The International University-Guyana is a degree-granting institution and external center for a number of overseas higher learning institutions, based in Georgetown, Guyana. In 1994, Dr. Godfrey Sears, a dual doctoral degree holder in psychology and business management obtained permission from the government of Guyana to establish The International Institute of Professional Management and Engineering. This institute was a center for Institute of Commercial Management UK programs, the International University-USA degree programs, University of Leicester and the Engineering Council of the United Kingdom programs. The center initially comprised two branches, one in New Amsterdam, Berbice, Guyana and the main center situated at North Road and Alexander Streets, Lacytown, Georgetown. In 2001 the unaccredited International University USA of Missouri granted license to IIPME to operate as a campus and degree-granting institution carrying the name the International University-Guyana. The Government of Guyana gave its approval and the then Prime MinisterSamuel Hinds became the patron of the University. The University collaborated with the Institute of Commercial Management to create innovative programs in law and management. The University created a law degree which was based on the ICM professional diploma in legal studies and which continued to two other advanced levels called the Advanced diploma in legal studies. This combination provided the basis for the LLB which was then awarded by the University. Students were awarded the ICM diplomas as completed in order to progress to the degree. The subjects for the professional diploma were the law of agency, tort, contract, company law, English legal system, and with each subject comprising a single diploma. At the advanced diploma level the ICM subjects covered were Land law, Public International law, the law of Trusts, Evidence, Criminal law, Equity, and Jurisprudence. ICM has continued to use this model for their associate degreein law. The International University law degree is recognized internationally, though only a few were granted, the first being in 2004.
