Muscat University granted university status by Omani government
27th June 2016
Muscat University, Oman’s newest higher education institution, will open its doors to its first students in Pathway Programmes (Foundation and Pre-Master’s) in October 2016. From 2017, the University will provide undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes through its three Faculties of Business and Management, Engineering and Technology, and Transport and Logistics.
Muscat University has now been granted a licence to operate as a university by the Education Council, the supreme education body of the Omani government. Currently based in part of the Children’s Public Library in Al Qurum, the University will soon move to new purpose-built premises in Al Ghubra, opposite the Avenues Mall in the centre of Muscat.
Muscat University today announced formal affiliation agreements with three international academic partners, including two of the UK’s leading universities, Cranfield University and Aston University. With the aid of flying faculty, Cranfield University and Aston University will co-deliver degree programmes with Muscat University from September 2017; pathway programmes leading to these degree programmes will commence this September through an academic affiliation agreement with MLS International College of Bournemouth, UK.
The postgraduate programmes will be offered by Cranfield University in collaboration with Muscat University while the undergraduate programmes will be offered through an additional collaboration agreement between Aston University and Muscat University. On successful completion of their degree programmes, students at Muscat University will be awarded a degree from both Muscat University and from its relevant partner institution, either Cranfield University or Aston University.
The vision of Muscat University is to deliver first-class teaching supported by research that is rigorous and relevant to the social and economic priorities of Oman and of the region. Muscat University will provide a high quality local education option for Omani students and expatriate students resident in Oman. Muscat University will also seek to attract a significant proportion of international students from outside Oman.
Mr Khalil Al Khonji, Chair of the Board of Directors of Muscat University, expressed his sincere gratitude to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said who has always considered education as his top priority and dedicated all resources possible to ensure that Omani youth enjoy quality education at all levels. Mr Al Khonji extended his wholehearted thanks to the visionary contributors to Muscat University who envisioned this prestigious educational institution and generously contributed to it not only financially but also intellectually. “We have no doubt that Muscat University with its international partners will be a distinguished landmark in the field of higher education in Oman”, Mr Al Khonji affirmed.
Professor Anthony Cahalan, Vice-Chancellor of Muscat University, said: “It’s quite incredible to see the University progressing so swiftly now from the original idea, through detailed planning, to the point where we are looking forward to admitting our first students in a few months’ time. This will be the culmination of two-and-a-half years of intensive work by the Founding Committee, the Muscat University project office and senior executive, in close collaboration with Isis Enterprise.
“We’re delighted to have established robust academic affiliation agreements with two premier UK universities, Cranfield and Aston. We’d like to thank our partner institutions, the Founders, Board of Directors and my colleagues at Muscat University, as well as the Isis Enterprise team of Oxford University Innovation for their dedication in achieving these milestones.”
Head of Isis Enterprise Dr Steve Cleverley said: “It has been an honour to be involved in implementing the vision of the Omani founders in establishing Muscat University. Our team has been able to leverage its UK and international networks in the higher education sector. We’re particularly pleased to have had the opportunity to introduce Cranfield University, Aston University and MLS International College as key partners for Muscat University.”
Professor Simon Pollard, Cranfield University’s Pro-Vice Chancellor International, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming Muscat University students to our Cranfield programmes. This is an exciting opportunity to put in place a proven model for collaboration in international education.”
Aston University’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor for International Relations, Professor Helen Griffiths, added: “Aston University is delighted that undergraduate students are the central focus of our new collaborative relationship with Muscat University. From 2017, we look forward to students joining Aston University on some of our leading undergraduate programmes, benefitting from an international education on Muscat University campus.”
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