Bandar Seri Begawan - It Is not the end for students who did not meet requirements to gain entry into Universiti Brunei Darussalam's (UBD) undergraduate GenNext programmes, as UniBridge, a new five-month course, offers students and in-service officers an alternative route to equip them with knowledge and skills to help them get into GenNext programmes.

Upon completing Unibridge, a one semester full-time academic programme, students will have to obtain an average of a "B" grade to have a higher chance of getting into GenNext programmes.

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Institute of Education (SHBIE) Academic Group Convener for Humanities and Social Sciences Shamsiah Zuraini Kanchanawati Hj Tajuddin told The Brunei Times that the UniBridge programme was similar to a foundation programme.

"It is like if one door closes, another door will be open for these students who do not meet requirements to get into university," she said.

However, Shamsiah stressed that although students took the UniBridge programme, it did not mean they had an "automatic entry" into GenNext programmes at UBD.

"H students complete the course with C or D grades, it will be hard for them to get into GenNext," she said.

She added that the aim of UniBridge was to promote lifelong learning, especially for those who did not have an opportunity to continue their studies previously.

"Some students did not pursue higher education after their '0' Levels because they had to come out and work to support their families. This programme welcomes those students who have at least obtained four '0' Levels and five years of full-time work experience," she said.

Also, the programme welcomes any students who have just completed their "A" levels to apply.

When asked whether students will be able to cope if they entered into the GenNext programme after completing UniBridge, Shamsiah said: We offer three core modules in the UniBridge programme, such as Introduction to University Studies. These modules will assist students to cope with subjects when they reach university," she said.

She added that UniBridge will expose students to different learning strategies that they have never experienced before. "Some examples are like time management and being able to meet demands of higher academic life at university."

During the first day of the open-day UniBridge 2010 enrolment yesterday, Shamsiah said she was pleased with the number of people who turned up to enquire about the programme.

"About 100 students and in-service officers came to the open day today. However, the programme can only accept a maximum of 80 students for the January 2010 intake," she said.

Shamsiah also said that many in-service officers who went for the open day, said the programme was a way to upgrade their skills and knowledge. They added that it was important to take the programme to prepare them in pursuing higher education.

Students who have just completed their "0" and "A" Levels (pre-service), and anyone who has been working without previously pursuing higher education (mature) are encouraged to apply for the programme, if they did not fulfil the entry requirements of GenNext programmes.

The programme requires students to take at least four modules, equivalent to 16 modular credits. Students will have to take three compulsory core modules and are allowed to choose more than one optional module.

The open day will continue from 9am to 12 noon today, at UBD's Institute for Leadership, Innovation and Advancement (ILIA).-- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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