THE energy sector is a dynamic and demanding industry, continuously facing challenges and experiencing exciting new developments. Global competition is forcing all organisations operating within this industry to invest in its staff and develop strong management competencies, providing career opportunities for existing and prospective managers.

“The Aberdeen Business School’s MBA Oil and Gas Management is the only AMBA accredited course of its type. In addition to its AMBA status, the online (e-MBA) course has been listed as one of the top Distance Learning MBAs available globally by the Financial Times and Business Week,” says Robert L F Rice, managing director, MDCI (UK).

Aberdeen Business School is working with MDCI (UK) in the Middle East. MDCI (UK) Ltd has over 20 year’s of experience supporting busy executives complete their studies.

“Meeting the needs of a global industry requires an international outlook, a network of academics, and strong relationships with industry. We, therefore, work hard to foster and maintain international collaboration in the main hubs around the world,” says Rice.

“Since 1993, MDCI has helped over 2,000 executives in the Gulf region accelerate their careers by completing the prestigious MBA degree. Many have come from the oil and gas sector. The MBA in Oil and Gas Management is not only focussed on the sectors needs but also delivers state of the art teaching and support methods. We are delighted to be a strategic part of this new development,” he adds.

The Aberdeen Business School MBA has also been ranked in the Global Top 50 (the Aspen Institute).

According to the School, this innovative MBA enables students to develop advanced skills in strategy and management relating to the energy sector. They will gain an understanding of the importance of the social, political, economic, cultural and technological elements of national and international strategy, enabling them to apply this knowledge to inform decision making.

The course concludes with the oil and gas management project which puts into practice the leadership and strategic-thinking skills which students will develop during the course. The MBA projects are designed to enhance career options for all students by developing and enhancing their research, analytical, communication and personal skills.

All projects are strategic in nature and focus on real opportunities facing an organisation or government department/ agency. Through this seven-week project, students face challenges of working within new settings, apply learning to new problems and earn valuable experience of working in a multi-national environment. “We work with students to ensure their project is strategic in nature and sponsored directly by the managing director or chief executive officer of the host organization,” says Rice.

The institute’s MBA programme has gained international recognition through academic collaborations within the energy sector in the US, Australia, Europe and the Middle East. It also delivers corporate programmes to a range of energy companies including Total, Amec, BJ Services, Sonatrach and PDVSA.

Situated at the heart of the offshore North Sea oil and gas industry, specialised expertise within this area is recognised the world over and has made Aberdeen the energy hub it is today.

It is located within five miles of over 100 major oil and gas companies, including BP, Shell, Taqa, ExxonMobil, and ConocoPhillips.

More details can be found at www.mdciedu.com