Boston University plans to offer two new Masters programmes through the Bermuda College, beginning September.

Building on the success of the Master of Science in Management programme which ran from 1992 to 1994 at the college, Boston University will be offering the Master of Science in Computer Information Systems and a second cohort of the Master of Science in Management if enough students sign up for the programmes.

The Bermuda College pointed out that the Master of Science in Computer Information Systems is particularly relevant to the Bermuda business community at this time.

"The Government has stated that the development of high-technology businesses are a priority for the further developments of the US base sites,'' according to a college statement, "and this sector will value qualifications such as the M.Sc./CIS.'' The college noted that Bank of Bermuda senior vice president of Information Systems Mr. Peter LeNoury said: "The information systems industry in Bermuda already employs in excess of 1,000 persons and is expected to grow substantially in the next few years.'' The Master of Science in Management programme was described as a general management graduate programme which provides students with high level exposure to all areas of business including finance, marketing, human resources and operations.

"In addition,'' the college pointed out, "students receive a significant exposure to international business practices and in that sense, the M.S.M. is particularly suitable for career advancement in Bermuda.'' The college's Dean of the Faculty of Hotel and Business Administration, Mr.

Michael Conlin, said: "The level of competition for senior positions in Bermuda and worldwide is becoming fierce. Without graduate qualifications from a respected institution, it will become increasingly harder to be successful.

"Boston University, founded in 1839, is one of the most respected universities in the world and has, for the past 20 years, enjoyed an enviable record of having provided executive style graduate management programmes in North America, Europe, the Middle East and the Pacific Rim.

"It is a remarkable opportunity to be able to access this internationally recognised education in Bermuda, without having to interrupt one's career an at a highly competitive price.'' Both of the new programmes will be offered in an "executive'' format on alternating weekends during three semesters each academic year.

Each semester will consist of two courses of seven lectures, each taught on the college's Stonington Campus.

The teaching group includes Boston University faculty members, faculty from other prestigious universities in the Boston area, senior managers, and several senior Bermuda College faculty.

Both programmes also require, as a condition of entry, a Graduate Management Aptitude Test score.

Boston University will offer a GMAT Prep Course through the college.

The course will run for three weekends in February and March and prepare students to write the March GMAT.

Applications for the March GMAT must be received at the GMAT offices in New Jersey by February 3.

GMAT application forms are available from the Academic Services Division of the college.

Further information about the GMAT, the GMAT Prep Course, and the new programmes can be obtained from Ms Patricia Trott of the Faculty of Hotel and Business Administration.

MR. MICHAEL CONLIN: `Level of competition becoming fierce.'