QU president Dr Hassan al-Derham, and the vice-chancellor of the Durham University, Prof Stuart Corbridge, signed the agreement at Durham University recently.
Gulf Studies is a leading programme at Qatar University, which currently offers a Masters degree, in addition to a PhD. The dual award PhD gives an additional degree option, and will involve students spending time at both institutions and receiving co-supervision of their thesis.
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 this partnership allows students to benefit from the range of expertise at Durham University, in addition to those within the Qatar University’s Gulf Studies programme. Dr al-Derham said: “This agreement will support Qatar University’s leading academic role in advancing quality education and research, and enhancing the economic and social development of the state”.
“This 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.
Prof Corbridge said: “I am delighted to cement an already strong relationship with Qatar University 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. Qatar University is a natural partner for us in what is a new and exciting initiative for the School of Government and International Affairs.”
CAS dean Dr Eiman Mustafawi noted: “We are certain that partnering with Durham University with its long and distinguished history of focusing on the study of the states, communities, economies, and cultures of the Arabian peninsula, Iran, and Iraq, will enable students to contribute to one of the world’s most rapidly developing regions through delivering research supervision and training offered by experts in Qatar and United Kingdom.”
