University College London (UCL) is London's oldest university, founded in 1826. Today one of the world's leading academic powerhouses, it is consistently at the forefront of international research and issues of global concern

UCL Qatar established in 2010 in unique partnership with Qatar Foundation and Qatar Museums Authority to focus on archaeological, museum and conservation studies

UCL Qatar is the first British institution to open campus in Qatar

UCL Qatar's new Lecture Series launched in Qatar - 'The Dome of The Rock' on April 4 at 6:30PM at the Museum of Islamic Art and 'The Lower Sea and the Waters of Death: the Ancient Origins of Seafaring and Maritime Trade in the Gulf' on May 15 at 6:00PM at Georgetown University Building

21 Nobel prizewinners graduated from UCL

Doha, 28 March 2012:

University College London-Qatar (UCL Qatar) has delightfully announced the start of the UCL Qatar Lecture Series. The first lecture, titled 'The Dome of the Rock', will be taking place on April 4, 2012 at the Museum of Islamic Art Auditorium at 6:30 PM.

Open to the public, 'The Dome of the Rock' lecture will be presented by Dr. Timothy Power and aims to inform and establish discussions concerned with the archeology of the Islamic world. Located in Jerusalem, the Dome of the Rock is one of the iconic monuments of the world. Its golden copula is an instantly recognizable symbol of the Holy Land and aspirations of the Palestinian people. It is moreover revered by Muslims as the site where the Prophet ascended to heaven and is as such the third holiest site in Islam.

Professor Thilo Rehren, Director of UCL Qatar, commented: "UCL Qatar is proud to be the first British university to open in Qatar and to be able to contribute to Qatar's educational legacy at a turning point in the country's history.  As Qatar races into the 21st century with an array of iconic architectural designs emerging in Doha's landscape, we will focus on Qatar's historic roots to underline its cultural heritage."

In 2010 UCL entered a unique partnership with Qatar Foundation and Qatar Museums Authority, to become the first British institution to open a campus in Qatar.

UCL Qatar's portfolio of taught Masters Degree programs includes an MA in Archaeology of the Arab and Islamic World, MA in Museum and Gallery Practice and MSC in Conservation Studies. In addition, UCL Qatar offers a three year M-Phil/PhD research degree.

The programs have a significant focus on Qatar, the Gulf and the wider region, and incorporate extended archaeological work and field placements. They are designed to give students the practical skills required to pursue a career in the cultural heritage sector.

UCL Qatar is further providing short training courses for mid-career professionals working within the cultural heritage sector.  Currently, these courses are exclusively available to Qatar Museum Authority staff, but will open to the general public in late 2012.

By providing such offerings, UCL, as a research-led institution, aims to be at the forefront of cultural issues related to the Arab and Islamic regions. Understanding Qatar's Islamic and cultural heritage will fuel Qatar's keen aspiration of becoming a hub in the region for not only economical growth, but for social and cultural affairs as well.

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About University College London
University College London (UCL) entered into a partnership between UCL, Qatar Foundation and Qatar Museums Authority to become the first British institution to open a campus in Qatar to specialize in archaeology, conservation and museum studies. The first student intake will take place in September 2012.

UCL offers post-graduate degree programs in the areas of Archaeology, Conservation, Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies. It also provides programs in professional training courses for the staff of QMA, enabling Qatar to become a regional center of excellence in museum practices at all levels. By late 2012 selected professional training courses will be open to the general public.

Located on the second floor of the Georgetown University building at Education City, UCL Qatar's world-class facilities include six materials science laboratories, three conservation laboratories, a dedicated library, lecture theatres and seminar rooms. It also has an in-house collection of teaching objects and secure purpose built object storage rooms.

UCL is the oldest and largest constituent college of the federal University of London founded in 1826 in order to open up education in England for the first time to students of any race, class or religion. UCL is organized into 10 constituent faculties; within there are over 100 departments, institutes and research centers. UCL is among the world's top universities, as reflected in a range of performance rankings and tables. In 2011* UCL was ranked 4th amongst European Universities and 7thh in the world rankings. 21 Nobel prizewinners have graduated from the UCL community.

 UCL  is also a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities, the European University Association, the G5, the League of European Research Universities, the Russell Group, UNICA and Universities UK.

*Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings.

© Press Release 2012