Northumbria University Newcastle has announced a strategic tie-up with Academic Bridge Programme (ABP). 
Hosted by Qatar Finance and Business Academy (QFBA), the MoU was signed by Rob Carthy, director of International Development, Northumbria Newcastle and Dr Bryan Lewallen, director, ABP at QFBA premises in Qatar.
Through this partnership, ABP and Northumbria University intend to establish a relationship to co-operate in a broad range of areas and will work together to expand education landscape. 
Both the partners would encourage and develop collaborative activities in various ways, including the exchange of scholarly ideas/expertise, the support of specific discipline interaction, the development of programmes and the advanced entry to Northumbria programmes of appropriately qualified students from Academic Bridge. This agreement provides graduates of ABP with direct admission to degree courses in many disciplines, including accounting, business, computing, cybersecurity, engineering, finance, health, psychology and sport management. 
Students interested in accounting, banking and finance have the choice of studying the same programme at the University’s main campus in Newcastle in the UK or in Qatar.
Dr Khalid al-Horr, CEO, QFBA, said, “We take immense pride in hosting this strategic deal between the institutes of such repute. 
Northumbria is a highly acclaimed global institute for finance professionals. ABP is sure to gain tremendously from this association as both the institutes will complement each other in bringing their capabilities be it global or local best practices.” “Qatar has been gaining traction as one of the global financial hotspots and our association with QFBA has offered us a greater access in the Qatari market to showcase our financial education might to the financing professionals in Qatar. Our partnership with ABP will further accelerate our reach in Qatar. 
Through this collaboration, we aim to enhance our local presence and educate students on the global financing paradigms,” Carthy noted.
“This partnership marks a new era for the faculties and students of ABP. This tie-up would assist our faculties in gaining global exposure through exchange programmes and prepare our students to take on any global challenge. 
“We are living in a boundary-less world and we have to make sure that our younger generation is well nurtured and conditioned to accept the changing times and be ready to face any unforeseen situation,” added Dr Lewallen.