Villa College has introduced one Bachelors Program and three Masters Program.

The programs introduced by the college are:

To prepare students for the practical environment, these programs are designed to include practical experience opportunities such as theory, practicums, field visits and capstone projects.

Speaking on the newly introduced programs, Villa College Vice Rector, Associate Professor Dr. Ali Najeeb said the program is an important step by Villa College in their efforts to provide a wider range of education opportunities for Maldivians. He also said these programs were introduced to build professionals who are ready for developing fields in Maldives.

Bachelor of Teaching in Business and Travel and Tourism

This program was designed to prepare teachers to teach Business Studies and Travel and Tourism in secondary and higher secondary schools.

In addition to Business and Tourism Management concepts, this program includes pedagogy.

The program will make use of case studies, business simulations, virtual tours and practical hospitality training. Students will also gain experience in business software, tourism management systems and using booking platforms.

The program will also include field visits, lectures and industry work. Every student's needs will be taken into account in managing inclusive classrooms, and will include the utilization of digital technology and AI in teaching.

Villa College's Dean of the Faculty of Educational Studies Abdul Sattar Gasim said because of the teaching practicums in the program, students will get teaching experience in schools before they graduate. This is a three-year program.

Masters of Engineering Management

This one-year program was designed to prepare engineers for leadership and management roles. The program includes areas such as Risk Management, IR (Industry 4.0) Technology, Executive Accounting and Finance, Energy Management, Sustainability Engineering and Strategic Management. The program also teaches Innovation and Entrepreneurship and Professional Ethics.

The program will use problem-based learning and real industry examples in teaching students.

While highlighting the importance of the program, Head of School for the Faculty of Engineering and Technology and the School of Computer Science Udhuma Abdul Latheef said that the program has been designed for students to gain experience in solving engineering problems via the capstone project.

Masters of Science in Health Psychology

This program will train students in becoming professionals in offering support to patients with chronic illnesses and managing recovery, and improving the quality of health services. Students will learn the effects on the wellness of the human body due to biological, psychological and social factors, and its safety measures.

The program will include subjects such as Psychology of Illnesses, Psychological Testing and Assessment and Geriatric Counseling.

Additionally, the program will teach the living difficulties faced due to chronic illnesses and how caretakers can be aided. Graduates from the program will be able to work in positions such as Clinical Case Manager, Mental Health Educator and Public Health Officer. This is a two-year course.

Masters of Science in Forensic Psychology

This program will give students evidence-based knowledge on psychology and the justice system, and will teach them skills on identifying criminal behavior and overseeing prisoners.

The program will give students the skills to offer their professional insights during trial, work with the police in investigations, assess the behavior of prisoners, make decisions on approving parole, release and further detention. Students will also be trained on analyzing evidence from crime scenes and studying past records of the accused.

This program includes subjects such as Forensic Child Psychology, Psychology and Law, Criminal Psychology, and Behavioral Analysis and Investigative Techniques.

Students who graduate from this program will be able to work in the health sector, the judicial sector, the Correctional Service and serve the police and military. They can also teach and conduct research.

Regarding the new psychology programs introduced by Villa College, Director and Assistant Professor of vCare Counseling & Psychotherapy Center Dr. Aishath Nasheeda said that practical experience is important in becoming a capable psychologist and that there are three practicums in both programs.

Additional information on the newly introduced programs are available on Villa College's website.

Interested students can now apply for the new programs when registering for the January intake.