University of Aberdeen opens Qatar campus

A Scottish university has set up an international campus in Qatar, becoming the first UK institution with a dedicated campus in the Gulf state offering what it describes as "mainstream" degrees.

The University of Aberdeen officially opened its multi-million pound facility in Doha on 30 April, in partnership with the Al-Faleh Group for Educational and Academic Services (AFG).

Initially, the campus will offer two undergraduate business degrees to Qatari nationals and those from the country’s expatriate community, with expectations of attracting around a 120-student cohort in the 2017-18 academic year. Aberdeen will control the educational aspects of the degrees – such as entry requirements and curricula – while AFG will fund the facilities and support staff.

Over the next four years, the campus is expected to expand to include additional undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, particularly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects.

“The opening of the campus in Qatar is a significant milestone in our history, and I am proud to be working alongside our partners,” said Sir Ian Diamond, Aberdeen’s principal. “We are one of only a select number of overseas universities to be chosen to provide higher education in Qatar, which is testament to the strength of our business programmes and our track record of excellence in teaching and research.

“In the years to come we hope to expand the range of opportunities available for students, so that as many people as possible can benefit from the world-class educational experience for which the university is renowned.”

University College London has a base in Qatar, offering courses in archaeology and museum studies.

john.elmes@timeshighereducation.com