Villa College has introduced four new programmes in education, engineering management and psychology: one bachelor’s degree and three master’s degrees. Applications for all four are now open for the January 2027 intake.
The new programmes are the Bachelor of Teaching in Business and Travel and Tourism, the Master of Engineering Management, the Master of Science in Health Psychology and the Master of Science in Forensic Psychology. They are designed to prepare the skilled professionals the Maldives needs for national development, and to expand opportunities to pursue higher education in the country.
In all four programmes, classroom theory is linked to practical experience such as practicums, field visits and capstone projects. The aim is for every student to graduate ready to work in their field.
“As the Maldives develops, the country needs professionals in every field who have the knowledge and skills to be ready for the world of work,” said Associate Professor Dr. Ali Najeeb, Vice Rector of Villa College. “These four programmes are designed to give students practical experience alongside theory.”
“This is an important step in Villa College’s efforts to widen the opportunities for Maldivians to pursue higher education at home,” he added. “I am delighted to invite everyone who is interested to apply for these programmes.”
Bachelor of Teaching in Business and Travel and Tourism
Tourism is the mainstay of the Maldivian economy, so teaching school students the knowledge and skills related to it is especially important. The Bachelor of Teaching in Business and Travel and Tourism prepares teachers of Business Studies and Travel and Tourism for secondary and higher secondary schools. Alongside business and tourism management concepts, students learn the pedagogy of teaching these subjects.
The programme’s main aim is to produce a new generation of well-qualified teachers, with knowledge and skills suited to the Maldives’ changing needs. Teaching draws on case studies, business simulations, virtual tours and practical hospitality training. Students also gain experience of using business software, tourism management systems and booking platforms.
Field visits, guest lectures and work with industry are part of the programme. Students learn to run inclusive classrooms that meet the needs of every learner, and to use digital technology and AI in their teaching. In the final semester, the Graduate Impact Semester gives them the chance to carry out work of practical benefit to the community.
The programme runs for three years and is taught face to face. It includes two teaching practicums, and students who complete the first two years are awarded an Advanced Diploma of Teaching in Business and Travel and Tourism.
“Preparing the young people that the Maldives’ tourism and business sectors need begins in the school classroom, and the teachers of these subjects play a vital role in that,” said Abdul Sattar Gasim, Dean of the Faculty of Educational Studies at Villa College. “Through the teaching practicums in this programme, students will gain experience of teaching in schools even before they graduate.”
Master of Engineering Management
Engineering today calls for more than technical knowledge. Engineers also need the skills to manage projects, identify risks, use new technologies and make business decisions. The Master of Engineering Management is designed specifically to prepare engineers for leadership and management roles.
The programme covers project and risk management, Industry 4.0 technologies, accounting and finance for executives, energy management, sustainability engineering and strategic management. Students also study innovation, entrepreneurship and professional ethics. Teaching is based on problem-based learning and real examples from industry.
The emphasis on sustainability engineering and energy efficiency is particularly important for a country such as the Maldives, which is heavily affected by climate change. Graduates can go on to roles such as engineering manager, project manager, technology transformation lead, operations manager and sustainability lead.
The programme runs for one year and is taught face to face. A distinctive feature is a group capstone project in which students work out a solution to a challenge in engineering management.
“Running the Maldives’ major projects requires engineers who combine technical knowledge with management and leadership skills,” said Udhuma Abdul Latheef, Head of School at Villa College’s Faculty of Engineering and Technology and School of Computer Science. “This programme is designed to provide those skills. Through the capstone project, students will also gain experience in solving the problems faced in the engineering field.”
Master of Science in Health Psychology
Demand for psychologists in the Maldivian health sector is growing. The Master of Science in Health Psychology trains professionals to support patients in managing chronic illness and recovery, and to help improve the quality of healthcare. Students learn how biological, psychological and social factors affect physical health, and how to protect against those effects.
Modules include Psychology of Illnesses, Psychological Testing and Assessment, and Geriatric Counselling. Students also learn about the challenges of living with chronic illness and how to support caregivers. Graduates can work in roles such as clinical case manager, mental health educator and public health officer.
The programme runs for two years and is taught face to face. It includes three clinical practicums and a capstone project.
Master of Science in Forensic Psychology
The Master of Science in Forensic Psychology gives students evidence-based knowledge of psychology and the justice system, along with the skills to identify criminal behaviour and manage offenders. Students learn to give expert advice in court proceedings and to work with the police on criminal investigations. They also learn to assess the behaviour of prisoners and advise on decisions about parole, release and detention.
In addition, students are trained to analyse evidence from crime scenes and to study the previous records of suspects. Modules include Forensic Child Psychology, Psychology and Law, Criminal Psychology, and Behavioural Analysis and Investigative Techniques.
Graduates can work in the health and judicial sectors, correctional services, and the police and military, as well as in teaching and research in the field. The programme runs for two years, is taught face to face and includes three forensic practicums and a capstone project.
Speaking about both psychology programmes, Assistant Professor Dr. Aishath Nasheedha, Head of School and Director of the VCare Counselling and Psychotherapy Centre at Villa College, said: “Practical experience is essential to becoming a competent psychologist. That is why both programmes include three practicums. Being able to train the psychologists that the health and judicial sectors need, here in the Maldives, is a major step forward.”
Entry Requirements
Applicants for the bachelor’s programme need two GCE A Level passes at grade E or above, or two HSC passes at grade C or above. They can also enter with a Level 4 qualification in a related field, or after completing a Level 4 foundation programme approved for entry to the programme.
Applicants aged 20 or over who have completed secondary education and worked for two years in a related field can qualify by completing a University Preparation Programme approved by the Maldives Qualifications Authority (MQA). The same route is open to applicants with a Level 4 qualification in an unrelated field.
For the master’s programmes, applicants need a bachelor’s degree or a Level 8 Graduate Diploma in a related field. Applicants aged 25 or over can also enter by completing an MQA-approved Pre-Master’s programme.
This alternative route is open to those with a Level 5 qualification in a related field and seven years of related work experience, three and a half of them after gaining the qualification. It is also open to those with a Level 6 qualification in a related field and six years of related work experience, three of them after gaining the qualification.
How to Apply
Applications for the January 2027 intake close on 26 December 2026. For more information about the programmes, visit www.villacollege.edu.mv, call 3303200 or email info@villacollege.edu.mv.
