On Tuesday, 10 September 2019, the Deanship of Postgraduate Studies (DPS) at SQU organized Orientation Day for Postgraduate Students under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Ali Saud Al Bimani, the Vice-Chancellor. SQU has a record number of 101 postgraduate programs across the University, consisting of 35 PhD programs and 66 Masters programs. These include two newly approved programs commencing in 2020/21: the PhD in Information Systems and the Master of Operation and Supply Chain at the College of Economics and Political Science. The number of postgraduate students is also steadily growing. A total 1020 applicants have been accepted to pursue postgraduate studies at SQU starting this year.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Mohammed Al Suqri, Dean of Postgraduate Studies at SQU, said that the University ensures that its postgraduate programs are meeting the needs of sectors and employers in Oman by having clearly defined graduate attributes and program outcomes. “These are aligned with the Oman Qualifications Framework, and reflect ongoing processes of consultation with key government and industry stakeholders in Oman, as well as international best practice in the relevant subject area.  Our strategic approach to developing postgraduate programs is intended to build the skills, knowledge and evidence-based culture to support the economic and social development of the Sultanate, while also contributing effectively to knowledge and information across a wide range of disciplines at global level”, the Dean said.

Addressing the students, the Dean further said that all the postgraduate programs at SQU are benchmarked internationally so the students can be confident that the programs are meeting global standards. “We have also developed and implemented rigorous processes for program design, student supervision, teaching, monitoring and assessment to ensure that these meet consistent and high standards across the University”, he said.

The Orientation Program featured alumni experience as well. The Dean noted that based on the experiences of our postgraduate alumni, the new students can also expect to reap rewards in the form of a successful future career or access to further study at highly reputable overseas universities. The program included a short video about postgraduate regulations, exhibition and introductory tour around SQU. The exhibition consisted of stations of Deanship of Postgraduate Studies, Deanship of Research, Main Library, Center for Information Systems, Public Relations and Information Department, International Cooperation Office, Postgraduate Student Society. Each unit explained it activities and services for local and international postgraduate students.