UCL Qatar supports Qatar's next generation of cultural experts through international placements

Doha: UCL Qatar students have recently returned from placements at some of the top cultural institutions in the world, as part of the university’s commitment to develop Qatar’s future workforce in the fields of cultural heritage and knowledge management.

Students from the Library and Information Studies MA Programme and from the Museum and Gallery Practice MA Programme completed their placements over the summer at organisations including: Urban Art Projects (UAP) in Brisbane, Australia, the British Library in London, UK, The German National Library of Science and Technology in Hannover, Germany and the National Museum of History, Seychelles.

Through working with global experts, students can apply the knowledge gathered in the classroom in a practical work environment. Work placements are a central part of students’ growth and development, helping prepare them to become future leaders in the cultural heritage and knowledge management sector in Qatar.

Dr Sam Evans, Director of UCL Qatar said that the placements put to test the knowledge gained at UCL Qatar and Education City and apply it to a different environment: “Every year, we hear incredible testimonials from students that really showcase the depth of what they have learnt at UCL Qatar and how that shaped their experience at these prestigious organisations. I look forward to seeing how this combined knowledge will influence their work and contribution to Qatar’s growing cultural sector.”

Six students completed their placement at the British Library, mainly working with the Qatar Digital Library – a product of the partnership between Qatar National Library and the British Library. Students were involved in archival research from the Arab Gulf and worked across multiple departments at the London-based institution.

Ignacio Zamora Sanz, a student on the Museum and Gallery Practice MA Programme, was based in Australia for his placement. He worked closely with the Urban Art Project’s Curatorial Team in Brisbane, learning about the creative processes behind the conception of public art master plans. Zamora stated: “This trip will certainly have a positive impact on my academic and professional practice as I enter the workforce. I am truly thankful for UCL Qatar for the unbelievable support in helping me complete the module.”

Precious Mubiana, who did her placement at the Seychelles’ National Museum of History, told the Seychelles Nation newspaper: “UCL Qatar offers the opportunity to choose which country we want to do our placement in. I have heard about Seychelles being a tourist destination and I wanted to see how museums function here”

Zainab Idriss completed her placement at the German National Library of Science and Technology of Hannover, Germany and has mentioned: “The internship provided me with immense knowledge, exposure and networking experience that is needed to enhance my educational, social and psychological development. The practical aspect of this internship exceeded my expectations, which undeniably reflected the theoretical framework learnt in class”

-Ends-

For more information, please contact: farah.mahfouz@bluerubicon.com  / 3111 3635 

UCL QATAR - A CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR CULTURAL HERITAGE AND KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT STUDIES
University College London (UCL) is London’s academic powerhouse, a multi-disciplinary university consistently ranked in the top 10 of global university league tables.  Established in 1826 in order to open up higher education in the UK for the first time to students of any race, class or religion, UCL continues to direct its teaching and research into addressing real-world problems.  Research extending to the far corners of the globe is at the forefront of UCL’s academic activities.  This involves meeting UCL’s ‘Grand Challenges’ by working together, across the university, to tackle some of the world’s most significant challenges.  Today, students from over 150 countries study at UCL, sharing these common attributes of creativity and critical thinking. 

UCL, in partnership with Qatar Foundation, has created UCL Qatar, a centre of excellence for the study of cultural heritage and knowledge management.  UCL Qatar welcomed its first intake of students in August 2012 and has since enrolled more than 220 students from over 50 countries.  Drawing upon the renowned expertise of the UCL Institute of Archaeology, London; leading academic scholars, teachers and scientists implement our unique curriculum and research.

Today, UCL Qatar offers a rigorous and dynamic learning environment with two Master's degree programmes, the MA Museum and Gallery Practice and the MA in Library and Information Studies.  Specifically designed to meet the needs of both International and Qatar-based students looking for careers in the cultural heritage, library and knowledge management sectors.

UCL Qatar seeks not only to create a centre of excellence in the Gulf region for studying but to strive, with the community, to bring cultural heritage and knowledge management training opportunities to the widest possible audience. Mid-career heritage professionals can sign up for UCL Qatar’s Professional and Executive Education courses, and members of the public can get a taste for all things cultural heritage and knowledge management via the several public events organised during the whole calendar year.

© Press Release 2019