Published: 24 April 2015 г.
Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, 23 April 2015 - The University of Central presented its academic plans at a media briefing in Bishkek.
"When our Naryn campus opens next year, we will begin delivering a university education and experience that has been designed specifically for Central Asia," said UCA Dean of Academic Affairs Dr Ariff Kachra. "Based on market research in the region and international partnerships with world-class universities, our undergraduate programme is being designed to address the specific market and educational needs of the region, while adhering to international best practices in higher education."
When its doors open, UCA will offer a structured five year undergraduate programme, including preparatory, cross-disciplinary, liberal arts and prerequisite courses; the choice of six specialisations or majors; and the choice of three minors. Students will be able to attend any of the University’s three fully residential campuses in Naryn, Kyrgyz Republic (opening in 2016); Khorog, Tajikistan (2018); and Tekeli, Kazakhstan (2020), based on the majors and minors they select. Students will graduate with either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science.
The Naryn campus will offer majors in Computer Science and Communications and Media and a minor in Central Asian Studies. The Khorog campus will offer majors in Economics and Earth and Environmental Sciences and a minor in Development Studies. The Tekeli campus will offer Engineering Sciences and Business and Management and a minor in Globalisation Studies.
UCA’s undergraduate programmes will be delivered by Central Asian and international faculty with PhDs from recognised universities around the world and a proven track record of international success in their discipline. International and visiting faculty will come from Canada, China, Europe, India, Korea, Russia, Turkey and the United States. UCA will have the smallest student faculty ratio in Central Asia.
Learning at UCA will extend beyond the classroom, with unique opportunities to practically apply knowledge and practice entrepreneurial and leadership skills. Students will engage in practice-based projects and cooperative education job placements in a range of industries, locally, regionally and abroad. They will develop and implement community development initiatives in their area of study as part of service learning requirements, and engage in capstone projects with professionals in their field to solve real life challenges in the region.
UCA's campus facilities are designed to complement the rigour of its academics and the civic responsibility that will be instilled in its graduates. Campus life will provide opportunities for the practical application of academic knowledge; community service; sports and recreation; cultural exchange; and the development of responsible citizenship and leadership skills. Each campus will have state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories and libraries and 100 percent Internet connectivity. Secure dormitories will have inviting common areas, including games rooms, entertainment lounges and music facilities and campuses will offer international standard sports facilities.
“More than sixty percent of the population resides in rural areas. Being located in Naryn, the University will be able to fulfill its mission to deliver high quality education to its multiple stakeholders,” said Dr Kachra.