In their transition to university, high school graduates face multiple challenges. For recent graduates, the Covid-19 pandemic added to them by causing changes in the learning environment that deprived students of opportunities for social participation and set back learning.
In addition, choosing a major or a course of study has become more difficult, especially with a changing labour market, increased demand for soft skills, and a different set of technical skills.
Recognising these facts, schools and universities are working to bridge this gap.
For example, the Degree Entry Programmes (DEP) offered by Heriot-Watt University Dubai are designed to assist students in this transitional stage, providing them with the soft skills and practical skills required to excel, and prepare them for the job market.
The programmes are designed to provide students with a pathway to an undergraduate degree by refining their writing and research skills, assessment and exam techniques, information technology skills, and more.
Student Foundation Programmes
Upon successful completion of this foundation stage, students will be able to join different disciplines, such as engineering, data science, robotics, autonomous and interactive systems, and others.