More than 60 per cent of working professionals in the UAE want to pursue or complete their master’s degree to boost their employment opportunities, according to a recent survey.

The survey conducted by IC&E (International Exhibitions & Conferences), a leading international exhibition house, also said that 74 per cent of those planning to take up post-graduate studies prefer to attend classes at the university campus.

The survey also revealed that 22.9 per cent of learners are interested in online study programs, while less than 3 per cent prefer self study programs.

IC&E pointed out that the survey was crucial in developing the core offerings of Getex (Gulf Education and Training Exhibition) Dubai 2010, the region’s leading educational event.

Getex Dubai 2010, which will feature a wide range of postgraduate programmes, will run from April 14 to 17 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

"The survey confirms that majority of working professionals in the UAE are proactively seeking opportunities to boost their career development,” said Anselm Godinho, managing director, IC&E.

“Obtaining postgraduate qualification has remained the most popular means of enhancing employment prospects, particularly in view of the numerous academic institutions that have been established in the country."

"We have also discovered through the survey that one out of three learners prefer to attend exhibitions and other trade events to find out more about different postgraduate programs,” added Godinho.

“This is certainly a very important indication that Getex Dubai will continue to be a highly strategic platform for learners to gain direct access to world-class academic programs being offered in the UAE and by academic institutions from other countries.”

According to the survey, 72 per cent of respondents find information about various postgraduate courses either through the internet or by attending trade exhibitions and conferences.

Moreover, the survey revealed that about 84 per cent of those who want to pursue a master's degree are in the 24 to 35 age bracket.

Over 20,000 learners are expected to attend the event, looking to enrol in various undergraduate, postgraduate, vocational and training programmes being offered by more than 500 international education providers, a statement said.

There will be more than 2,500 courses available during the event's four-day run. – TradeArabia News Service