ESSENTIALITY OF IMPLEMENTING PEARSON BTEC FOUNDATION PROGRAM IN HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM IN UZBEKISTAN

ABSTRACT

In this article, the outcome of analysis of Level 3 Foundation programs is explained such as Business and Information Technology with Pearson BTEC Qualifications by private non-governmental organisation “Cambridge International College” in the Republic of Uzbekistan. Conclusion is proposed as the initial guidance for implementing decent management strategies and improve private education system through international curriculum for higher education sector of Uzbekistan.

АННОТАЦИЯ

В данной статье представлен результат анализа программ Foundation третьего уровня, таких как «Бизнес и информационные технологии с квалификацией Pearson BTEC», частной неправительственной организацией «Кембриджский международный колледж» в Республике Узбекистан. Заключение предлагается в качестве начального руководства для реализации стратегий эффективного управления и улучшения системы частного образования с помощью международной учебной программы для сектора высшего образования Узбекистана.

Keywords: Higher education system, implementation of foreign degree, university subjects, British teaching system, international foundation program, curriculum, Pearson BTEC Foundation, Cambridge International College.

Ключевые слова: Система высшего образования, получение иностранного диплома, университетские предметы, британская система обучения, международная базовая программа, учебная программа, Фонд Pearson BTEC, Кембриджский международный колледж.

Introduction

In the digital age and innovation era, there is a high demand for international higher education institutions in emerging countries, specifically in Uzbekistan. The role of private higher education system is essential for the new generation as it offers the internationally recognised standards and degrees which can be necessary for the development of the whole higher education system as well as the economy. However, there are some serious challenges in implementing foreign educational system in the local higher education system because of the language barriers, lack of expertise and knowledge. In this situation, it is crucial to have the right management system in place for a development of business strategy to implement the chosen international teaching programs. The significant role of introducing international qualification system such as Pearson BTEC in Uzbekistan is impacted by a globalisation and demand for such internationally accredited qualifications.

Research results

Over the past 5-10 years, there was a progressive initiative of the government of Uzbekistan by allowing private universities open their campuses by introducing international education system. This all is happening thanks to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev who is contributing great efforts in improving the higher education system by investing in implementation of the international standards and this is a positive indicator in the sphere of the higher education. This is because, this type of initiative increases the higher education qualification level of young generation who chooses to learn hands-on and global education such as in business, IT, medicine, and other areas which creates professional workers who can even work abroad with the qualification gained from Uzbekistan.

Pearson is the largest awarding body in the United Kingdom, and it is regulated by Ofqual that offers both qualifications, academic and vocational which are accepted worldwide. Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC) is considered as work-oriented vocational qualifications from entry level to Higher National Diplomas. In fact, over 70 countries around the world recognize the BTECs and they bring together theoretical and practical learning with more than 2,000 BTEC qualifications across different 16 sectors from level 2 entry level through to level 7 which is equivalent to master’s diploma (UCAS, 2021). It is believed that such international qualification in Uzbekistan would be significantly essential for the long-term development of the higher education system through implementing the practical study materials both offered in English and Uzbek on Business and IT programs. The results indicate that up-to-date curriculum of Pearson BTEC creates an opportunity to work, and students at every stage of the program will gain the most practical knowledge and skills which is definitely important for the improvement of the economic development of Uzbekistan.

With this purpose in-mind, NGO Cambridge International College was established in Tashkent, Uzbekistan in 2020 with unique BTEC International Level 3 Foundation qualifications in Business and Information Technology, which is designed to prepare students with the high-quality and expert knowledge along with practical skills for the real career paths. It is worth mentioning that BTEC-qualified graduates are demanded by many companies and higher education institutions for their academic and real-world, modern knowledge and skills (Pearson BTEC, 2021). It is a fact that there are several problems in our higher education in Uzbekistan such as out-of-date curriculum, mostly theoretical subjects that is not up to the standards and lack of teachers with international knowledge and experience. Therefore, we can see many weaknesses in teaching programs in some higher educational institutions that are made students fail and not learn the real, hands-on knowledge. The main purpose of providing this Pearson BTEC Foundation qualification is to suggest solutions for those major issues and help students gain internationally recognised education that work.

Cambridge International College is the only provider of Pearson BTEC Foundation degree programs in Business and IT in Tashkent, and its purpose is to provide high-quality, hands-on qualifications grounded in the real world of work. The main aim of this program is that BTEC students put what they learn into practice straight away. Throughout their course, they work on a number of assignments in real-life scenarios, developing the practical knowledge and skills which companies and universities are looking for. As it can be understood that it’s so much more than just a certificate – BTEC qualified students can keep applying what they learned on their BTEC course as they progress to university or a job – and throughout their future career. It is suggested to include the units/subjects of Pearson BTEC Foundation program in business and information technology that is taught in taught in Cambridge International College with an outstanding performance.

Table 1.

Subjects in business and information technology that are taught at the Cambridge International College

Without a doubt, these subjects above are intended to make students to improve their critical analysis, communication, leadership, and innovative skills which is demanded aptitudes around the world. With the right education system that matches the international standards are the only solution to help create personnel that companies looking for. Pearson BTEC graduates are therefore having more chance to stand out from the crowd in applying for the jobs, especially Pearson offers freelancing collaboration which gives a great opportunity to study and cover their tuition fee by working as freelancers. This is very needed for the economy of the country that can result in increase in more educated young citizens and decrease of unemployment of young people. Also, the next step is for improvement of the globalisation and digitalisation that can be achieved with Pearson BTEC International Qualification because it mainly concentrates on developing students to study and work with the modern and essential subjects that are recognised globally.

Westminster International University in Tashkent (WIUT) is one of the first international university in Uzbekistan and it has been operating since 2002. It is a major competitor in the market with providing the Certificate of International Foundation Studies which is a one-year course certified by the University of Westminster. Comparative analysis is necessary to analyse their foundation program and see if their curriculum is competitive enough in the modern education.

Table 2.

Comparative analysis of basic programs

It is argued that the program that WUIT offers is not sufficiently practical and based on more academic rather than providing practical and most demanded subjects in the 21st century. This is because of their core subjects or modules such as Academic English, Quantitative Methods, Citizen and Development Professional Identity. If we compare their mandatory subjects with Pearson BTEC Foundation, we can understand the weaknesses and lack of subjects that are essential to study and practise for students to be more competitive in the job market. Therefore, there are more advantages of Foundation program of Pearson BTEC which is designed to teach learners the most updated and relevant subjects either in Business or IT with the aim of making them more competitive and professional among other students.

Another competitor who provides International Foundation program in Uzbek market is Management Development Institute of Singapore in Tashkent. It was founded in September 2008, and it the first overseas campus in Tashkent of this institution that offers tertiary education for students. The subjects in their curriculum in the Foundation year include the following:

Table 3.

Subjects included in the curriculum Foundation

It is obvious that there are 7 core subjects that are taught in the Foundation programme of MDIST are mainly consists of English language, Maths, International Business, Communication skills and IT which are taught throughout a year. It can be seen that the main purpose of this programme is to improve the English language skills and teach the fundamentals of business and IT. The advantage of this program is that provides flexibility and basic business studies which can be easier for students to grasp the knowledge. However, compared to Pearson BTEC Foundation, we can see many weaknesses of the Foundation program of MDIST as it only focuses on the basic subjects that are mainly general, not specific. It is proposed that in order to gain competitive advantage in the market, this university should be encouraged to modify its curriculum as it does not include the modern and relevant subjects that 21st century students expect. The main goal here is to exceed the expectation of the students with high-quality and practical subjects that are oriented to teach the real knowledge that are demanded by the companies in Uzbekistan and the Pearson BTEC Foundation program can provide this with outstanding curriculum and methods of teaching.

The first benefits of studying Pearson BTEC Foundation at Cambridge International College (CIC) is the teaching materials which all created by Pearson Education Limited and it holds Centre Approval Certificate which is approved to offer BTEC Qualifications, centre number 94346. This means that all students who successfully graduate this Foundation program will receive a Diploma 720 Guided Learning Hour from Pearson, England. Another advantage of this course is that students who wish to study abroad after the foundation year, will be eligible to transfer to overseas universities with this Pearson BTEC Foundation Level 3 Diploma which is recognised by top 100 universities around the world. University recognition is important factor in choosing the BTEC as after the completion of the Foundation degree program, and therefore students can plan their further studies either in local universities or decide to transfer their bachelor’s degree in foreign universities. The table below provides information about some of those universities that fully recognise and admit students for their undergraduate degree.

Table 4.

Information about some universities that fully recognize and accept students for their bachelor's degree

Conclusion

On conclusion, the result of implementing Pearson BTEC Foundation program in the higher education is essential for the improvement of the whole education system in Uzbekistan. With a number of benefits that BTEC program offers can be a key for the development of the university curriculum as aligned with internationally accepted qualifications that are highly valued in the world. As one of the higher education providers NGO Cambridge International College would be ideal solution for the improvement and adaptation of the most demanded and up-to-date curriculum which can boost the knowledge and skills of students in the long run. However, in order to implement Pearson BTEC program nationwide it is crucial for the government to allow operating private or public educational institutions that would help to increase the impact of international qualifications which eventually lead to create professionals with internationally accepted diploma.

References:

1. Cambridge International University (2021). BTEC FOUNDATION – BUSINESS – CIU. [online] www.cambdrige.uz. Available at: https://cambridge.uz/en/portfolio/btec-foundation-business/  [Accessed 19 May 2021].
2. MDIS Tashkent (2021). FOUNDATION YEAR PROGRAMME | Management Development Institute of Singapore in Tashkent. [online] www.mdis.uz. Available at: http://www.mdis.uz/foundation_year_programme  [Accessed 19 May 2021].
3. Pearson BTEC (2021). BTEC International Level 3 | Pearson qualifications. [online] qualifications.pearson.com. Available at: https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/btec-international-level-3.html  [Accessed 18 May 2021].
4. UCAS (2021). BTEC DIPLOMAS. [online] UCAS. Available at: https://www.ucas.com/further-education/post-16-qualifications/qualifications-you-can-take/btec-diplomas  [Accessed 5 May 2021].
5. Westminster International University in Tashkent (2021). Foundation. [online] WIUT. Available at: http://www.wiut.uz/foundation  [Accessed 20 May 2021]