It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) Postgraduate Studies and Research web site which outlines our postgraduate programs and research activities. SQU offers a wide range of postgraduate programs which aim to build capacity and develop the skills required for the rapid development of Oman. Postgraduate programs rest on a strong research base which emphasizes academic excellence and addresses issues of national strategic importance.

A Master's degree may be obtained by a combination of course work and a thesis based on original research or by a combination of course work and a comprehensive examination. We currently have more than 700 students enrolled in 51 Master's programs in a range of disciplines in medicine, engineering, science, environment, agriculture, marine sciences, commerce, economics, education, information technology, humanities and social sciences. Postgraduate diplomas are awarded to students who satisfy certain course work requirements only. In addition, the University offers a doctoral program in carbonate studies in the College of Science.

The Doctoral degree is obtained through original research to produce a thesis but a doctoral candidate may also be required to do one or more graduate courses to obtain background in specialist areas. 

Since its inception in 1986, SQU has vigorously promoted research activities by providing outstanding infrastructure and generous support. Financial support includes HM Strategic Research Grants, University Internal Funds, External Contracts, Consultancy and Services. Our research activities aim especially to address practical and strategic issues concerning industries, the environment and the community at large in the Sultanate of Oman and the wider Gulf region.

Research in key disciplines is coordinated and facilitated through eight research centers which serve as focal points for researchers within SQU and the Sultanate of Oman as well as international researchers with interest in the Sultanate:

• the Remote Sensing & GIS Center,
• the Communication & Information Research Center,
• the Oil & Gas Research Center,
• the Center of Environmental Studies and Research,
• the Water Research Center,
• the Earthquake Monitoring Center,
• the Marine Biotechnology Research Center,
• the Center for Omani Studies and
• the Humanities Research Center.  

Research output addressing issues of importance to the Sultanate and the Gulf region is peer reviewed and published in international fora, including six SQU journals, namely: Sultan Qaboos University Journal for Science, Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal, The Journal of Engineering Research, Agricultural and Marine Sciences, The Journal of Educational and Psychological Studies and Sultan Qaboos University Journal for Arts and Social Sciences.

This site is designed to assist postgraduate students and researchers find information and advice on postgraduate programs and research support available at Sultan Qaboos University. I hope you find the website informative and useful.    

Prof. Amer Ali Al-Rawas 

Deputy Vice Chancellor for Postgraduate Studies and Research 
Sultan Qaboos University 
P.O. Box 17 Al-Khod, 123 
Sultanate of Oman 
Tel: 968-2414-2111 
Fax:968-244-13122 
Email: ameraar@squ.edu.om