Hamad bin Khalifa University (HBKU), an emerging research school in Doha, Qatar, has launched its Juris Doctor (JD) postgraduate degree programme - the university's inaugural graduate law programme and the first academic course of its Law School.

As a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, HBKU is creating tailored graduate programmes through unique collaborations with local and international partners and is contributing to the higher education landscape of Qatar and the region.

Exceptional candidates who hold an undergraduate degree in any major from an accredited college or university will have the opportunity to apply to the JD programme. A JD differs from an undergraduate law degree in that it targets individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree.

Classes for the first cohort of students will start in Fall this year.

The three-year programme is designed to serve individuals looking to enhance their legal knowledge, or who deal with legal issues in their professional careers. The analytical and critical thinking skills developed during the course make it equally appealing for those seeking to become future thought leaders or policy makers.

This new programme is a result of a strategic partnership with US-based Northwestern University School of Law, with a strong focus on international comparative law, resulting from extensive consultation and effort with faculty and staff from Northwestern Law.

HBKU will also work with partners from other leading international law schools in order to deliver a program that is uniquely targeted to meet the needs of Qatar and the region.

Dr Ahmad Hasnah, executive vice president and Provost, HBKU, said: "As part of Qatar Foundation's commitment to building human capacity, Hamad bin Khalifa University has a key role in establishing QF's cycle of education and research for the benefit of Qatar's community.

"We are committed to immersing students in a culture of learning that nurtures their creativity and innovation, prioritises the development of research skills, and prepares them not only for the next stage of their education, but enables them to become the future leaders of Qatar. As such, the launch of our first postgraduate degree programme in our new Law School, is a prime example of this,” he said.

Daniel Rodriguez, dean of Northwestern University School of Law, said: "The existing relationship between Northwestern University and Hamad bin Khalifa University is a strong one, and we are delighted to be entering into this strategic partnership with HBKU to deliver an exceptional programme."

"Students in the program will benefit from developing key analytical skills necessary for attaining a very high level of understanding of complex legal concepts. In turn, Qatar's society will benefit from having such a highly trained group of strategic thinkers within its workforce in the years to come," Rodriguez said. – TradeArabia News Service