An agreement signed last Monday between Qatar University College of Arts and Sciences (QU-CAS) and Korea University (KU) College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology will engage joint exchanges in Masters’ and PhD programs at both institutions.
QU Vice President and Chief Academic Officer Dr Mazen Hasna and Korea University Vice President Dr Sunhyuk Kim signed the agreement in the presence of CAS Dean Dr Eiman Mustafawi, KU professors Yowhan Son and Jinho Jung, CAS associate deans Dr Hassan Abdulaziz for Academic Affairs, Dr Steven Wright for Planning and Quality Assurance, and Dr Khalifa Hazaa for Outreach and Engagement, Head Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences Dr Fatima Al-Naemi, and a number of CAS faculty members.
The agreement aims to establish a formal partnership between both colleges and to develop a mechanism for mutual recognition of approved dual-degree programs (DDP) at the Masters’ and PhD level. Its focus will cover graduate programs in CAS’ Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, namely its MSc in Environmental Sciences and PhD in Biological and Environmental Sciences. Students graduating from the program will be conferred a degree from both universities.
Commenting on the agreement, Dr Hasna said: “Qatar University has been expanding its graduate offerings over the last few years and this is coupled with our stated strategic direction to build partnerships with top universities around the world.” He added: “I am delighted to see the large number of students, especially Qataris, who joined the two graduate programs which were established in very recent years at the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences. The department’s close relations with the Ministry of Environment has also served to attract several of its employees to pursue their post graduate degree at both levels. I hope this agreement will contribute to expanding our research activities and draw more students to this unique program.”
Dr Kim said: “The signing of this dual agreement reflects the ongoing relationship that has developed between Qatar University and Korea University following the MoU signed between the two colleges in 2013. Building on the success of this MoU, we are further expanding our academic links by providing our graduate students with an excellent opportunity to study jointly at both institutions. We appreciate that there is growing interest among students in Qatar to study in Korea since Korea University welcomed 3 undergraduate students from Qatar University in the summer of 2013 and 2015.”
He added: “I am confident that Korea University students are ready to expand their international horizons and will greatly benefit from what Qatar University can offer and where they will fully develop their academic potential and enjoy a fascinating international experience.” Dr Mustafawi noted that both CAS and KU students are gaining a unique opportunity of studying in environments of strong cultural traditions and in academic institutions that are the national pride of their respective societies. “What an opportunity that will serve to shape their international outlook and develop their potential as fine ambassadors of their countries and leaders”, she said.
She also added that this agreement will promote research productivity in the field of environmental sciences.
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