The year 2020 marks Majan University College’s Silver Jubilee! The College started as an initiative of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Emirates Holding Company and Gulf Air in 1995 with just 140 registered students. Today with nearly 3000 students, it has become a trusted brand and a household name in Higher Education. Majan celebrates its 25th anniversary as Oman’s first private college in the higher education sector. Since the College, previously known as the “College of Administrative Sciences” gained University College status in 2002 and adopted the name ‘Majan’, it has grown significantly, and continues to expand on its range of programmes, modernising its campus, and providing modern resources and facilities. Academic Staff members comprise of a host of high calibre expatriates and Omani lecturers and researchers.
What were some of the key factors in its remarkable growth and transformation?
Key to Majan’s success is their consistency, progressive policies and practices, innovations in teaching & learning, robust Quality Assurance system and development of nationally relevant programme provisions. This has earned it prime positions in individual surveys and market sensitive polls across the country.
The College started out as an affiliate college of the University of Bedfordshire, UK and attained the status of an accredited college in 2008. With constant review of infrastructure, resources and academic provisions, the College maintains a dynamic stance of proactivity, introspection, and sensitivity to market trends.
From 2009 when voted best private college, Majan has remained a trusted brand and pacesetter in Higher Education provision. A few of the accolades gained and worthy of note include:
- Most Trusted Private Higher Education brand in Oman by OER, 2019.
- 1st higher education institution to achieve full institutional accreditation by the Oman Academic Accreditation Authority (OAAA), 2017.
- No 1 in AIWA Awards for Best Performing Companies in 2016.
- Partner of the Year Award' by the University of Bedfordshire in their awards ceremony 2016.
- Most Trusted Brand Award by OER, 2016.
- No 1 in AIWA Awards for Best Performing Companies in 2015.
- Most Trusted Brand Award by OER, 2015.
- No 1 in AIWA Awards for Best Performing Companies in 2014.
- No 2 in AIWA Awards for Best Performing Companies in 2013.
- No 1 in the field of private higher education in Oman (Business Today Best Brands Surveys 2008, 2009 and Oman Observer Surveys, 2008, 2009).
- World Quality Commitment by Business Initiative Directions in Paris in 2007.
The two decade partnership with the University of Bedfordshire, UK has been instrumental to the growth and success of the College’s postgraduate and undergraduate degrees in a wide range of business, management, computing and language-related areas. Worthy of note is the MBA programme which commenced initially in 2004 and has grown to become a prominent and highly sought after qualification. This success can be attributed to the College’s unique collaboration with its UK partner and the commitment and dedication of their academics.
MUC has always inspired loyalty among its staff and as such staff retention is high. During its 20th Anniversary celebrations in 2015, the College granted long service awards to over 20 members of staff including academic and support staff who had risen through the ranks to hold deserving designations.
Recent years have seen the College continue to advance and attract new accolades. In December 2017, a delegation comprising the Chair and Board-members of the Oman Academic Accreditation Academy visited the campus to personally congratulate the College on becoming the first higher education institution in Oman to gain full OAAA institutional accreditation.
In the same year, the College began its partnership with the UK Higher Education Academy (HEA) , through which significant numbers of MUC staff have become HEA Fellows and Senior Fellows, further developing their expertise as lecturers and academic managers. Very recently, in November 2019, the Oman Economic Review recognised MUC as the most trusted private higher education brand in the Sultanate - just one of many similar plaudits received since 1995.
So, as the College awaits the imminent official opening of its new high specification six-storey building, the celebrations begin in an atmosphere of subtle satisfaction about the achievements of the past and optimistic thoughts about future developments such as envisioning more programme offerings, taking a prominent position in the Sultanate’s 2040 vision, having happier students and more accomplished graduates.
Student Stories
No one can underestimate the power of knowledge. It is great for innovation and progress. There is a saying that knowledge is power, even more in today’s world, where technology is rapidly changing and bringing new and versatile solution for many sectors to develop and improve their offerings. With such change, security is becoming even more challenging and plays a critical role of a gatekeeper, putting in perspective all the possible controls to limit bad use of technology.
As a Head of Information Security in the financial sector, I am constantly challenged to bring to the table solutions addressing security breaches. I opted to do the MSc in Computer Science in the field of Information Management and Security at Majan University College. My decision was mainly driven by the outstanding offering of the college and it’s UK University affiliation (University of Bedfordshire). The great study environment, helpful and knowledgeable faculty members, smooth onsite and online studying materials and course timing suited my work schedule all enabled me to achieve my goals.
Anad Al Balushi | Head of Information Security Department at Alizz Islamic Bank | MSc in Computer Science Alumnus
Before embarking on my MBA at Majan University College, I knew I would be in a completely different environment than my healthcare field. To be honest, at first, it was not easy. However, as I reflect back on how I handled different situations, I became more self-aware, and better understood my weakness and opportunities.
At Majan, we were always working in teams. I remember my very first team assignment. I had to struggle a lot because of my work and family commitments. I felt I could not contribute as much as my other team members; until I received feedback from my tutors and teammates of my potential. That gave me the push and motivation I needed to start taking more risks. I realized that being on a team was more than just being capable; it was more about being prepared and ready to face any situation at hand. My change in attitude resulted in a boost to my confidence, had a positive impact on my academic performance and it also helped me professionally.
With each passing day, I could feel the personal growth I have had. There is no question that change is hard and uncomfortable. However, when you commit to it, the results are worth the effort. Through my transformational MBA at Majan University College, I have become more self-aware and resilient. These are not just professional skills they are life skills.
Zainab Al-Zadjali | Infection Control in charge, Ministry of Health | MBA Alumna
My experiences with Majan University College and my postgraduate study in MA in IHRM is something I would love to share. First, it was not an easy decision to make, whether to complete the Master or not because I work in the private sector. But I challenged myself and decided to go ahead, but when it came to deciding the right place for my education I ended up choosing Majan especially as it was more flexible, had a good UK University affiliation and suited my lifestyle.
Majan University College provides the most suitable timings for Master programme students which is weekends and once a month. Initially, there were a lot of challenges I faced such as managing time. I kept going to the library three times during the week and spend at least three hours during my visit. The other major challenge was my social life because I had to hit the right balance between my academic progress and giving enough time to my family.
I must say, the Masters programme has added value to my life personally as well as positively affected my attitude at work. It has also helped me plan to start a business and how to manage operations in a professional manner through the theories and case studies I have learnt in the programme. I encourage students to complete their studies and excel in their life with Majan University College.
Laila Alhadi | Works at Khatwa for HR Service | MA in International Human Resource Management Alumna
Majan University College has given me a chance to not only sharpen my skills but also master the field of my choice. I took my BA (Hons) Accounting Pathway part time while I worked full time as a Treasury Analyst at Petroleum Development Oman. I must say these were the most challenging yet fruitful 3 years of my life trying to maintain a “work-study-life” balance. Facing deadlines of assignments to be submitted and a desk full of work projects to be completed was a challenge but working while in college really put my education and my career into perspective as it helped me to master my time management skills and expanded my professional experience.
Working for PDO was a blessing as they care deeply about their staff development and also studying in Majan University College was a greater blessing as the teachers in the Faculty of Business Management are very friendly, professional and inspired and supported me throughout the journey. With support from both, I managed to graduate with a First Class Honors Degree. I was chosen to represent Majan at the OAAA accreditation and the good news is that the College was accredited! As a Majan alumna, this will surely enhance my career as I now hold a degree that is internationally recognised.
Majan University College also gave me a chance to expand my social circle both professionally and personally, hence I got to meet some really amazing people and participate in some great events. Some of my best friends today were my classmates from college. My college life was altogether an adventure and a bunch of memories I will cherish for life. I remain thankful to the teachers as during my BA programme they challenged and pushed me to be better and more creative. I am now confident enough to tackle any problem. It has been a privilege to be a part of this esteemed institution.
Fathiya Al Aisari | Finance Operations Analyst at Petroleum Development Oman | BA in Accounting Alumna
I consider it a great honor to have studied at Majan University College. I am deeply touched that I have been approached to share my experience on this momentous occasion. The time spent on the campus has contributed to my overall growth and development both personally and professionally. The college gave me a strong foundation on which to build my career.
I found the Faculty of Business Management very friendly and approachable. We were encouraged to think out of the box and maximise our strengths. With the course content being inline with the industry trends one is prepared to face the challenges in the marketplace with confidence. I take this opportunity to thank my professors for their motivation and support. I was enthused to pursue my MBA and also move up the corporate ladder in my organisation. I am proud to have been an alumna of this institution.
Intisar Al Hasani | Senior Finance Executive at Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC | BA in Accounting Alumna
I am grateful for the learning experiences at Majan University College, right from the start, my professors and lecturers gave me the motivation I needed to perform well, both in academic and co-curricular events. Majan offered me a very comfortable learning environment. Even as an international student, I was able to easily integrate into the student life which gave me the opportunity to understand Omani culture.
The BA (Hons) in English Language programme offered a variety of modules that cater to different branches of English and sub branches of Linguistics. I pursued English language teaching for adults and my degree laid the foundation for my strong professional performance. Academic support from Majan University College doesn’t end with your degree, the Academic staff encourages you to take part in conferences and pursue higher education in order to reach your full academic potential.
I have and will continue to recommend Majan University College to anyone with an enthusiasm for learning and quality education.
Malee Thumbowila | English Language Teacher at Polyglot Institute | BA English Language Alumna
