British University in Egypt

The formation of a British University in Egypt arose from a 1998 Memorandum of Cooperation between the UK and the Egyptian Governments. It was envisaged that such an institution would produce graduates of UK standards for key sectors of the Egyptian economy, particularly in the areas of engineering, computer science and business studies.

Planning for the new institution was put in train and financial support was provided by a group of prominent Egyptian business and public figures, principal amongst whom was Mr. Farid Khamis, Chairman of Oriental Weavers, a major international carpet manufacturing company. In 2004, with strong support from the British Embassy and the British Council, a Presidential decree was issued establishing the British University in Egypt. The initial phase of the University campus was already under construction and the University welcomed its first cohort (only 200 students) of undergraduate students in September 2005.

The University campus was chosen to be located in the area of El Sherouk, one of the new residential and commercial cities in Egypt on the outskirts of Cairo. The campus on establishment compromised of only two buildings including a large-scale auditorium with modern conference facilities but is set on a site of approximately 60 acres that will to develop over the years.

The BUE programme of Basic and Applied Psychology offers students comprehensive specialisations that incorporate basic and applied practices. This includes an awareness of regional and international media context, cultural sensitivity, exposure to international communication perspectives and familiarity with ethical and managerial frameworks. The BUE is one of the few universities in the region that offers a final year project module which seeks to develop students’ research skills and their abilities to manage a major project independently. This requires students to submit a substantial product, which they will work on over a period of two semesters under the supervision of a faculty member.

Vision
To become the leading broad spectrum teaching and research university in the Middle East and Northern Africa (MENA) offering a British ethos of higher education with a range of UK partners and other global partners providing internationally recognized quality degrees that develop the knowledge and skills to help our students shape and lead their countries.

Mission
To promote cultural, economic, social and technological development through the creation and dissemination of new knowledge via research and capable graduates, educated to the best UK academic standards, who are independent learners.

The unique undergraduate education offered at BUE is complemented by strong research activities and postgraduate programmes. The challenges in these areas are enormous, and BUE has gained recognition in research and postgraduate education, both in Egypt and abroad. The multidisciplinary Masters Programmes offered in advanced technology areas, such as renewable energy, advanced materials, sustainability, and web science, are among the first to start in Egypt. These programmes are supported by advanced research in many thrust areas, which attract external funding and result in publications in top peer reviewed journals. Research clusters and focus groups at BUE operate through a number of research centres. This research environment on BUE campus also opens opportunities for the students to participate in research projects and get the experience of exploring new ideas first hand alongside with the professors and researchers. Additionally, BUE research activities have opened strong collaborations with international universities and research centres, as well as with the industry in Egypt.