with the hotel and tourism sector and Environmental Science students will have the advantage of studying in a uniquely unspoiled environment.
Further degree programmes, part-time studies and in-service opportunities will be launched as the university expands. As previously mentioned, a Foundation Studies programme will be offered in 2009, and is designed to help students who do not currently possess the required qualifications for undergraduate enrolment to obtain them. In the future the University will consider the enrolment of students without formal academic qualifications but who possess prior learning and experience; the University aims to provide access to students from a wide range of backgrounds through flexible entry routes, although A levels and equivalent academic qualifications will remain the principal pathway for degree course admission.
