Photo Credit: WAM
Rabdan Academy has secured international accreditation for its MSc Systems Engineering Specialising in Defence programme from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), acting on behalf of the Engineering Council UK.
The accreditation strengthens the programme’s international academic and professional recognition while providing graduates with additional opportunities for professional development. Graduates are also eligible for IET membership, giving them access to an international network of engineering professionals and industry knowledge.
The accreditation followed a comprehensive academic review that confirmed the programme meets the requirements of the applicable Commonality Regulations. The assessment found 90 percent commonality with Cranfield University’s MSc Systems Engineering programme, exceeding the required minimum of 70 percent.
Salem Saeed Al Saeedi, Vice President of Rabdan Academy, said the accreditation covers programme intakes from 2022 to 2026 and reflects the Academy’s commitment to delivering specialised academic programmes aligned with international standards and the UAE’s strategic priorities.
He added that the programme combines advanced academic knowledge with practical expertise, helping develop national talent with specialised capabilities in systems engineering and defence applications. These skills support the UAE’s wider security, defence and resilience ecosystem.
Dr. Naji Al Seiari, Dean of Faculty and Director of Research and Innovation at Rabdan Academy, said the accreditation demonstrates the quality of the programme and the strength of its learning outcomes.
The review assessed the programme’s content, objectives, learning outcomes, assessment methods and student work. It confirmed that these areas align with corresponding components of Cranfield University’s programme and meet applicable academic and engineering standards.
Delivered exclusively in the UAE through an academic partnership between Rabdan Academy and Cranfield University in the United Kingdom, the programme awards successful students a dual MSc degree from both institutions.
The programme is designed for specialised personnel from the UAE Ministry of Defence and engineers working across the country’s defence industry. It connects advanced engineering education with the operational requirements of the defence sector while supporting the development of national expertise in systems engineering and its defence applications.
