Hamad bin Khalifa University (HBKU), a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, is pleased to announce the launch of its Juris Doctor (JD) postgraduate degree program, which will be the emerging research university’s inaugural graduate law program and the first academic program of its Law School.
The launch of the JD program is in line with Qatar Foundation’s vision of establishing a cycle of education and research to support the human, social and economic development of Qatar.
As a member of Qatar Foundation, HBKU is creating tailored graduate programs through unique collaborations with local and international partners and is contributing to the higher education landscape of Qatar and the region.
For the first time in the MENA 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 program.
A JD program differs from an undergraduate law degree in that it targets individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree. Those already possessing an undergraduate law degree can also attend the program to help specialize their legal knowledge and broaden their skill sets. Classes for the first cohort of students will start in Fall 2015.
The three-year JD program is aligned with HBKU’s ambition of serving the human development needs of Qatar, in line with Qatar Foundation’s mission to develop the nation’s human capital and enable Qatar’s transition from a hydrocarbon economy in support of Qatar National Vision 2030.
HBKU aims to answer the call for educational institutions within Qatar to build exceptional programs that are comparable to the best of those offered internationally and which will help develop the knowledge-based economy.
The HBKU JD program 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 this three-year intensive course make it equally appealing for those seeking to become Qatar’s future thought leaders or policy makers.
This new JD program has been made possible through a strategic partnership with 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.
 By launching its JD program and creating its Law School, HBKU is entering a significant new phase in the ongoing journey of helping to develop the legal educational landscape 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, prioritizes 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 program in our new Law School, is a prime example of this.
"By creating a Juris Doctor program, Hamad bin Khalifa University is demonstrating its commitment to help further raise the bar of intellectual inquiry in Qatar in an innovative way. We are very much looking forward to welcoming our first intake of JD students in fall 2015." 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 program." "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."