The College
A Brief History
Villa College is a full-fledged tertiary education and training institute established by the Chairman of Villa Group, Hon. Qasim Ibrahim to offer educational opportunities to Maldivians, at an affordable price, in the country. With this aim, Villa College began its historic journey on the 28th of January 2007, with the registration of its first institute, Villa Institute of Water Sports followed by the Villa Institute of Information Technology (VIIT) and Villa Institute of Hospitality and Tourism Studies. By the consistent endeavors of our chairman and the countless efforts of the enthusiastic and committed group of staff, on the 17th October 2007 Villa College was registered and established as the first Private College of the Maldives by the Department of Higher Education.
Villa College commenced its first program early October 2007 with a total number of twenty students. Since then, the student numbers have grown steadily and today over one thousand students, learning various disciplines, are enrolled. Although Villa College started its operations in October 2007 under the Faculty of Computing and Business Management, all academic courses began in July 2008.
Symbols of Villa College
The Chancellor's Chair
Derived from the rich history and traditions of Maldives, the Chancellor's Chair and Villa College mace signifies the esteem and acclaim accorded to the Chancellor of Open University Malaysia by Villa College.
The crest engraved on the headboard of the Chair represents the high standards and the ideals of Villa College as personified by the chosen figure.
The Mace
The Mace is the symbol of the authority accorded by the constitution of Villa College. In the historical context, the mace was first used in the People's Majilis (Parliament) during the time of the First Republic of Maldives. Placement of the mace on its raised holder on the Speaker's desk signalled the commencement of the People's Majilis and lowering it signified the end of the Parliament Session.
The use of native wood for the Chair and the Mace epitomises the versatility and strength of the Maldivian people and the intricate carvings symbolise the interconnection of Islamic values, cultural mores and creative artistry in the Maldivian way of life.
The Management
Villa College is committed to exhibiting best practices. Villa College conducts its operations in accordance with the values identified by the College Board, with the guidance of Chairman of Villa Group of Companies, and the concerned Government authority.
Founder
The founder of Villa College is Hon. Qasim Ibrahim. Having facilitated the achievement of tertiary education (overseas) to an uncountable number of students for several years, it was his vision to broaden the educational opportunities available for Maldivians. With this honourable aim, on 28th of January 2007, Villa College was founded.
The Rector
The Rector is the principal academic and administrative figure of the college and as such he maintains and promotes the efficiency of the college.
Vice Rector
The Vice Rector (administration) heads the administration office (see below). S/he plays a key role in the day to day administration of the college, mainly overseeing administrative affairs such as marketing and human resource management in addition to contributing to academic matters.
Academic Board
The College Board is responsible for overseeing and maintaining the highest standards in learning, teaching and research. It does this by providing an environment for the academic community.
Management Committee
The College Board is responsible for overseeing and maintaining the highest standards in learning, teaching and research. It does this by providing an environment for the academic community.
Faculties & Centres
Today, there are a total of six faculties and seven centres in operation. The faculties are:
- Faculty of Information Communications Technology (FICT)
- Faculty of Business Management (FBM)
- Faculty of Educational Studies (FES)
- Faculty of Marine Studies & Water Sports
- Faculty of Shariah and Islamic Studies (FSIS)
- Faculty of Hospitality Management and Tourism Studies (FHMTS)
The centres are:
- Centre for Academic Excellence
- Centre for Curriculum Development (CCD)
- Centre for English Language Support (CELS)
- Centre for Professional Studies (CPS)
- Centre for Information Communications Technology
- Examinations Office (EO)
- Foundation Studies (FS)
Programmes & Courses We Offer
The college offer a number of diversified programmes and courses in the areas of Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Information and Technology, Educational Studies, and Human Resource Management. Educational Studies, Information Technology and Business Administration programmes are available up to a Masters’ Degree.
Presently, in all other areas courses are offered up to a Bachelors’ Degree. Opportunities are also available for students in professional studies, such as accountancy, marketing and diving.
