DOHA: As a result of an agreement signed recently between Qatar University’s College of Arts and Sciences (QU-CAS) and Durham University, will see the initiation of a dual award PhD in Gulf studies.
Gulf studies is a leading programme at QU, which offers a Master’s degree and a PhD.
The dual award PhD gives students an additional degree option and will involve them spending time at both institutions and receiving co-supervision of their thesis.
Dr Hassan Al Derham, President, QU, and Professor Stuart Corbridge, Vice-Chancellor, Durham University, signed the agreement at Durham University.
Durham University is ranked 61st in the world in the QS University Rankings (2015/16) and is recognised as a global leader in social sciences where it is ranked 36th globally by the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings subject league tables.
It has a leading international reputation for Middle Eastern and Gulf Studies and the partnership allows students to benefit from the range of expertise at Durham University in addition to those within QU’s Gulf Studies programme.
Dr Al Derham said, “The agreement will support QU’s leading academic role in advancing quality education and research and enhancing the economic and social development of the state.
“The new collaboration will also promote close ties between the two institutions and will be aligned with our stated strategic direction to build partnerships with top universities around the world,” he added.
Professor Corbridge said, “I am delighted to cement an already strong relationship with QU through signing this agreement for a joint PhD in Gulf Studies.
“Durham has an excellent reputation for delivery of high quality teaching and research in this area of study.
“QU is a natural partner for us in what is a new and exciting initiative for the School of Government and International Affairs. I look forward to the development of further collaborative projects between our universities in the future.”
Dr Eiman Mustafawi, Dean of the college, said, “We’re certain that partnering with Durham University with its long and distinguished history of focusing on the study of the states, communities, economies, cultures of the Arabian Peninsula, Iran, and Iraq, will enable students to contribute to one of the world’s most rapidly developing region through delivering research supervision and training offered by experts in Qatar and the UK.”
The Peninsula
