Qatar University

Committed to higher education

Since its inception in 1977, Qatar University (QU) has provided world-class undergraduate and graduate programmes that prepare competent graduates primed to shape the future of Qatar.

Qatar University (QU) is the primary national institution of higher education in the state of Qatar. The university community has a diverse and committed faculty who teach and conduct research which addresses relevant local and regional challenges, advances knowledge, and contributes actively to the needs and aspirations of society. 

With nearly 8,000 students and a 13:1 student teacher ratio, the university serves as a beacon for higher education and academic excellence. Underpinning this commitment is the goal to align its colleges, programmes and courses with established international standards and best practices.

As such, departments across the university have embarked on or are undertaking the endorsement of numerous leading international accrediting bodies. Most recent successes include the College of Arts and Science’s BSc and MSc Environmental Science programmes. In the College of Engineering, seven Bachelor degree programmes have gained accreditation by the Engineering and Computing Commissions of ABET Inc. In June 2012, QU’s College of Pharmacy became the first institution outside of Canada to receive recognition from the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada. International accreditation for its undergraduate courses is now in its final stage. 

The College of Education contributes to shaping the future of education in the state of Qatar through committed development of initiatives designed to meet the country’s goals towards education reform. Its position was further strengthened by gaining the prestigious International Recognition in Teacher Education (IRTE) in 2011, making it one of only two higher education institutions in the GCC and MENA region to be so recognised. Meanwhile, QU is continuing its journey towards institutional accreditation through its Itimad project.

Unique programmes

With over 60 specialisations, QU offers the widest range of academic programmes in the state of Qatar and tailors them to meet the ever-changing needs of Qatari society. This portfolio of courses is continually expanding. New programmes launched include a Masters in Gulf Studies - the first of its kind in the region and only the second in the world; a Masters in Accounting, Masters in Philosophy and Environmental Sciences and PhDs in Engineering and Pharmacy. New for this semester will be two Masters Programmes launched by the College of Sharia and Islamic studies - Quaranic Sciences and Exegesis and Fiql and Usul al Fiql. Also beginning this autumn, the College of Engineering will offer Masters’ programmes in Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering.

One programme which has proved very popular since its start last year is the BSc in Sport Science. The first of its kind in Qatar and in the Gulf, this is a triad collaboration comprising QU, Aspire Academy and the Qatar Olympic Committee and is geared towards meeting the needs of the Qatari society and the state’s burgeoning position as the “sporting capital of the world”. 

Throughout their time at the university, students’ active participation in shaping their own education is encouraged. A successful example of this is the College of Law’s Domestic Violence project. This was established last year as a result of a female student’s committed interest in family violence in Qatar which sparked enthusiasm in her colleagues to learn about the legal, social, and relational aspects of family violence. Male and female students have been involved in drafting a law and action plan on the issue to submit to national policymakers.

QU continues to build and sustain an academic environment where students and faculty are encouraged to incorporate research as an integral part of the teaching and learning process.  For the academic year 2011/2012, the total amount of external research funds reached QR728 million ($200 million), while in the fifth round of the National Priorities Research Program (NRRP), QU was awarded QR197 million ($54million) in grants.

Arguably one of QU’s strongest features is its close inter-relationship with its surrounding society and adapting its methods to the changes in the social framework. The university is proud of its growing network of partnerships of mutual benefit with business, industry, academia and civil society which ensure that students at QU receive a world-class education and that they are appropriately trained to help lead Qatar into the future.