University College London-Qatar (UCL Qatar) has started a new lecture series which aims to inform and establish discussions concerned with the archeology of the Islamic world.

The first lecture, titled ‘The Dome of the Rock’, presented by Dr. Timothy Power, will take place on April 4 at the Museum of Islamic Art Auditorium and will be open to the public.

Professor Thilo Rehren, director of UCL Qatar, said: “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. – TradeArabia News Service