Villa College's Faculty of Shariah and Law has introduced three new programs.
Villa College stated that the newly introduced programs are Bachelor of Shariah and Law with Political Science, Bachelor of Shariah and Law with International Relations, and Master of Political Science and International Relations.
Villa College said that these programs will enhance skills and capabilities in communication, research, and problem-solving, and will prepare students for the practical field.
Bachelor of Shariah and Law with Political Science and Bachelor of Shariah and Law with International Relations are two programs designed in such a way that, after completing all core modules of Shariah and Law required to work in the Maldivian legal field, students can pursue Political Science or International Relations in their final year.
In the first two years, students will be taught subjects such as Law of Contract, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Maldivian Legal System, Islamic Family Law, and Islamic Law of Inheritance. In the final year, students choosing Political Science will study subjects such as Comparative Politics, Religion and Politics, and Development and Public Policy, while students choosing International Relations will be taught subjects such as Counterterrorism and National Security, Maldivian Foreign Policy, and Foreign Policy of Major Powers.
Additionally, practical opportunities such as mooting, pro-bono work, and participation in the Law Student Society will also be accessible to students. Both programs are designed to be studied over a duration of three years (6 semesters) through e-learning and face-to-face modes.
Both of these programs are accredited by the Maldives Qualifications Authority (MQA) and approved by the Bar Council of Maldives. Villa College stated that students graduating from these programs will be prepared to a standard that fulfills the council's national licensing requirements.
The college stated that one of the most special features of Villa College's Shariah and Law programs is the inclusion of experiential learning modules such as Street Law within the curriculum.
Furthermore, in addition to the modules mandated by the Bar Council of Maldives, students will also complete industry-relevant specialized modules such as Employment Law, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and Force, Fear, Crime and Punishment.
The Master of Political Science and International Relations introduced by Villa College includes subjects such as Global Governance and International Organizations, Diplomacy and International Negotiations, Geopolitics and South Asia, and Security Studies.
This program can be completed along with a dissertation. The college stated that this program will pave the way for students wishing to advance in fields such as Foreign Affairs and Diplomacy, International Organizations and NGOs, Policy Analysis and Consulting, Academia, Research Journalism, and Public Administration. This program is also designed to be studied across three semesters through e-learning and face-to-face modes.
Dean of the Faculty of Shariah and Law, Ustadha Asna Ahmed, stated that these three newly introduced programs were designed not only to build a legal foundation for students, but also to provide opportunities for broad learning in policy and diplomacy.
Vice-Rector of Villa College, Dr. Ali Najeeb, stated that these three programs serve as an example of the efforts being undertaken by Villa College to build an educated generation capable of thinking about matters from a broad perspective.
To participate in the two bachelor's programs, applicants must have passed 2 subjects at GCE A Level or HSC. Alternatively, the college stated that applicants must have achieved a Level 4 qualification in a related field, or completed a Level 4 Foundation Study Program designated for the diploma program.
To participate in the master's program, applicants must have achieved a bachelor's degree or a Level 8 Graduate Diploma in a related field. For parties who do not fulfill those requirements, entry requirements based on work experience have also been established.
Applications are now open to apply for the September intake of these three programs. Further information regarding this can be clarified through Villa College's website and by contacting the college's office.
