Doha Institute for Graduate Studies achieves global quality accreditation

The Doha Institute for Graduate Studies has achieved global quality accreditation by QAA after successfully completed its International Quality Review (IQR).

IQR is a rigorous process which benchmarks global higher education institutions against international quality assurance standards set out in Part 1 of the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG).

Following the creation and sharing of a Self-Evaluation document with supporting evidence, the review visit took place between 23 and 25 August 2022. The review was performed by three independent reviewers appointed by QAA. The review team confirmed that the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies meets all 10 of the internal quality assurance standards in the ESG.

The QAA review team identified the following features of good practice at Doha Institute for Graduate Studies:

• The broader socio-cultural impact of programmes offered on the state of Qatar and Arab region.  
• The strategic and substantial investment in human capital significantly impacts student-staff ratio of 6:1 and ensures provision of student-centred teaching and learning. 
• The commitment of faculty to publishing in high-quality, peer-reviewed journals with students. 
• Arrangements for students, especially international and students recruited from conflict zones, are comprehensive and effective. 
• Specialist support for students, available in-person or virtually, is responsive, accessible, and positively impacts experiences of students. 
• The agile and impactful approach to student feedback enhances the learning experience of students. 
• Use of external periodic review, including international accreditations, to continuously enhance programmes and institutional practices. 

The President of the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, Professor Abdelwahab El-Affendi, said: 'Our engagement with the IQR process for the past few years has been an enriching experience of self-reflection and positive change, culminating in a successful accreditation. For our working teams and the whole DI community, both the process and outcome vindicate our commitment to the highest academic standards, and an incentive to strive for higher levels of excellence in all areas of academic provision.'

Chris Bland, QAA’s Head of Accreditation and Consultancy, said: 'I am really pleased that Doha Institute for Graduate Studies has completed QAA’s IQR process successfully. It has been a pleasure to work with the enthusiastic colleagues at the Doha Institute and to support them on their journey to achieve higher levels of excellence. I look forward to QAA being able to continue to work with and support the Doha Institute.'

The IQR accreditation will be valid for five years and is subject to a satisfactory mid-cycle review. The Doha Institute for Graduate Studies can now display QAA’s Accreditation Badge, showing that their quality assurance processes are consistent with international best practice. The institution is now eligible to become a QAA International Member.

By securing global accreditation from QAA, international institutions can clearly spotlight their quality standards internationally, and more easily start a dialogue with institutions outside their own country.

You can read the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies full IQR report on our website. You can also find out more about the IQR process and QAA International Membership. If you are interested in your institution signing up and wish to discuss this further, contact the QAA Global team at accreditation@qaa.ac.uk