Birzeit University signs a partnership grant of £35,637 with PMDP for IT Curricula Reform

The Faculty of Engineering and Technology at Birzeit University and the Palestinian Market Development Programme (PMDP) funded by UKAid and the EU signed a partnership agreement to develop a strategy for curricula reform of the current computer engineering and computer science academic programs offered by Birzeit University. The strategic planning process will be made possible through a grant of £35,637 from the (PMDP), itself funded by the Department for International Development in the United Kingdom.

The six-month agreement aims to review and develop Information Technology (IT) curricula to meet local industry needs and international standards; enrich student learning through applied training and direct placement; enable access of young graduates to gain state-of-the-art knowledge and hands-on on cutting-edge technologies and methodologies; and establish a research and development center to support research activities.

The agreement will also engage the private sector to strengthen networks between universities and local and international entities to help in designing and teaching special topic courses, as well as supervising the students’ graduation projects.

The implementation will be implemented through a steering committee of faculty members from both disciplines and top management representation in addition to a number of local and international experts in educational reform. The experts will provide skills-focused workshops, short-term courses, and specialized trainings.  Birzeit University professors will also have the opportunity to visit international universities for knowledge exchange.