Doha: Hamad bin Khalifa University, a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, has kicked off the 2015-2016 academic year by welcoming a record intake of more than 200 students across a significantly expanded range of programmes.
This year, HBKU welcomed its first cohort of students pursuing a Juris Doctor (JD) law degree through its newly established graduate law school, as well as the first master’s and PhD students in Biomedical and Biological Sciences, Sustainable Energy, and Sustainable Environment through its College of Science and Engineering.
In addition to these new offerings and the existing graduate programmes offered by the Translation and Interpreting Institute and Qatar Faculty of Islamic Studies, the university also welcomed its first undergraduate students this year, with the launch of its Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering programme.
Commenting on the expansion of programmes, HBKU President Dr Ahmed Hasnah said: “This year marks the beginning of an important new chapter for Hamad bin Khalifa University. The launch of six new master’s and PhD programmes, plus the introduction of a graduate law school that is the first of its kind in the region, is a significant milestone in the university’s
short history.
“Hamad bin Khalifa University is committed to fulfilling the vision of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, by providing high-quality graduate research programmes that are aligned with the grand challenges of Qatar and the region, and promoting a knowledge-based society.
“Quality education is the foundation of a thriving society. Our new students are the leaders of the future, and the university will spare no effort in arming them with the knowledge needed to help them start building that future today.”
Competition for the programmes was extremely intense. Newly admitted students represent a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds and Qatari students are well represented across all programmes. Among the new programmes, Qataris make up more than half of students enrolled on the Biological and Biomedical Science graduate programmes and more than 70 percent of the first Juris Doctor class.
Ali Al Sharshani, who is embarking on one of the new doctoral programmes of HBKU’s College of Science and Engineering currently works as an engineer at Qatar Shell. He said: “I was drawn to HBKU’s PhD in Sustainable Energy because I saw a perfect fit with Qatar National Vision 2030. With all the development Qatar is undergoing, there is an ambition to create a sustainable society. I think what I will learn over the next few years will help me further contribute and give back to the country.”
Maha Al Khater added: “I was drawn to the JD programme because I believe the country is growing quickly and needs people who understand the environment, as well as the potentials and aspirations of the state. I’m excited to be part of Qatar’s vision for the future and to be studying law, which is the essence of development in my opinion. “
In addition to targeting the educational needs of the local population, the university’s reputation is also growing internationally, drawing talented students from around the world
Sulaiman Timbo Bah, who completed his undergraduate degree in the United States at the College of William and Mary, was interested in a graduate programme in public policy to complement his work experience: “What drew me to the programme at QFIS is not only the Islamic perspective, but also the opportunity to study in a country that is a gateway to the world. Bringing together so many different minds and perspectives — from a human development perspective, it’s an exciting time to be in Qatar.”
Though diversity is important to all of HBKU’s colleges, at HBKU’s Translation and Interpreting Institute, cross-cultural exchange is essential for successful translation and interpretation across various national and social contexts. Omama Osman said: “I was drawn to the field of translation studies because I’m interested in bridging the gap between Arab and English-speaking countries.”
The Peninsula
