CUC in partnership with Ulster University celebrated the Class of 2021 during a graduation ceremony on Saturday, November 20. Graduates were recognised for their achievements and received their certificates of completion, gifts, and a number of special individuals were presented to students. These were given to those students who had either demonstrated exceptional performance throughout their programme, excelled in their academic studies, achieved high attendance, or developed themselves as leaders.

The event featured addresses from the University’s Executive Dean: Richard Hollywood, an address presented by the Director of Education at Artan Consulting and Educational Services(ACES): Lamese Abrahams on behalf of Dr Khaled Al-Ali (MoEHE), and the University’s Student Representatives. The guest of honour and Keynote Speaker was HE Mr. Jonathan Wilks CMG, UK Ambassador to Qatar.

His Excellency discussed the main key points that make the UK one of the highest ranking in Higher Education worldwide. He said, “The UK has a long tradition of encouraging independent, critical thinking through higher education, teaching students how to learn not just what to learn as well as offering a wide range of experiences and opportunities that go beyond the academic curriculum. We want graduates of UK higher education institutions to be successful in all aspects of life and to make positive contributions to their societies, communities and families. UK Higher Education continues globally to rank highly in attracting foreign students, in the employability of its graduates and the quality and credibility of its qualifications.”

He also highlighted how the UK government is supporting UK universities that branch out internationally to establish partnerships with neighboring countries, “The UK supports education partnerships across the world through teams working in British Embassies and the British Council supported by colleagues in the UK who are in touch with UK Higher Education Institutions. As British Ambassador I believe one of the most important parts of my job is to encourage more education partnerships between the UK and Qatar.”

Lastly, he expressed his impression on the partnership between Ulster University, UK and City University College, Qatar, “I am impressed and excited by the success of the first phase of the CUC and Ulster University partnership and look forward to supporting its growth in years to come.”