Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), a member of Qatar Foundation for Education Science and Community Development, has welcomed more than 200 new students for the 2016-17 academic year, bringing the total number of students enrolled at the university to more than 450.
More than 90% of HBKU’s students are undertaking advanced study at master’s and doctoral level, and there is a heavy emphasis on research across the university. The number of Qatari students continues to be significant, accounting for around 70% of students enrolled on recently-added programmes such as the Master of Science in Cybersecurity and the Juris Doctor graduate law degree.
Maryam Hamad al-Mannai, vice president of Students Affairs at HBKU, told the new students at an orientation event that they are joining a university that is proud to be pushing the boundaries of research education in Qatar.
“The start of this new academic year is also an important milestone for the university. HBKU is growing and thriving. Together with our existing students, you represent the hopes and aspirations of a university that is committed to building educational capacity in Qatar at the highest level.”
Dedicated to delivering novel, high-quality academic programmes designed to meet the needs of Qatar and the region, HBKU introduced three new graduate degrees this year. Two new master’s programmes, the Master of Science in Cybersecurity and a Master of Science in Data Science and Engineering, are the first of their kind in the Gulf region and offer students the opportunity to conduct novel research alongside HBKU’s world-renowned faculty members and researchers. The university also initiated a PhD programme in Computer Science and Engineering this fall, complementing the university’s existing doctorate-level offerings in sustainable energy, sustainable environment, and biological and biomedical sciences.
HBKU continues to expand its degree programmes, inspire a spirit of innovation, and grow its research facilities to better meet market demands and cultivate strong leaders. This year’s new students come from a wide range of notable companies, including Qatar Petroleum, Ernst & Young, Ashghal, Deloitte, Vodafone, Sidra Medical and Research Center, Kahramaa, and Qatar Central Bank. Others have previously worked with the Qatar Armed Forces, the Emiri Diwan, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
The new students at an orientation programme.
