Postgraduate Students᾿ Guide - Sultan Qaboos University

His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said

Postgraduate Students᾿ Guide

International Students

Sultan Qaboos UniversityDeanship of Postgraduate Studies

All rights reserved 2012©Deanship of Postgraduate Studies

Table of Contents

i Introductionii Vice-Chancellor᾿sWelcomeiii Dean᾿sWelcome

12 BriefHistoryofOman13 Currency13 CostofLiving14 Culture14 Occasions&Events15 TheOmaniPeople17 TheGovernorates21 MostPopularTouristSpotsinOman25 MapofOman

Oman and It᾿s People

28 Background28 Climate30 GeneralLifestyle32 BusinessHours33 Transportation33 Telecommunications34 HealthCareCentersnearSQU35 MuscatMap

Muscat, Capital of Oman

38 BriefInformationAboutSQU39 CollegesandtheirPrograms

Sultan Qaboos University

Foreword

Facilities

Study at Sultan Qaboos University

Appendices82 DPSForms83 Publications84 TransportationCompanies85 EssentialInformation88 SQUMaps

48 Libraries49 SportFacilities50 Research&FinancialSupport51 ResearchCenters54 SupportServices56 Units57 Deanships58 DeanshipofPostgraduateStudies

62 DPSVisionandMissions65 PostgraduateStudies’Programs68 BenchFees69 TuitionFees71 Scholarships72 TopUps73 NonAcademicProgram74 Privileges76 StudentSupportandServices

Section Title

| Postgraduate Student᾿s Guide9

Studyinginaforeigncountryisaveryexcitingexperience.Inadditiontothenewacademicculture one will be introduced to, there isalsothenationalculturewithitsnuancesandsubtleties.Learningaboutanewculturecanbeaveryenlighteningexperience,whichwilleventuallyhelpremoveanymisconceptions. Wedoacknowledgethedifficultiesassociatedwith being in a new culture, therefore, thisguideisintendedtoofferyousometips,do’sanddon’tsthatarehopedtomakeyourtimeatSultanQaboosUniversityand inOmanaverymemorable experience. Wehave triedourbesttocoveralltopicswebelieveyouwillneed during your period of study at SultanQaboosUniversity.

Wewishyouarewardingacademicexperience.

Introduction

i

Section Title


WelcometotheDeanshipofPostgraduateStudiesatSultanQaboosUniversity. Realizingthe importanceofpostgraduatestudyforbuildingaresearchcultureanddevelopingskillsrequiredforOman᾿srapiddevelopment,theUniversityhasbeenofferingmaster᾿sprograms since 1992. A key recent development is thecreation of doctoral programs in the four science-basedcollegesandtheCollegeofArtsandSocialSciences.Atotalof29doctoralprogramsarecurrentlyofferedinfivecolleges.These programs rest on a strong research base, whichemphasizesacademicexcellenceandaddresses issuesofnationalstrategicimportance.

A master᾿s degree may be obtained by a combination ofcourseworkandathesisbasedonoriginalresearchorbyacombinationofcourseworkandacomprehensiveexamination.We currently have close to 1,100 students enrolled in 59master᾿sprogramscoveringmedicine,engineering,science,agriculture, the environment, marine science, commerce,economics, education, information technology, and thehumanities and social sciences. Postgraduate diplomasare awarded to students who satisfy certain courseworkrequirementsonly. The doctoral degree is obtained by a thesis arising fromoriginalresearch;butcandidatesmayalsoberequiredtotakeoneormoregraduatecoursestoobtainsufficientbackgroundintheirareasofspecialization.Wecurrentlyhave58doctoralstudentsenrolledinourcolleges. This guide,which outlines our postgraduate programs andactivities, is designed to assist postgraduate students infinding information on SQU’s postgraduate programs andonavailableresearchsupport.Inadditiontotheir,youmayalsonavigatetheinformationavailableonourPostgraduateStudiesWebsiteatwww.squ.edu.om/ps.

Ihopethatyouwillfindourguideinformativeanduseful.

Message from theDeputy Vice-Chancellor of Postgraduate Studies and Research

Prof. Amer Ali Al-Rawas

ii

Section Title


Greetings from the Deanship of Postgraduate Studies.We take overall responsibility for the administration ofpostgraduate diploma, master’s and doctoral programs atSultanQaboosUniversity.

PostgraduateprogramsplayavitalroleinhighlevelcapacitybuildingintheSultanate.Asthenationalhouseofexpertise,SultanQaboosUniversityisuniquelyplacedtoprovidesuchadvancedprograms,whicharebasedonexperiencegainedfromcutting-edgeresearchofnationalstrategicimportance.We aim to support these programs to ensure world classtrainingandaqualityexperienceforallpostgraduatestudents.

TheDeanshipofPostgraduateStudiesfacilitatesandsupportspostgraduate programs in a variety of ways, including: (1)providing a range of scholarships, (2)marketing programsthrough advertisements as well as informative brochuresandbooklets, (3)administering thepostgraduateacademicregulations, (4) coordinating the defense/examination oftheses,and(5)offeringarangeofcoursesandworkshopsto develop faculty and students’ skills related to research,publishing and professionalism.We are here to serve thecollegesand their postgraduate studentsandwe trust thatyouwillfindtheinformationinourwebsiteuseful.

Master’s programs have been running at the Universitysince1992withatotalof59programsacrosseightcolleges.Doctoralprogramsarenowoffered in29specializations infivecolleges–Science,Engineering,Agricultural&MarineSciences,Medicine&HealthSciencesandArtsandSocialStudies. The total number of postgraduate stands above1,100whichincludesfull-timeandpart-timestudents.Closeto58studentsarepursuing theirdoctoraldegree.Master’sprograms are available in four options: by research andthesis,bycourseworkand thesis,bycourseworkonly,andby coursework and comprehensive examination. Doctoralprograms are research-based with the option of a limitedcoursework. We are here to serve the colleges and their postgraduatestudentsandwetrustthatyouwillfindtheinformationinourguideveryuseful.

Message from theDean of PostgraduateStudies

Prof. Ramzi Abd Taha

iii

Oman and Its People


Brief History of Oman

On the 23rd of July, 1970, Sultan Qaboos binSaid Al Said came to power. From the begin-ningof his reign,HisMajestypaidenoughat-tention tobalancing tribal, regional,andethnicinterests incomposingthenationaladministra-tion.TheCouncil ofMinisters,which functionsasacabinet,consistsof26ministers,alldirectlyappointedbySultan.TheMajlisAl-Shura(Con-sultativeCouncil)hasthemandateofreviewinglegislationpertainingtoeconomicdevelopmentand social services prior to its becoming law.The Majlis Al-Shura may request ministers toappearbeforeit.

In November 1996, Sultan Qaboos presentedhispeoplewiththe“BasicStatutesoftheState”,Oman᾿sfirstwritten«constitution».Itguaranteesvarious rightswithin the frameworkofQur᾿anicandcustomarylaw.Itpartiallyresuscitatedlongdormant conflict-of-interest measures by ban-ning cabinet ministers from being officers ofpublicshareholdingfirms.Perhapsmostimpor-tantly, theBasicStatutesprovide rules forset-tingSultanQaboos᾿succession.

InSeptember2000,about100,000Omanimenand women elected 83 candidates, includingtwowomen, toseats in theMajlisAl-Shura. InDecember2000,SultanQaboosappointedthe48-membersMajlisAlDowla,orStateCouncil,including fivewomen. The council acts as theupperchamberinOman᾿sbicameralrepresent-ativebody.

OmanoccupiesastrategiclocationontheStraitofHormuzat theentranceto thePersianGulf,35miles (56 km)directly opposite Iran.Omanhasaccordedgreatimportancetoregionalsta-bilityandsecurity.DuetoHisMajesty’swisdom,theSultanatehasmaintained itsdiplomaticre-lationswiththeneighboringcountriesevenandespecially during critical periods of time whileatthesametimesupportingandabidingbythelawsoftheUnitedNations.

His Majesty’s extensivemodernization programhasopened thecountrytotheoutsideworldandhas preserved a long-standing political andmilitary relationshipwiththe United Kingdom,the United States, andothers. Oman᾿s moder-ate,independentforeignpolicy has sought tomaintain good relationswith all Middle Easterncountries.

Population 3,027,959including577,293expatriates(July2011est.)

Language Arabic(official),English(widelyspoken)

Capital CityofMuscat

Natuaral Resources Oil,NaturalGas,Copper,Fishery,Agriculture

Local Time GMT +4

Business Hourse Government:07:30-14:30PrivateSector:08:00-13:00and16:00-19:00

History

13Deanship of Postgraduate Studies |

Oman and its People

The currency of Oman is the Omani Rial(OMR) divided into 1,000 baisa. Notes comein denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 rials,and500and100baiza.Foreign currencyandtravellerschequescanbeexchangedatbanks,exchange bureaus, hotels and at the airport.Outside banking hours, money exchangersoperate between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm in theevenings and at weekends. US Dollars arerecommended.AmericanExpress,MasterCardand Visa credit cards are readily accepted inlarge shops and hotels and by an increasingnumber of traders in the souks.(http://www.worldtravels.com)

BankssuchasBankMuscat,OmanInternationalBank,OmanArabBank,NationalBankofOmanandHSBCare available for service from9:00am to 2:00 pm and are open from Sunday toThursday.OneOMR is equivalent to 2.58USdollarsand1.81Euros.

AutomatedTellerMachinescanbefoundinmostmajorsupermarkets,hotelsandotherlocationsthroughoutthecountry.

Thecostof living inOmanwhencompared tothat in western countries is similar. Yet, yourliving expenses will depend on the lifestyleyou choose to have. Buying goods that arerecognized brand names costsmore than thelocal brands which are usually of comparablegood quality and are sometimes even better.(http://www.expatfocus.com)

Thecostofhousingisalsoonanequalfootingto the west and can generally be quite high.(http://www.expatfocus.com)

Althoughlivingcostsarecomparabletowesterncountrieslivingexpenses,thefactthatsalariesinOmanaretaxfreeandthereisverylittletaxongoodsandservicesmakesthecostoflivingthatlittlemoreaffordable.Electricalitemssuchas televisions, cameras, and computers areusually less expensive as there arevery lowimportdutiesinOman.(http://www.expatfocus.com)

Cost of Living

Currency


Oman and its People

TheOmaniculturehasitsrootsfirmlygroundedintheIslamicreligion.OmandevelopeditsownparticularformofIslamcalledIbadhism,afteritsfounder,AbdullahibnIbadhwholivedduringthe7thCenturyAD. Omanisarenotonly tolerantofthebeliefsofdifferentMuslimdivisions,theyare also tolerant towards believers of otherfaiths,whoareallowedtopracticetheirreligionin churches and temples. Islam is based onthe fulfillment of the Five Pillars of Islam, andalso on the hadiths (the teachings of ProphetMohammed). By fulfilling these duties, one isassuredofaplaceinheaven.

The awqaf are religious endowments whichcan take the form of property or revenue andare administered by the Ministry of Awqafand Religious Affairs for the maintenance ofmosquesandforthebenefitofthecommunity.Thezakat isacharity taxwhich ispaid to theneedy.EveryMuslimmustpaythis,accordingtohis/hermeans.

AllMuslimsareobliged to fastduring theholymonth of Ramadhan, one of the Pillars ofIslam. For around 2930- days, each Islamicyear,Muslimsrefrainfromsmoking,eatinganddrinkingduringthehoursoffasting(fromdawnsunrisetosunset).Ramadhanadvances10to11dayseachyearasitisgovernedbythelunarcalendar.

TheHajorpilgrimageisanotherPillarofIslam.Thepilgrimstraveltoal-MedinainSaudiArabiato visit the Prophet’s tomb before travelling tothe holy sites inMecca. In 1999, there wereapproximately 19,000 Muslims travelling fromOman to Saudi Arabia. The pilgrimage isorganized and coordinated by the Ministry ofReligious Affairs, which ensures the pilgrims’healthandsafetyduringthecourseoftheirstay.

Renaisance day July23

National Day November18

Eid Al-Fitr LunarCalendarBased

Prophet᾿s Ascension LunarCalendarBased

Ramadhan LunarCalendarBased

Eid Al-Adha LunarCalendarBased

New Islamic Year LunarCalendarBased

Muscat Festival January–February

Salalah Tourism Festival

July–August

*Christmas, New Year and Easter are not recognized as national holidays in Oman.

Oman’s National Day is celebrated every yearonthe18thNovember. It isahugecelebration inOmanwhich goes live for thewholemonth. Theofficial venue of celebrations changes each yearand events usually include camel racing, dancingandfireworks.

Culture

Occasions and Events


Oman and its People

Oman is a tribal society, although tribal, influence is graduallydeclining. Muslim population observes social customs that –though still conservative by Western standards. Women inparticular have enjoyed relativelymore freedom inOman thanelsewhereontheArabianPeninsula.Socialinteractionremainslargelysegregatedbygender,however,andmostOmaniwomenparticularly those in rural areas dress in a conservative time-honoredfashion.

Omani people are well known for their hospitality andoffersof refreshment. Tobe invited intosomeone’shomemeans coffee (Qahwa), a strong, bitter drink flavoredwithcardamom,accompaniedbydatesor‘halwa’,astickysweetgelatinous substance which is made from starch, sugar,ghee,cardamomandrosewater.Anditcanbeflavoredwithmanydifferentingredientssuchasnuts,saffron,datesandfigsorevenchocolate.‘Loqiymat’isanotheraccompanimenttocoffee,whichareballsofflour,sugarandyeastdeepfrieduntilgolden thenservedwithasweet limeandcardamomsyrup. The sweetness of this dish is counteracts thebitternessof theqahwa.Moresubstantialmealsoftenhavericeasthemainingredients,togetherwithcookedmeats.Themain dailymeal is usually eatenatmidday,while theevening meal is lighter. ‘Maqbous’ is a rice dish, tingedyellow with saffron and cooked over a spicy red or whitemeat.‘Aursia’isafestivalmeal,servedduringcelebrationswhichconsistsofmashedriceflavoredwithspices.Anotherpopularfestivalmealis‘shuwa’,whichismeatcookedveryslowly (sometimes for up to two days) in an undergroundclay oven. Themeat becomes extremely tender and it isimpregnatedwithspicesandherbsbeforecookingtogiveitaverydistincttaste.Fishisoftenusedinmaindishestoo,andkingfish isapopular ingredient. ‘Mashawi’, isamealcomprising whole spit-roasted kingfish served with lemon

rice. The ‘rukhal’ breadis a thin, round breadoriginally baked over firemade from palm leaves.It is often eaten at anymeal, typically servedwith Omani honey forbreakfastorcrumbledovervegetable and chickenstewfordinner.

Omanis are very polite and formalinpublic. Uponmeeting, formulaicgreetings must be exchangedbeforeadiscussioncanensue.Todo otherwise would be considered

rude. Although men and womenmayinteract inpublic, theircontactshouldalwaysbechaperonedorintheopen.Omanistendtostandcloseto one another as Arabs generallydo, and it is common for friendsand relatives of the same sex toholdhands.Inaddition,Omanisarecourteous,friendlyandspontaneouspeople.Theyarerenownedfortheirunmatched tradition of hospitality.A manifestation of their heritagecanbeseenintheircraftsmanship,superior nautical and agricultureskills and finely boned commercialacumen.

Daily Life and Social Customs

EtiquetteOmani Food and Meals


Oman and its People

Religion

AllOmanisareMuslims.AfewfamiliesofIndianoriginareHindubuttherearenoOmaniChristiansorJews. Omanis tend tobecareful in theirobservanceof religiousobligations. Mostcarryouttheprescribedfiveprayersperdayandmanymengotonearbymosquestoperformthem.MostOmanisobservethedawn-to-duskfastingrequiredduringtheIslamicmonthofRamadhan,anditisagainstthelawtoeat,drinkorsmokeinpublicduringdaylighthoursofRamadhan.(http://www.everyculture.com)

Inaddition,thebasiclaw,inaccordancewithtradition,declaresthatIslamisthestatereligionandthat Shari’a is the source of legislation. The government also prohibits discrimination based onreligionandprovidesforthefreedomtopracticereligiousritesaslongasdoingsodoesnotdisruptpublicorder.Thegovernmentgenerallyrespectsthisright,butwithindefinedparameters.Therearetwoseparatelocationsofchurches.ThereisoneinGhalaandanotherisinRuwi.


The Governorates

WeinviteyoutodiscoverthevibrantcultureofOmanthatexistsintandemwiththemodernityineveryregionoftheSultanate,eachwithitsownpersonality.Inalandthatchangesfromdrywadistolushgreenoases,fromvastunendingplainstomightymountains,fromgoldenbrownsandstoaquamarineseas,thereisalotofscopefordiscovery,adventureandentertainment.Eachregionhasitsownspecialpersonalityandculturalheritagethatiswaitingtobediscovered.

Muscat is considered the pulsating heart ofOman and is one of the region of Oman. Itis lthehomeofMuscatCity, the capital of theSultanate.It is inkedtoPortSultanQaboosbyMutrah Corniche where the visitor to Muscatcanviewthewonderfulvarietiesofnature.TheMuscat Governorate Wilayats are: Muscat,Bawsher,Aseeb,QurrayatAlAmiratandMatrah.

DhofarGovernorate is famous for itsseasonalweather,locallyknownasmonsoonor“khareef”(theArabicwordforautumn),whenitwitnessesitsbestperiod,clothedinlushgreeneryanditshillssurroundedbywhitefog.Lightraindrizzlestocooltheair.Duringthistime,itisfrequentedbymany visitors, especially fromwithinOmanandtheneighboringcountries.SalalahTourismFestival takesplace from15July to31Augusteveryyear. Thefestival ispartofkhareef thatextendsfromtheendofJulyuntilthebeginningofSeptember.Dhofar Governorate stretches over an area ofone third of Oman and forms the Sultanate’ssouthern part. Dhofar includes a distinctivenaturaldiversitywherethecoastblendswiththemountainsandthedesertinwonderfulharmonysothatthemountainslooklikeafertilecrescent,rising to a height of 1,500 meters and thendescendingintoaflatplainthatembracessandybeachesstretching forhundredsofkilometers.One can appreciate the magnificence of thisprovincewhen knowing thatmost parts of theArabiaPeninsulawitnessariseintemperaturesof up to 45degreesCelsiusor evenhigher insummer. But in Salalah, the capital of Dhofarthat lies 1,040 kilometers away from Muscat,the temperaturenever risesabove27degreesCelsius. Dhofar Governorate includes thefollowing Wilayats: Salalah, Taqah, Mirbat,Sadah,ShalimandHalaniyat Islands,Dalkoot,Rahkyut,Thamrit,MokshinandAlMazyuna.

Muscat Dhofar

MusandamPeninsulaislocatedonthenorthernborder of the Sultanate of Oman. The highmountains in this region rise for more thantwo thousand meters above sea level. Themountainsspreadoutinanaturallygeometricalway.Thisareaalsocontainsthemostimportantwaterway,theStraitofHormuz.The juxtaposition of sea and mountains isconsidered one of the exclusive features ofthisarea. Excursionsonboatsand traditionalships give the visitor unforgettable enjoyment,while fans of beautiful coral reefs can dive totheirhearts’ content.Archaeological sitesalsoabound in this area. Khasab is the regionalcenter of the Governorate of Musandam. Itis located 570 kilometers away from Muscat.

Musandam


The Governorates

A’Sharqiyah Al BatinahThe nature of this region blends threeenvironments, each having its own distinctiveflavor: the coastline, hugging the Arabian Seaandpartof theSeaofOman,tells thestoryofhardworkdonebyhardymen.Theirweaponsare the boats they have built with their ownstrong hands. Their ammunition is their netsspunby their dexterousfingerswhile chantingmelodiousworksongs.Underthecoverofnight,theysail intotheseaandwranglewithitshighwavesinaconstantbattlebetweenthedesiretoearntheirlivingandtocomehomesafely.Atthebreakofdawn, thesehardworkingmenreturnwith their nets over flowingwith fish, chantingthemelodious refrain, “Thanksbe toAllah” forHisboonandasafetripbackhome.ThisisthefirstenvironmentofA’SharqiyahRegion,andthemostprolificfisheryofalltheregionsofOman.

The second environment is the sand dunesmirroringthedepthofanartisticpainting,vibrantwiththequietnomadiclifeinapastoralsettingembracing the wealth of cattle, camels andhorses that A’Sharqiyah Region is renownedfor.This region’s special attribute is typifiedin Badiya, where horse and camel races takeplace, andwhere fans from theSultanateandabroadcometowatch.Thethirdenvironmentisurbanoragriculturalandisthemeetingpointforboththenomadicandcoastalenvironments.

A’Sharqiyah RegionWilayats are: Al Qabil, AlKamilandAlWafi,AlMudhaibi,DimmaandAtTayyin,Ibra,JaalanBaniBuAli,JalanBaniBuHassn,Masirah,SurandWadiBaniKhalid.

Omanis compare Al Hajar Mountains to thehuman backbone, so they call the areawhichlies on theSea ofOman, Al Batinah, and theareathatlieswestoftheheightsA’Dhahirah.

Al Batinah area is the beach formed by thevalleysdescendingfromthemountains,whosewidth varies between 15 and 80 kilometers.ThisisthemainagriculturalregioninOman,nottomentionthenearbymountainsandglitteringbeaches.AlBatinahRegionisdistinguishedbythepresenceofsomeraretreeslikeAlMashutin Wilayat Liwa and Ad Dibaj in Wilayat AsSuwayq.

Soharcityistheprovincialcenteroftheregionandliesabout230kilometersfromthecapital,Muscat.SoharwasthecapitalofOmanbeforetheadventofIslam,andwasknownbythenameofMajan. Sohar isoneof themost importantWilayats in Batinah Region and has beenfamousforproducingandexportingcopperforalongtime.

InthefourthHigricentury(10thAD),AlMakdessidescribed Sohar as “providing comfortableliving.Itsimpressiveresidentialdistrictsspreadalong the beach, and its towering buildingsare built with baked brick and teak wood.” AlMakdessi also goes on to describe “Sohar’smosque overlooking the sea and its toweringminaret,”addingthatwhatdistinguishesthecityis“itsprosperousmarketsthatattractshoppers’attentionandadmiration”.TheAlBatinahRegionhas 12wilayats:Sohar,Barka,WadiAlMawil,Nakhal,AlAwabi,ArRustaq,AlMasana’h,AsSuwayq,AlKabura,Saham,LwayandShinas.


The Governorates

A’Dakhiliyah

A’Dhahirah

Al WastaA’Dakhiliyah region occupies a distinctivelocation on the western slopes of Al HajarMountains (the slopes of Al Jabal Al Akhdar)towardsthedesertinthesouth.A’DakhiliyahRegionhasplayedaroleofgreatsignificanceinOman’shistory,particularlywithregardtothespreadofIslaminOman.Nizwa,thecapitalofOmanintheearlydaysof Islam,was the cradle of ardent intellectual activityandproducedgenerationsofOmaniscientists,scholarsandhistorians.That’swhyithasbeenknownas“theeggofIslam”.Itstoweringhistoriccastlestill stands todayaswellasmany forts,castles, ancient mosques and other beautifultouristsites.Nizwadistrictisalsofamousforitsmanyoldhouses.A’DahkiliyahregionhasplayedasignificantroleinlinkingthecoasttotheinteriorofOman,asitwasthemaintraderouteandthemeetingplaceofcaravansformanycenturies.TheA’DahkiliyahRegionWilayatsare:Nizwa,Bidbid,Samail,Izki,Monah,Bahlah,AlHamraandAdam.

AlWastaRegion is locatedto thesouthof theregionsofA’DakhiliyahandA’Dhahirahregions.ItisflankedontheeastbytheArabianSea,onthewestbyTheEmptyQuarter,andbyDhofarGovernorate to the south. It occupiesa largeareainthemiddleoftheSultanate.ItsbeachesstretchforvastdistancesalongtheArabian Sea. These beaches are famous fortheir cleanliness and the purity of their water.This has resulted in an increase of marineplantswhichgivethewateritsgreencolor.Youcan also find other types of plants swaying intheshallowwaterofBarrAlHikman(AlHikmanPeninsula). Many birds pass this area duringthe annual autumn season in Dhofar. In thisregion,youcanalsoseeavarietyofplantsandraremammals such as the ArabianOryx andtheNubian ibex. Inaddition toall thisnaturalwealth, theareaaboundsina largenumberofoilandgasfields,makingitrichoneveryscore.Hima,Mahut, AdDuqum andAl Jasir are theWilayatsofthisregion.

A’Dhahirah Region descends from the southern slopes of thewestern Al Hajar Mountains. The region forms a bridge to thecaravantraderoutesbetweenOmanandtheneighboringcountries,which is why the region has a Wilayat by the name Ibri (from“crossing”).A’DhahirahincludesBatTombswhichareontheWorldHeritageList.WilayatIbriisoneoftheregionalcentersinwestOman.Itlies279kilometersfromthecapitalcityMuscat.Thetwocitiesarelinkedbytworoads:onerunsdirectlyfromMuscatandtheothercutsthroughWilayat Ar Rustaq. This city has a unique location connectingtheSultanatewith theotherregions in theArabianPeninsula. A’DhahirahRegionWilayatsincludeIbri,Yanqul,andDanak.


The Governorates

Al BuraymiAlBuraymiGovernorateislocatedinthenorth-westernpartofOman. Inancient timesitwasknownbythenameofTwamandAlJaw.

vAlBuraymiGovernorateisasemi-desertplaindescending from the southern slopes of thewesternAlHajarMountains.Ruinsdiscoveredin this governorate indicate the existence oftraderoutesdatingbacktoancienttimes.Thepresenceofpotteryandtheremainsofcopperand other ruins in Al Buraymi indicate theexistenceofancientcivilizations.

Wilayat Al Buraymi lies 370 kilometers fromMuscat. Visitors coming to Al Buraymi fromMuscatGovernoratecan reach itvia twomainroutes: A’Dhahirah Road (Abri-Hafeet) and AlBatinahRoad(Sohar-WadiAlJizi).AlBuraymiGovernorateWilayatsare:AlBuraymi,Mahadha,AlSinaynah.


Most Popular Tourist Spots in Oman

SultanQaboosUniversityencouragestheinternationalstudentstotaketheopportunitytotravelinMuscatand thesurroundinggovernorates.Studentswillbeable tochoose fromarangeoftourist and adventure activities. Youmay plan your own tour or choose to participate in theorganizedtoursandactivitiesofSQUthroughthePublicRelationsOffice.

ThiswadiislocatedinTiwi,partofSurinA’SharqiyahRegion(EasternRegion).Itlies140kilometres(87miles)fromMuscatontheQurayat–SurCoastalRoad.Freshwatercascadingfromtopsofthemountainsmeetsthebrinyseawateronitsbanks, creating an environmental diversity unique to thiswadi, andmaking it stand on a pedestal of its own whencomparedwithotherwadis(valleys)intheSultanate.YouwilldoubtlessenjoytheadventurousjourneythroughWadiShab,asyoucanonlymeanderthroughcertainareasbyboat,ortakepleasureinarefreshinghikethroughthismountainousregion.

Wadi Shab

Al Hoota Cave Al Jabal Al Akhdar

“AlHootaCave” lies in thesouthernpartofAlJabal Al Akhdar, specifically near Wilayat AlHamra in Ad A’Dakhiliyah Governorate. It isabouta two-hourdriveaway fromMuscatandhalf anhour fromNizwa. AlHootaCavewasdiscoveredbylocalresidentshundredsofyearsago,anditsnamederivesfromthevillagewhereitislocated.Thecaveextendsfor5kilometersunderground,butitmayonlybeaccessedforadistanceof860meters,endingatCaveLake.Perhapsthevisitorto this cave, passing through the surroundingarea inside the cave, the vistor, will find proofof the claim that “caves are the undergroundequivalent of the landscapes we see aboveground,likevalleys,streamsandsprings.”

This rises to a height of 2,980 meters and isfamousforitswideplateauclosetothesummit.ThejourneyfromMuscattoAlJabalAlAkhdarin A’Dakhiliyah Governorate takes about twohours and can only be undertaken by a four-wheeldrive.AlJabalAlAkhdarisknownforitsMediterraneanclimate. Temperatures drop during winter tobelowzeroCelsius,withsnow fallingat times,andriseinsummerto22degreesCelsius.Dueto its location and unique weather, the GreenMountainproducesa varietyof fruits, suchasapricots,plums,figs,grapes,applesandpears,aswellasalmonds,walnutsandsaffron. Thepomegranate that grows here is classifiedamongthefinestofitskindintheworld.Spread across themountain aremanyOmanivillages. Villagers have dug terraces in somepartsofthemountainforgrowingcrops.



Ras Al Hadd Beach

Al Kasfah Spring

A’Sharqiyah Sands

Barr Al Hikman

The beach is about 60 kilometers from SurCity, the capital of the A’Sharqiyah Region(EasternRegion). ThisbeachhasbeenhometohumanactivitysincethethirdmillenniumBCandservesasasafehavenforships fromthestorms.FighterplanestookshelterinitinduringWorldWarIIandthemarksoftherunwaysstillexisttoday.

This beach has been proclaimed a turtlereserve. Turtlescomehere,especially toRasAlJinzbeachinWilaytRasAlHadd,to layanestimated number that ranges from 6,000 to13,000eggs.Thebeachisdistinguishedbyitsspectacularbaysandrockformationswhicharehavensforlargenumbersofbirds.

AlKasfahSpringis locatedinWilaytArRustaqinAlBatinahGovernorate. It isacollectionofnaturalwaterspringswhosetemperaturesreachup to45degreeCelsius. Hotwaterpoursoutof it in several streams to irrigate orchards.Al Kasfah Spring is famous for its sulphatetherapeuticwaters.

What distinguishes Al Kasfah Spring fromthe rest of the springs in the Sultanate is thepresence of sulphur and the availability ofswimming pools for bathing. The pools areopenallyearround.Also,thisspringwaterstheWilayat᾿sfarmsthroughAlHammamFalaj.

A’SharqiyahSands are considered among themost beautiful campingareas in theSultanateandextendoveranareaofuptoabout10,000squarekilometers.

The Sand colors range from red to brownas far as the eye can see. This area is theoriginal homelandof theBedouins. It attractsmany desert adventure fans, and is preferredby visitors owing to its accessibility and theavailabilityofnearbyservices,whichmakeitafirstclasstouristattraction.Also,touristcampsthat make the sands their home base offer avariety of services in this sea of golden sandandhaveplayedanimportantroleinpromotingA’SharqiyahSands.

Barr Al Hikman is located in the center ofOman’s east coast in Al Wasta Region (thecentralregion),500kilometerssouthofMuscat.This island is considered one of the mostimportantbirdmigrationstationsbothinOmanand Southeast Asia. Many birds congregatehere,especiallywaterbirdscomingfromasfarasSiberia’snorthernshores.

In addition to being a sanctuary for birds andfishofallkinds,theexistenceofcoralreefsinitsshoresmakesitafavoritedestinationfordivers.



Al Sawadi Beach Jabal Shams

This beach is located at Barka in Al BatinahGovernorate. It lies 70 kilometers from thecapitalMuscat.Whatdistinguishthisbeacharethebeautifulrockislandsscatteredclosetothecoast. These islands lendanartistic touch tothelocationandareanimportantspotforbothmigratoryandindigenousbirds.

Youwillfindanumberofaquaticsportsonthisbeach,whichhasaresortequippedwithallthenecessitiesforsuchactivities.

Jabal Shams which is located in A’DakhiliyahGovernorate issocalledbecause it is thefirstplace togreetsunlightatdawnand the last tobiditfarewellatdusk.ThisisthehighestpeakintheArabianPeninsula,risingtoanaltitudeof3,004metersabovesealevel, and has a number of versants (slopes)and summits. Every time a tourist reaches aversant, he’ll find that it leads him to another,untilhereachesthemountainpeak.Lifeon thesummit isdifferent fromwhatmostpeople are used to, as the weather ismild insummerandcold inwinter. Closeto thepeakliesadeepchasmcalledthe“AnNahkrBalcony”,oneofthemostbeautifulplacestouristsvisit.Itis a deep ravine in theheart of the rocks thatcan be viewed from the top, which directlyoverlookstheravine.Atthebottomoftheravinerockformations,chiseledintodifferentformsbyerosion,liesabreathtakingdepth.Touristguesthouseshavebeenbuiltwherethevisitorcanspend timeenjoying theserenityofthisscenicmountain.

Wadi Bani Khalid

Thiswadiislocated203kilometres(126miles)fromMuscat.TogetthereyoutaketheBidbid–SurRoadinA᾿SharqiyahRegion(EasternRegion),whichforksintoasideroadleadingtoBaniKhalid,thenweavesupacrosstheeasternAlHajarMountainstoBidavillagedeepinthemountains.Thereyoucanenjoythespectacularviewsofthefertilevalleywithitsspreadingtreesandabundantwaterthattumblesdownaswaterfallsinsomeareastoformnaturalpoolsofwater.TheroadthencutsthroughthevalleytoreachMuqaltown,wellknownforitscave.Toexplorethiscave,you’llhavetoexercisegreatcautionasyoumayneedtocrawlorevenscrambleinsomeplaces.Herethegushingwaterscreatesaloudrushingsoundandcollectsinpools,onlytodissipateandgather-onceagain–insmalllakeswhichthevillagershaveusedtofillthreeirrigationcanals.



Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

Masirah Island

ClosetotheroadleadingtotheheartofthecapitalMuscatstandstheSultanQaboosGrandMosqueinWilayat(district)Bawshar,likearadiantlighthouseattractingitsvisitorstointeractwiththespiritofIslamasareligion,scienceandcivilization.Thismosquehighlightsits roleasascientificand intellectualsourceofknowledgeacrosstheIslamicword.

Afterhavinganarchitecturalcompetition toselect thebestdesignfor Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, construction took six years.Themosque’stotalcapacityis20,000worshipers,anditcoversanestimatedareaof416,000squaremeters.Themainsquare-shapedprayerroomcanaccommodate6,500worshipersandhasacentraldomewhichrises50metersabovethefloor.

ThemosqueprayerhallflooristoppedwithasinglepiecePersiancarpetcomposedof1,700millionknotswhichtookabout27monthstomake,coveringanareaof4,200squaremetersandweighing21tons.Twenty-eightdifferentcolorsmadefromplantornaturaldye,invaryinggradations,wereusedinthiscarpet’sweave.Non-Muslimsareallowedtovisitthemosqueeveryday,exceptonFriday, from 8:30 am until 11:00 am. Visitors are asked to dressmodestlyand inawaybefitting toplacesofworship. Womenarealsorequiredtocovertheirheads.

The island is located on south east Oman, and is within theadministration of A’Sharqiyah Region (Eastern Region). It issurroundedbyseveralotherislands,Marsis,Cha’naziandKalban.MarsisisthelargestislandinOmanandisalandmarkinthemiddleofthesea.Totheviewers,itlookslikeajewelamidtheazurewaters.Thevisitorisenchantedbytheisland’sbeautifulanddiversenaturalenvironment, clearly seen in its abundantmarine life. The islandhasexpansiveagriculturalfields.Becauseofthefertilityofitssoil,plantsquicklyspringupafterrainfall.TheislandalsohasanumberofmountainsonRasHalif,Rasia,AlIjaandotherplaces,andenjoystemperateweatherallyearround.

AsavisitortoMasirahIsland,you’llfeeltheharmonyofnature,thepersuasivecalmnessoftheseawaves,andthecoolbreezewhichenvelopes you, giving you a profound sense of serenity as youbreathethepureair.Thebeachesprovideanunparallelopportunitytoseeclustersofrareseaturtleslaytheireggs.

Youcanreachtheislandbyalargeferry,knownlocallyasAlyasoora.This isa largecarrier thatcarriescars,goods,andpeople toandfromtheisland.Theislandcanalsobeaccessedbyair.


Oman Map

All About MuscatThe Capital of Oman

Muscat, the Capital of Oman


Muscat,thecapitalofOman,isaplacewheretraditionmeetsmodernityinadramaticsetting,withmountainsononesideandtheArabianGulfontheother.Thisattractivecityprovidesaglimpseofallthatthecountryhastooffer.ThesoukandfishmarketcanbefoundinMutrahdistrictwhileworldclassshoppingmallsarelocatedthroughoutthecapitalarea.Muscatisworldfamousforitscleanliness,spaciousparksandroadwayslinedwithgreenlawnsandflowers.

As mentioned previously, Muscat Governorate isconsideredthepulsatingheartofOman.ItislinkedtoPortSultanQaboosbyMuttrahCornichewherethevisitortoMuscatcanviewthewonderfulvarietyof nature: golden beaches, mountainous heights,andgoldensanddunes(BawsharSands).

PerhapswhatisstrikingaboutMuscatGovernorateand its states is the breathtaking intermingling ofancientculturalheritageandmodernstyle.Youwillseehouses, gates, oldmarkets, small shops, andwindingroadsredolentofauthentichistory,sidebyside with modern markets, shops, buildings, and

streetsstampedwithmodernarchitecture.ThisallowsOmantopreserveitshistoriccharacter,andatthesametimeenjoyingitscontemporaryspirit.MuscatisrenownedasoneofthecleanestArabcapitals,andhasgainedthehonourofwinningtheCleanestArabCityContestseveralconsecutivetimes.Muscatasacityhasplayedaprominenthistoricalroleduetoitsstrategiclocation.(www.omantourism.gov.om)

Background

ClimateTheclimateinOmanischaracterizedbytwoseasons:winterandsummer.WinternormallystartsinNovemberanditlaststillendofFebruary.SummerisbetweenAprilandOctoberwhentheweatherishotandhumid.MildweatherisexperiencedonthemountainsandintheDhofarregionallyearround,whichalsoenjoysaregularmonsoonseasonbetweenJuneandOctobereveryyear.AnidealtimetovisitOmanisbetweenOctoberandAprilwithtemperaturesaveragingbetween25and35degreeCelsiusduringthedayandbetween17and19degreeCelsiusintheevening.



National Dress – Men

National Dress – Women

The national dress for Omani men is a simple, ankle-length,collarlessgownwithlongsleevescalledthedishdasha.Thecolourmostfrequentlyworniswhite,althoughavarietyofothercolourssuchasblack,skyblue,brownandlilaccanalsobeseen.Itsmainadornmentisatassel(furakha)sewnintotheneckline,whichcanbeimpregnatedwithperfume.Underneaththedishdasha,aplainpiece of cloth covering the body isworn from thewaist down.Omanimenmaywearavarietyofheaddresses.Themussarisasquareoffinelywovenwoolenorcotton fabric,wrappedandfolded intoaturban.Underneaththis, thekumma,anintricatelyembroidered cap, is sometimesworn.The shal, a long strip ofclothactingasaholderforthekhanjar(asilver,hand-craftedknifeordagger)maybemadefromthesamematerialasthemussar.Somemencarrytheassa,astick,whichcanhavepracticalusesorissimplyusedasanaccessoryduringformalevents.Omanimen,onthewhole,wearsandalsontheirfeet.(http://www.omanet.om)

Ingeneral,thewomenofOmanmaypresentthemselveswithoutaveil.Yetmostwomenwearablackorcolouredheadscarf(knownas sheilahor lihaf) andanabaya (ablack-coloured cloakwornoverclothes).TribalOmaniwomen,however,prefer toweartheburqa(facemask).Inaddition,oldergenerationsofOmaniwomenstillprefer toweartraditional,colorfuldressesor tunicsthatareworn over the sirwal (trousers). The younger generations ofOmaniwomenprefertomostlywearmoderndesignsofclothes.Additionally, Omani older women like to wear jewellery whichis generallymade fromsilver andgold engravedwith patterns,symbols,andcalligraphybasedonQuranicscripts.Traditionally,Omani women wore the qurhaf as footwear, but modern-daywomenwearwestern-styleshoesandsandals.Formake-up,thewomenofOmanusednaturalandtraditionalcosmeticproducts,includingKohl as eyeliners or eye-enhancers, amixture of theseeds of the prunusmahled and the flowers of the carthamustincturius plant asmoisturizers, and the indigo plant as a formof skinwash.For takingcareof theirhair,Omaniwomenusedoilsfromtheseedsoftheshooplant,andtheshampoothatwasproducedfromthesidrandipomoeanilplants.Today,however,most women use products of globally known brands. Omaniwomen also like to decorate their hands and feet with hennapaint,particularlyduringweddingcelebrationsandotherspecialoccasions.



Shopping Malls

Mutrah Souq

Moderns shops and traditional souqs (Arab Markets)are located throughout the Sultanate with the largestconcentrationinthecapitalareaaroundMuscat.Traditionalcraftsincludesilverandgoldjewelry,khunjars,hand-woventextiles, carpets andbaskets areavailable to visitors andbargainingisexpectedasitisconsideredpartoftheculture.Certainantiques;however,maynotbeexported.

Ontheotherhand,Muscathascomealongwayfromthesimple old souks to the bustling, ultra modern shoppingcomplexesthathavesprungupinthecityinrecenttimes.TheshoppingmallsaremostlysituatedinQurum,butthebiggestandpopularmallsaretheMuscatCityCentrewhichislocatedinSeebandQurumCityCenterlocatedinQurum.

Muscathasawidevarietyofshopsforyoureverydayclothingneeds.Fromhigh-enddesignershops,toaffordablelocalboutiques,totheone-stopshopdepartmentstores,totheultimately cheap bazaars. You name it, they have it. Youmaywant tovisit theclosestmalls to theUniversity listedhereforyourclothingneeds.

MutrahSouqisoneoftheoldestmarketsinOman,datingbackabout200years.Itsantiquityhasperhapsincreasedtheextentofitsbeauty,magicandallure.YoucannotseeMutrahSouqfromtheoutside,asitstretchesdeepwithinthecity.ThemarketstartsatthegatefacingtheSeaofOmanandMutrahCorniche,andendswithanothergateinthecity’soldquartersthatusuallyreceivethemajorityofvisitorscomingfromotherOmanitownsandvillages.

MutrahSouqisaprototypeofoldEastermarkets,characterizedbynarrowwindingalleys roofedwithwood.ThissoukgoesbyanothernameamongtheOmanis;theMarketofDarkness,duetoitsmyriadofalleysandroadslinedbyshopsthatblockthesunduringtheday.ThisnameappliesspecificallytothesectionthatextendsfromtheProphet’sMosquetoKhawrBimbah.MuttrahSoukhastwomarketsknownas“thesmallmarket”and“thelargemarket”.TheMarketofDarkness is thesmallmarket,whereasthelargemarketisthewholesalemarket.Whenpassingthroughthis souq, your senses are tantalized by the aromatic smellsof frankincense, incense and Arabian perfumes.Mutrah Souqisknown for itshandicrafts likesilverware,daggers, traditionalclothes, new apparel and shoes, in addition to the famousOmanisweets(halwa),spicesandbraziers(receptaclesinwhichincenseorfrankincenseisburned).

MallsMuscatCityCenter Seeb

AlBAHJAMall AlMawaleh

BabilShopping AlKhoud

BushraAlKhair AlKhoud

LuluHypermarket Seeb

General Lifestyle



Muscat Festival

Dining Out

AcelebrationofMuscatheritage,thiseventisoneofthebiggestoftheyear,featuringallaspectsofOmanicultureincludinghandicrafts,folkloreandhistory.Thefestivaliseducationalasmuchas it is cultural, with theater performances,educationalseminarsandpoetryandliteraturereadings.

ThereareawidevarietyofrestaurantsinOmanofferingalltypesofcuisine,includingOmani,Arabic,Indian,Oriental,EuropeanandAmericandishes.AlKhoudhasquiteabignumberofrestaurants-mainlyIndianandTurkish-cafesandshwarmahstands.AlKhoudis also home for two well-known Omani restaurants that offercustomersatasteofthemostpopularOmanidishes.Therearea lotofscrumptiousdishestochoosefromsuchasthefamousShuwa,MaqbousandMashawi.UpscalerestaurantsaremainlylocatedinQurumandKhuwair.ShouldyoubeinvitedintoanOmanihouse,itiscustomarytoremoveone’sshoesbeforeenteringyourhost᾿s house. Traditional Omani meals are eaten with hands,using the right hand only although as the guest, you won᾿t beexpectedtodoso.Muslimlawforbidsalcohol,howeveralcoholicbeveragesareavailableinmosthotelbarsandrestaurantswherevisitorstoOmanmaydrink.ItshouldbenotedthatOmanisarenotpermittedtodrinkalcoholintheseestablishmentsandvisitorsarecautionednottoofferdrinkstolocalsasthismayinadvertentlycauseoffense.(http://www.exploreoman.com)Asidefromtheeateriesmentionedabove,youcanalwaysgotoyourfavoritefast-foodchain,incaseyoudon᾿tfeeladventurouswhenitcomestofood.

ListedbelowareplacesneartheUniversityyoumightwanttodineinorbuyfoodfrom.Fastfood/Restaurants/Café’s

SupermarketsPizzaHut AlKhoud

Domino’sPizza AlKhoud

KFC AlKhoud

HungryBunny AlKhoudThe Golden Spoon SeebSouq

OmarAlKayyam AlKhoud

McDonalds Mct.CityCenter

Hardee’s AlKhoud

Subway Mct.CityCenter

MagicWok Mct.CityCenter

Supermarkets

Carrefour Mct.CityCenter

AlFair AlKhoud

SamaHypermarket AlKhoud

Babil AlKhoud

TheSultanCenter Seeb

LuluHypermarket Seeb



Sports & Recreational Activities

Business Hours

Cinemas

If you are into swimming, trekking, surfing ormountain climbing, then Oman is the placefor you! Oman’s diverse terrain of mountains,deserts and seascapes provide a host ofoutdoorpursuitsfromdivingandsailingtohikingandcaving.(http://www.hoteltravel.com)

The weekend in Oman fallson Thursday and Friday.However,fortheprivatesectortheweekendstartsThursdayafternoon.Mostshopsopenfrom9:00amto1:00pmandagain from4:30pmtill10:00pm. Major shopping malls,suchasCityCenter,areopenfrom 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.Thoseworkinginthebankingsectorshave theirweekendsonFridayandSaturday.

During Ramadhan, theworkinghoursgetshortened.Banks, embassies andconsulates are open from8:00amtonoon.Butshopscloselateatnight.

Themost popular English-language cinema istheonelocatedinShatti.Ithas3screensandis usually the first (alongwith the one locatedinMarkazAlBahja)toshowthelatestmovies.TheMarkazAlBahjaCinema is located in theMallofthesamenameinAlHail.Itisatthefirstexitafter theairport ifdriving fromRuwi. Thecinemaissituatedonthebasementofthemalland featuresmostlyEnglish languagemovies.(http://www.totalmuscat.com)



TransportationTaxiLicensed taxis are painted orange and whiteand do not usemeter. The approximate farein forgoing toSQUfromthenearestplace(AlKhoud)is0.300to0.500baiza.(http://www.asiarooms.com)

Baiza busesBaizabuses, colored orangeandwhite, serveallmajorroadways,aswellasawideandloosenetworkofsmallerbywaysinthegreaterMuscatmetropolitan area. These shared taxis areavailable from the airport and throughout thecity;theywilltakeyoutovirtuallyanydestination,as long as you find one that is going in yourdirection.(http://www.hoteltravel.com)

MuscatcanbereachedbybusfromDubai,whiletherearealsobuslinksfromthecapital(Muscat)tomanyotherOmancitieslikeSur,Salalah,andBuraimi,operatedbyOmanNationalTransportCompany(ONTC).TheyevenhavebusesfromSalalahgoingtoDubaiandback.Fordetailedinformationofthebusesscheduleyoumaywanttovisittheirwebsite.www.ontcoman.com

Car RentalRentingacar isprobably themostconvenientwaytoseethecityofMuscatanditsenvirons.MostsignsareclearlywritteninbothArabicandEnglish.MajorcarrentalcompaniesarelocatedwithinMuscat.Youcanbookacar inadvancewith any of these companies to ensure thatthey are waiting for your arrival. (http://www.worldexecutive.com)(PleaserefertoP.45forsomelistedcarrentalcompanies).

TelecommunicationsTherearemanytelecommunicationscompaniesinMuscat,butthemostpopularamongthemaretheOmanTelecommunication(Omantel),OmanMobileandNawras.Omantelhasthemonopolyof the landline and internet access markets.Meanwhile,OmanMobileoffersmobileservicesthat a client can choosefrom prepaid to postpaid.Theamountavailablefortheprepaid cards/calling cardsis RO 1, RO 3, RO 5 andRO 10. Oman Mobile alsooffers a handy USBmodemwhich can offer customerseasy access to the internet.Similarly,Nawrasalso offersmobileservicesandinternetaccesswithaUSB

modem.TheNawrasrechargecards/phonecardsareavailableindenominationsofRO1,RO2,RO4andRO8.

The offices/branches of theabove mentioned companiescan be easily found in some

shoppingmalls likeMuscatCityCenterandatthe airport for the convenience of customersespeciallytourists.



Health Care Centers near SQUSultanQaboosUniversityHospitalattends to themedicalneedsof theOmaniStudents, faculty,staffandinternationalstudentswhoareonpostgraduatescholarships.Itsservicesincludefirstaid,consultationsandstartingmedicationforcommonailments.Forallyourothermedicalneeds,therearealsoanumberofmedicalandhealthcentersneartheUniversitythatyoucangoto.

Dental Clinics

AlBalsamAlShafiDentalClinic SeebSouk-Tel.No.24423002

BadrAlSamaaPolyclinic Seeb

AseriyaDentalClinic AlKhoud,Souk

RetagDentalClinic AlKhoud,Souk

Hospitals

StarCareHospital NearMuscatCityCenter,Seeb

BadrAlSamaaPolyclinic Seeb

Pharmacies

MuscatPharmacy AlKhoudSouk

BelqeesPharmacy AlKhoudSouk

WaleedPharmacy AlKhoudSouk



Sultan Qaboos University (SQU)As the national house of expertise, SultanQaboos University shoulders the responsibility ofprovidingadvancedprograms,whicharedevelopedbasedonknowledgegainedfromcutting-edgeresearchofnationalstrategicimportance.Inaddition,SQUmakesititscentralfocustodevelopstudentlearning,promoteresearchandenhancefacultyandstaffprofessionaldevelopmentinitsvariousforms.Theuniversityisalsokeentoexhibitorganizationallearningasitdealswiththevariouschallengesfacingit.

Sultan Qaboos University is the realization ofthepromiseannouncedbyHisMajestySultanQaboos Bin Said during the 10th anniversaryofOman’sNationalDay in1980. Constructionstarted in 1982 and the first Sultan QaboosUniversity students were enrolled in 1986. InaccordancewiththeRoyalDegreeofHisMajesty,the University commenced with five colleges;namely, Medicine, Engineering, Agriculture,Education and Science. Furthermore, theCollegeofArtswasestablishedin1987,followedby the College of Commerce and Economics,which received its first batch of students in1993.TheCollegeofLawjoinedtheUniversityin2006andfinally theCollegeofNursingwasestablishedin2008.

The traditional Islamic separation of thegenders is maintained in the architecture ofthe University. There is separate access tobuildings: lower walkways designated for menandupperwalkways reserved forwomen.TheseatingintheclassroomalsoreflectstheIslamicteachings. Inmost classes,male students areseated on the front while female students areseatedontheback.

Altogether, the campus portrays the richheritageofOmanandIslamwhileincorporatingall theefficienciesofmodern life.Theresult isaneducationalandlivingenvironmentwhichisbothfunctionalandattractive.

Brief Information



Sultan Qaboos Universityconsists of nine collegesnamely the College ofAgricultural and MarineSciences, Arts and SocialSciences, Commerce andEconomics, Education,Law, Medicine and HealthSciences, Science andNursing. These collegeshave specific target planswhich guide them indesigning their programs intheir areas of specialization.Each college is comprisedof highly qualified facultymembers who are activelyinvolvedinteaching,researchandcommunityservice.

Colleges

College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences The College of Agriculturaland Marine Science providesthe students with world classtraining for life in a pleasantand stimulating atmospherethat encourages enquiry,commitmentandexcellence.

TheCollegeofAgriculturalandMarine Sciences faculty andstaffconductbasicandappliedresearch in the sustainableuse of renewable resourcesfor food production andprocessing, and disseminateresearch outcomes throughscientific publications,international conferences,workshops, short coursesand seminars. The collegeis proud to have the highestper capita rate of researchfunding and peer reviewedpublications in the University.The College aims at fulfillingtheSultanate’s needs forwellqualified graduates towork inagriculture,marine and food’ssectors. The college alsoconducts basic and appliedresearch, develops sciences,and organizes exhibitions inthe fields of agriculture andmarine sciences, and foodproductionandpreservation.

PhD Programs taught in English for full-time students

Crop Sciences

Food Sciences and Human Nutrition

Soil & Water Management

Marine Sciences & Fisheries

Masters Programs taught in English for full-time and

part-time students

Natural Resource Economics

Agricultural Engineering

Animal and Veterinary Sciences

Crop Production

Crop Protection

Food Science and Nutrition

Marine Science and

Soil and Water Management

The college offers its students Bachelor᾿s,

Masters’ and doctorate degrees.



College of Arts and Social Sciences Thecollegestartedteachingin1987.Itaimsatqualifyingandtraining students in variousfieldsofknowledgethatsatisfythe needs of the Sultanate.The college develops thestudents’ general knowledge,encourages research andteamwork. Italso takescareof humanitarian researchesthat are connected with theneeds of the society. Thecollege offers bachelor᾿s andmaster᾿sdegrees.

College of Commerce and EconomicsTheCollegeofCommerceandEconomics was founded in1993withtheaimofqualifyingstudentsinvariouscommercialand economic domains aswellascarryingoutanumberof researches in these fields.Thecollegehasaspecializedlibrary that gives students theopportunity to enrich theirknowledge in commercial andeconomicfields.

Masters Programs taught in both Arabic and English for full-time and part-time

students

Arabic Language and Literature

Transelation

History

Geography

Mass Communication

Library and Information Science

Sociology

Social WorkPostgraduate Diploma

for full-time and part-time students

Translation

Masters Program taught in English for part-time

students

Master of Business Administration (MBA) Program

PhD Programs for full-time students

History

Arabic

Information Library

Additional AdmissionRequirements:-Passthewrittentestandinterviewheldinthedepartment.

-Musthavecomputerskills.

Internationalstudentsalwaysfacesomesortofdifficultiesliving outside their countries. My stay in Oman andstudyingasaPhDstudent inSultanQaboosUniversitywasanewexperienceandIalsoafeltfewproblemsinthebeginning,butwiththehelpoffacultyandDepartmentofPostgraduateStudies,alltroublesweresolvedeasily.IappreciatethewaySultanQaboosUniversitymanagesalltheacademicprogramswhilemaintainingtheIslamicCulture.

MaazAkhtar,PhDstudentMechanicalEngineeringCollegeofEngineering



College of EducationThe College of Education,through its teaching activitiesand programs, aims to servethe community by producinggraduates of the highestcaliber and keeping abreastwith the latest pedagogicaldevelopments regionallyand internationally. Morespecifically,itseekstoprovidehighly-qualified teachersto work in the constantlyexpanding General Educationsystem, using the latestmethodsandtechniques.

College of Engineering

The College of Engineeringstrives to achieve its visionof being an outstandingeducational and researchcollege in the region. TheCollege of Engineering isthe top Engineering Collegein Oman and offers strongundergraduate programs inarchitectural, chemical, civil,electrical and computer,industrial, mechanical,mechatronics, and petroleumand natural gas engineering.At the postgraduate level,the college offers Master ofScienceandPh.Dprogramsincivil, electrical and computer,industrial, mechanical, andpetroleum and natural gasengineering.

Masters Programs taught in English for full-time and

part-time students

Civil Engineering

Civil Engineering (Water Resources)

Electrical and Computer Engineering

- Energy & Power Systems - Electronic Instrumentation &

Control - Communication & Signal

Processing - Computer System &

Networks

Mechanical Engineering

Industrial Engineering

Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering

Geomatics Engineering

PhD Programs taught in English for full-time student

Civil Engineering

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Industrial Engineering

Petroleum Engineering

Chemical Engineering

Masters Programs taught in English and Arabic for full-time and part-time students

Curriculum and Method of Teaching Arabic Language

Curriculum and Method of Teaching English Language

Curriculum and Method of Teaching Islamic Education

Curriculum and Method of Teaching Science

Curriculum and Method of Teaching Mathematics

Curriculum and Method of Teaching Social Studies (History and Geography only)

Educational Administration

Educational Psychology (Learning and Measurement)

Islamic Studies

Sports Science



College of LawCollegeofLawstartedteachingin 1997 as an independentcollege. The college wasaffiliated to SQU in theacademic year of 20062007/.The college aims at bothproviding the society withspecialistsand researchers indifferent fields of law, and atcarrying out related researchprojects.

College of Medicine & Health Sciences

TheCollegeofMedicinewasestablishedin1986andsincethenhasundergoneimpressivedevelopment&growth.ThecollegequalifiesspecialistsinmodernmedicalfieldsandittrainsstudentswiththehelpofSQUHospitalmedicalstaffandusing up-to-date laboratories and technologies. The college᾿sacademic & organizational expansion is accompanied by acontinuing process of establishment and revision of academicpolicies,rulesandregulations,andadministrativeprocedures.

PhD Programs taught in English for full-time students

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Medical Microbiology

Epidemiology & Medical Statistics

Clinical Pharmacy

Physiology

Human & Clinical Anatomy

Radiology & Molecular Imaging

Genetics

Masters Programs in Biomedical Sciences taught

in English for full-time students

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Medical Microbiology

Epidemiology and Medical Statistic

Clinical Pharmacy

Physiology

Human & Clinical Anatomy

Radiology & Molecular Imaging

Master of Law Program taught in Arabic for full-time

and part-time students in four disciplines

Public Law

Private Law

Commercial Law

Criminal Law

Additional AdmissionRequirements:-Applicantsshouldhaveabachelor᾿sdegreeinLaw(LawMajor).

-FinaladmissionswillbebasedontheCGPA.



College of NursingThe Nursing program startedin the College of Medicineand Health Sciences in 2001and during the 20082009/ academic year, the programwas developed into anindependent college. Thecollegeaimsatqualifyingmaleandfemalenurseswithsoundtrainingbywayofcollaborationwith S.Q.U Hospital. Thecollege also carries outresearches in the differentfieldsofnursing.The College offers bachelordegrees for its students, butdoesnotcurrentlyofferMSc.

College of ScienceEstablishedwiththeUniversityin1986,theCollegeofScienceis regarded as the «mothercollege». The College is thehome of the departments ofbiology, chemistry, computerscience, earth sciences,mathematicsandstatisticsandphysics.Thecollegeisproudtoprovidehighqualityscienceeducation, scholarly research,and technical expertisenationallyandinternationally.

PhD Programs taught in English for full-time

students:

Biology

Earth Sciences

Mathematics (Pure Mathematics & Applied Mathematics)

Physics

Statistics

Chemistry

Computer Science

Masters Programs taught in English for full-time students

Biology

Computer Science

Chemistry

Applied Mathematics

Physics

Statistics

Environmental Science

Earth Sciences

Petroleum Geosciences

Facilities



FacilitiesSultan Qaboos University also provides comprehensive and specialized equipment whichare located in some departments and laboratories. Postgraduate teaching and research aresupportedbywell-equipped laboratoriesand libraries invariouscolleges. Inaddition,variouscenterssupporttheeducationalneedsofpostgraduatestudents.

Sultan Qaboos Universitycontainsthreelibrarieswhicharethefollowing:

The Main LibraryThis library provides allinformation and services tosupport the curriculum in thecollegesandcenters.Theprimaryfocus of the collection is on thesubjects covered in programsoffered at SQU. Bibliographicrecordsofmaterialsareavailablethroughcatalogsandindexesthatallow users access to resourcesavailable.It has 200,000 books,100,00-theses,22,000e-journals,67,000 of e-books and thereare 27 electronic databases.Postgraduate students areallowed to order 45 photocopiesof articles and 8 books on loanfrom overseas in one academicyearfreeofcharge.Prepaidcard-operatedphotocopymachinesareavailableonallfloorsofthelibrary.The library has seven floors andstudentscanusetheirlaptopsaswirelessconnectivity isavailable.Aprofessional reference librarianis available at the referencedesk to help students during theopeninghoursof the library.Themain library is located in theCultural Centre near Block G building.

The Medical LibrarySultan Qaboos University Medical Library is leading healthsciencesintheSultanateofOman.Itmaintainsasubstantialcollection of current and retrospective Medical literature invariousmedia to support the academic programmes of theCollege of Medicine, University Hospital and health carecommunity in the Sultanate. It has a reading areawith anadequatenumberofchairsand tables inaddition toreadingcubicles. This library provides its users with 4 searchingterminals to enable them to search the library catalogue, aphotocopyingareaandcomputerswithinternetaccess.

Libraries



The College of Commerce LibraryThe library holdings in the Information Centerincludesupplementaryandsupportivematerialsto the required coursework for the college’seightmajors. This library has 920 collectionsof audio visual materials. It has 40 full-textand bibliographic databases for the Universityresearchers available online. There are tworeading halls provided with photocopying andprintingareas.Computerswithinternetaccessarealsoavailable. Inaddition,somecollegesalsohavetheirownlibrarieswhichalsohaveavarietyofcollectionsof books, e-journals, e-books and databases.In the College of Arts and Social Sciences,for example, the library specializes in differentdomains of Arts and Social Sciences. Thelibraryhousesacollectionofmorethan20,000books.Thisdiversecollection includesbooks,periodicals and CD ROMs in the disciplinesof Arabic, English, History, Geography,Mass Communication, Tourism, Arts, Music,Library and Information Science, Humanities,Archaeology and Religion. Furthermore, thelibrary houses almost 1000 general referencecollections. The library offers a distinguishedinformationservicebyintegratingthesymphonyinformationsystem.Thissystemenablesuserstoperformdirectsearchthroughacomputerizedcatalogue locally or through direct connectionwiththeinternet.

The College of Law library TheCollegeofLawlibrarycontents,sourcesandsupplies vary between the traditional (printed)and themodern (electronic)ones. The libraryalsoconsistsofbooks,references,periodicals,university researchesand lettersandcodesoflaw.

These contents are also written in differentlanguages with Arabic language sourcesrepresenting 98% whereas those written inEnglishandFrench makingonly form2%. Inaddition,thosecontentscovervarioushistorical

periods and Arabian and foreign geographicalregions.Reference service is provided to thebeneficiaries through a set of comprehensiveand encyclopedic resources that help them toreach the required information and make useof them in thefieldof their studies.Referenceservice includes encyclopedias, knowledgeperiodicals, dictionaries, statistical books,evidences, university researches, atlases andindexes. The librarycontainssomanyOmanibooks concerning the fields related to theuniversity goals andprograms. Moreover, thelibrary has a number of electronic resourcessuchasCDs. Italsoprovides internetservicefor its students to enable them find the latestinformationonline.

Itisworthmentioningthattherearetwosportscomplexes separately allocated for male andfemalestudents.Eachcomplexincludesfootballfields,fieldsforathletics,outdoorstadiums,andvolleyballplaygrounds,outdoorvolleyballfields,indoor sport halls which include handball andvolleyball playing areas, two halls for weightlifting, a swimming pool and squash courts.Moreover,thereisalsoastudentservicescenterthat contains a hall for games which includesthree snooker tables, three billiard tables, twotennis tables, and a twelve lane bowling alleyprovidedwiththelatestdesignfeaturesandwithan electronic system that is so excellent anddistinctachampionshipcanbeheldinthisalley.

Sports Facilities



The importance of research has been recognized at SultanQaboosUniversityfromtheverybeginning.TheCharterstatesthat one of the University’s objectives is to uphold scientificresearchasthemosteffectivetoolinestablishingaccuratefacts,problemsolvingandthepredictionofsocialpatternsaswellasundertakingresearchinthefieldsoftechnologyinrelationtotheneedsof theOmaniSociety, inparticular, and thoseof others,in general, in order to enhance the intellectual capabilities andqualityoflifeoftheOmanisocietyandmankindasawhole.

Research and Financial Support

Thegenerousresearch trust fundsdonatedbyHis Majesty and Research Council fund arebestusedtosupportlong-termmultidisciplinaryresearch projects of strategic importance totheSultanate. The aim of such projects is togenerate new knowledge and discoveriesleading to substantial socio-economic benefitstotheOmanisocietyinthelongrun.

Many companies and organizations from theprivateandpublicsectorsforexamplePetroleumDevelopment of Oman (PDO), Oman OilCompany, Omantel, Middle East DesalinationResearch Centre and Shimizu Corporationstand to benefit from University’s know-howand technical facilities through Contract andConsultancyResearch. This typically involvessystematic development of new knowledgefor the benefit of the Sponsor to addresscurrent problems, createnewopportunities, orsometimesstumbleonunexpecteddiscoveries.

Contract and Consultancy Research

Strategic Research Projects

Patents ResearchPatents are the projects that register inintellectualProperty.ThefollowingaresomeoftheseprojectsregisteredinGulfPatentsOfficeinRiyadh:

•MincedFishProductsofImproveEatingQuality

•NematicidalCompensationofEssentialOilsandMethodofParathion

•EmulsionLayerDetectionApparatusandmethodusinghighFrequency

•DesalinatedwaterandElectricityGeneratingSystem.

Academic Research ProjectsUniversity’s internal research fund, externalresearchdonationsandcollaborativefundsareused to support academic-type research ontopicsproposedbyfacultymembersforapprovalby their respective departments and colleges.Academicresearchisexpectedtoyieldoriginalresultsorfindingsthatgeneratenewknowledgeand to develop concepts consistent with theresearch and educational objectives of theUniversity.



SultanQaboosUniversityistheprimaryresearchinstitutioninthecountry.Amainfacetofitsvisionistobetheforefrontofscientificresearchandtoreceiveunassailableinternationalrecognition.

Research Centers

The vision of the Remote Sensing and GISCenter involvesmanpowerdevelopmentwhichwilllaythefoundationforeffectiveresearchandforteachingRemoteSensingandGIScoursesatSQU. TheRSGISC isestablishing itselfasacenterofexcellenceintheSultanateandtheregion.Tothisend,ithasdevelopedpartnershipswithindustryandgovernmentagencies.The Centre teaches undergraduate andpostgraduate courses in Remote Sensing andGIS in theDepartment of EarthSciences andin the Department of Civil and ArchitecturalEngineering. The Centre also supervisesMaster’s and Doctoral theses in thesedepartments.

The Center envisages conducting research,raising awareness on environmental issueslocally, regionally and globally. It also aims athelping various governmental agencies andother stakeholders to protect and sustainablymanagethenation’snatural resources throughplanned initiatives and research. Work at theCESAR has also been directed at influencingpolicy and strengthening institutional support.TheCenteractivelycontributestolocalthinkingand provides intellectual input on sustainabledevelopmentissues.

The mission of the Earthquake MonitoringCenter(EMC)istooperate,manageanddevelopthe national earthquake monitoring programandtoconductandcoordinatemultidisciplinaryresearch activities within the University. TheEMCisresponsibleformonitoringearthquakesthat occur in and around theSultanate. Thereare many seismic stations located in differentpartsof thecountrywhichhelpwithassessingearthquake riskby locatingseismiczonesanddeterminingtheircharacteristicsandimplicationsforalltypesofcivilstructures.TheEMChasalsodeveloped an earthquake awareness programfor schools and universities. The Center hasdevelopedseveralcourseswhicharetaughtbythe Center’s staff at the Department of Earth

Sciences.B.Sc.andM.ScthesisprojectsfromthisdepartmentarealsosupervisedbytheCenter.

In a globalizing world, preserving a people’sidentityandculturebecomesanurgentpriority.This ensures a country’s link with its pastachievements and future aspirations. TheOmaniStudiesCenterwasestablishedwiththisconcern in mind. Providing modern scientificand academic knowledge and teaching anunderstanding of the historical, cultural andsocialspecificsofOmanareamongthevaluableservices thatSQUoffers to theOmanisocietyandtheworld.TheOSC’smissionistoconductand support research, provide consultancyservices, and to document, preserve anddisseminate knowledgeonOmaniSociety, cultureandheritage. TheCenteralso works with relevantlocal and international institutions to promoteresearch and studies ontheSultanateofOman.

Center for Environmental Studies and Research

Remote Sensing & Geographic Information System Center

Earthquake Monitoring Center

Omani Studies Center



EstablishingtheCommunicationandInformationResearch Center represented the first phaseofwhat is expected to become a fully-fledgedNational Information and CommunicationResearch Center, providing R&D services toboth the government and the private sector inrespect of Information and CommunicationTechnology(ICT).CIRC’smissionistopromoteand improve information and communicationtechnologies through applied research,consultancyand training. Thesegoalswill beachievedbydevelopingandmaintainingstrongrelationships with industry, ministries andeducational organizations, both nationally andinternationally.

ThemainaimoftheCenteristoconductresearchinareaspertaining to theoilandgas industry.In addition, the Center seeks to enhancepractitioners᾿ professionalism in the industrythroughdevelopmentprograms,includingshortcourses,conferences,workshops,seminarsandspecializedlectures.Itsmission,forthebenefitoftheoilandgasindustryinOmanistoconductquality research in areas vital for the effectivedevelopmentoftheoilandgasindustries,whileexploitingthestate-of-the-artresearchfacilitiescurrentlyavailable. Over the last seven years, the Center, incooperation with researchers in the Collegesof Engineering, Science, and Agricultural andMarine Sciences, has carried out more than50 major research projects covering differentaspects of the oil and natural gas industries.Diverse areas are included such as hot waterinjection,surfactantinjection,formationdamage,expandable tubular, multi-phase metering, themodelingofhydrocarbonbasins,andexplorationofOman’ssurfaceandsubsurfacegeology.Sofar,theCenterhassecuredprojectstoavalueofaboutRO800,000.AcentralcommitmentoftheCenteristocombinetheexpertiseavailablewithin recognized research groups in order tofoster synergism, continuity and sustainability.TheCenter has succeeded in institutionalizingitsresearchefforts for theoilandgas industryin order to provide a focus on technologydevelopment.

The Center envisages becoming a conveninglocation where water professionals in Omanand elsewhere can conduct research, providecontinuouseducationinwater-relatedacademicdisciplines, and disseminate knowledge. Toachieve this, the Center plays a vital role incoordinating research facilities and expertiseatSQUandatothernationaland internationalinstitutions. It also strives to effectivelydisseminateresearchfindingstothepublicandprivatesectorsandtothecommunityatlarge. ResearchattheCenterfocusesonagriculturalwater management, desalination, groundwaterhydrology, and the socioeconomics of waterresourcesmanagement.TheCenterhashostedinternationalresearchersfromtheUSA,Japan,Italy, Pakistan, Tunisia, and the Netherlands.Annually,WorldWaterDayisco-hostedbytheMinistry of Regional Municipalities and WaterResources and the Center. Furthermore, theCenter,eachyear,conductsoneormoreshortcoursesforpersonnel inthepublicandprivatesectors.Itmaintainsane-listcalledWRCINFO,which isaplatform fordeliveringwater-relatednews, including conference announcementsand research papers, to over a hundred

Oil and Gas Research Center

Communication and Information Research Center

Water Research Center

recipients inOman. AResearchChair in theNanotechnologyofWaterDesalination, fundedby theResearchCouncil, isbeingestablishedattheCenter.



The Center focuses on capacity building andplans to make optimal use of Oman’s marineresources so that development is sustainable,thereby encouraging future growth andprosperity. Since its inception in 2004, theCenterhasbeenworkingonresearchprojectsthatwillcreateopportunitiesforutilizingmarinerawmaterialsandthuspromotepublichealth.

TheCEMBhaspublishedseveralresearchpapersin international journals, in addition to theses.Information on the development of Oman’smarine biotechnology is continually sharedwith the public through bilingual newspapersandmagazinespublishednationally, regionallyand internationally. An extensive feasibilitystudyin2009recommendedtheestablishmentof a National Center of Excellence in MarineBiotechnologytoserveasaregionalhub.TheCEMB is currently playing amajor role in thisproposedproject.

ThemandateoftheHumanitiesResearchCenteristoplaybothaproactiveandsupportiveroleinrelationtoexistinghumanitiesstudiesinOman.TheCenter’smission is to explore disciplines,topics and problems that are in need of aspecificnationalfocusandtoconductresearchin the areas of Social Science, Education,Business,Economics,andLaw.Oneofthemainobjectives of the Center is to initiate surveysand conduct empirical research on social,educational and business phenomena thataccompanytheprocessofchange,developmentandmodernizationincontemporaryOmaniandArabsociety. TheCenter iscurrently involvedin preparing its operational strategy and isalso organizing research projects of strategicimportance.

Center of Excellence in Marine Biotechnology

Humanities Research Center



Support Services

The Language Centre is responsible for allEnglish language teaching and testing atthe University. The Centre offers two typesof English courses, Foundation ProgrammeEnglish Language (FPEL) courses, CreditEnglishLanguageProgramme(CELP)coursesfor English-medium colleges and majors. TheCentrealsoteachesEnglishatthepostgraduatelevel as well as English for the universityadministrativeandtechnicalstaff.There are two active units in the Centre, onefor testing and assessment and another forcurriculum development. The Testing andAssessment Unit prepares entrance and exitexams. It is also responsible for final examsin the foundation programme. The CurriculumDevelopment Unit designs curricula, reviewsanddevelopsteachingmaterialsandsupervisescurriculum implementation. The two units arealsoinvolvedinresearchrelatedtotheirareaofspecialty.Theysometimesinviteexpertsforthepurposeoftrainingandconsultation.The Language Centre consistently strives toadvance the knowledge and skills of its staffmembers through workshops and seminars inareasrelatedtoteaching,testingandmaterialsdevelopment. The Centre has a ProfessionalDevelopmentCommitteethatlooksintomattersofstaffdevelopment.Oneofthemostprominentteacher development events has been theannual English language teaching conferencewhich attracts scholars and practitioners fromallaroundtheworld.Supportfacilitiesforstudentsandteachersareavailable. They include a Teacher ResourceCentre and a Student Resource Centre. TheTeacher Resource Centre provides LanguageCentreacademicstaffwithprofessionalsupportthrough books, journals and audio-visualmaterials.TheStudentResourceCentrehousesfive computer laboratories, a small studentlibraryandvideoviewing facilities.Allof thesefacilities are used during the normal teachingprogrammeandarealsoopentostudentsonaself-accessbasisoutsideteachinghours.

CIS, the Center for Information Systems, isresponsible for providing and supporting theSQU’s entire computer based informationsystemsrequirements.CIS supports the information systems needsof the SQU campus community, faculty, staffand students. This is done by developing,maintaining and running theSQU’s computinginfrastructure, providing academics witheducationalresources,andoperatingelectronicinformationsystemsforandon-behalfofSQU’sAdministration, and similar units includingCISitself.

TheCenter forEducationalTechnology (CET),conducts instructional development activities,produces instructional/learning materials andprovidesmediaservices.The CET is currently venturing into thee-learningdomainandatthestageofdevelopingcomprehensive training and consultancypackages to enable faculty to develop highqualityinstruction.

The Language CenterCenter for Information System

Center for Educational Technology



The mission of the career guidance (CCG)is to assist students of SQU and otherdesignated clients in developing, evaluating,and implementing career, education, andemploymentdecisionplans.TheCenterexiststosupportthemission,academicprogramsandoveralladvancementofSQU.TheCenterplaysamajorroleinenhancingtheinterfacewiththelabour market to maximize the employmentopportunitiesavailabletoSQUgraduates.

TheCenterprovidesacomprehensiveprogramof support services to assist Sultan QaboosUniversity students in their adjustments to thedemands of university environment. Servicesoffered are: Individual Counseling, GroupCounseling, Counseling Outreach Program,and Career Counseling. Additionally, theStudent Counseling Center has preparedand is implementing developmental guidanceprograms which include activities, lectures,workshopsandtrainingcourses.

Center for Career Guidance

Student Counseling Center

The University has established the Center forCommunityService&ContinuingEducation toactasalinkbetweenvariousSQUdepartmentsand the community. The main objective ofCCSCEistoextendeducationalandcommunityservices to the largest possible part of thecommunity.TheCCSCEprovidesawiderangeofshorttermcourses, seminars and workshops as well ascommunityserviceactivitiesinvariousfieldsforpublicandprivatesectorsandother interestedindividualsandpartiesinthecommunity.

Center for Community Service & Continuing Education



Units

ThePlanningandStatisticsDepartment (PSD)provides advise based on scientific principlesofplanningtodecisionmakers,byreviewingalldevelopmentproposalsandmakingappropriaterecommendations. In order to provide suchadvise, the PSD is now on the process ofestablishingawarehouse for theUniversitysothatallplanningwillbebasedonrealdatawhichcanhelptopreparedevelopmentproposalsandmonitor progress of all development projectsandotheractivitiesintheUniversityandprovideprogressreportsfordecisionmakers.

The Technical Affairs Department’smission istodevelop theskillsofdepartment techniciansand engineers. It works to attract expertise,guarantees the highest levels of progress andexcellence, creativity and quality in Universityprojectmanagement.

Aside from the above mentioned units/departments,wehaveotherslike:•LegalAffairsDepartment•PublicRelations&Information•PersonnelAffairsDepartment

Sultan Qaboos University ProcurementDepartmentisoneoftheoperationdepartmentsundertheOfficeofDeputyViceChancellorforAdministrationandFinance.TheProcurementDepartment is responsible for thecoordinationand management of all purchase requisitionsgenerated by different units of the University.Thedepartmentplaysaveryimportantroleinprovidingsupporttotheacademicandresearchdevelopment.

The Financial Affairs Department is one ofthe most important departments in SQU. Itstoppriority is toprovidefinancialsupport toallColleges, Center and Departments within theUniversityandtoservetheeducationalprocessin accordance with SQU’s main objective.The department’s work is based on scientificstandards utilizing cutting edge technologiesto guarantee the delivery of accurate and fastservices.

Planning and Statistics Department

Technical Affairs Department

Procurement Department

Financial Affairs Department



Deanships

ThemaindutyoftheDeanshipofAdmissionandRegistrationistoprovideinformationaboutthedifferent programs, specializationsanddegreesofferedatSultanQaboosUniversity, aswell astheregulationsforadmissionandregistration,andpreparationofstatisticsrequiredbythevariousbodieswithintheUniversity.

TheDeanshipofStudentAffairsistheauthoritythathasadirectrelationshipwiththestudents.Theutmostroleofthisauthorityistotakecareofthestudentsandsupervisetheirdifferentactivities.It shoulders the responsibility of preparing SQU students educationally, socially, culturally andphysicallyaswellasentrenchingtheirprinciplesandIslamicvalues,Besides,throughthevariousactivitiestheDeanshiporganizes,ithelpsprovidestudentswithemotionalandpsychologicalstabilitythattheyrequiretoachieveeducationalexcellence.

ThemissionofscientificresearchatSultanQaboosUniversityistocreateandnurturearesearchculture,overseetheresearchoutputinthecountry,developtheresearchpotentialofitsstudents,academicandtechnicalstaff,establishastrongknowledgebaseandseeksolutionsthatrespondtothestrategicresearchneedsoftheSultanate.TheDeanshipofResearchtakesresponsibilityfortheadministrationofallaspectsofresearchintheUniversity.Ithasthreedepartmentsandtheseare:1.ResearchDepartment2.InnovationAffairsDepartment3.AcademicPublicationsandOutreachDepartmentSix research funding schemes (International Grants, Joints Grants, His Majesty’s Trust FundGrants,ResearchCouncilGrants,ExternalGrantsandConsultancyServices)areadministeredbytheResearchDepartment,while the InnovationAffairsDepartment is responsible forsupportingresearchinnovation,technologytransfer,andtheprotectionofintellectualproperty.Thepublicationofscholarlybooksandscientificjournals,theadministrationofconferenceattendancebyfaculty,andtheimportanttaskoflinkingsocietyandscientificresearchthroughoutreachactivitiesinvolvingvisualandprintmediaareamongthedutiesoftheAcademicPublicationsandOutreachDepartment.

Deanship of Admission and Registration (for Undergraduate Students)

Deanship of Student Affairs

ResearchatSQUcanbebroadlygroupedundernine themes, which cut across disciplines,collegeandresearchcenters:•Environmentalandbiologicalresearch•Energyandnon-renewableresourceresearch

•Lifeandhealthsciencesresearch

•Humanitiesandsocialsciencesresearch•Informationandcommunicationsystemsresearch

•Fundamentalresearch•Educationalresearch•Industry-relatedresearch

Research Themes

Deanship of Research



Deanship of Postgraduate Studies

Department of Admission and Statistics:

•TosupervisetheimplementationoftheUniversity’srulesandregulations,whichrelatetoadmissionofpostgraduatestudents

•TodevelopactionsplansandmakeappropriatesuggestionstoimplementtheobjectivesoftheDeanshipofPostgraduateStudieswhichrelatetoadmission

•Tocoordinatewithcollegestodeterminewhichprogramswillbeofferedalongwiththeirapplicationschedules

•Tooverseetheprocessforadmissionofpostgraduatestudents.

Department of Scholarships and International Students:

•ThedevelopmentofappropriateoperationplansandproposalstoimplementtheobjectivesoftheDeanshipofGraduateStudiesrelevanttoscholarships,tuitionfeesandinternationalstudents.

•Providingassistancetointernationalstudents•Announcementsofthenumbersofscholarshipsofferedincoordinationwithspecialists

•Following-upontheworkperformanceofstudentsonscholarships

•Ensuring that students on scholarships havetheirbenefits.

Department of Programs:

•Tofollow-upontheimplementationofregulationsrelevanttopostgraduateprogramsintheUniversity

•TodevelopplansandsuggestionstoimplementtheobjectivesoftheDeanshipofPostgraduateStudiesrelevanttoprograms

•Toassistcollegesindevelopingprograms’review

•Tocoordinatewithcollegesondevelopmentandimplementationofmarketingplansforpostgraduateprograms

•Todevelopandadministerskills’enhancementprogramswithcooperationformspecialistsfrominsideandoutsidetheUniversity.

Department of Academic Affairs:

•ThedevelopmentofoperationalplansandsuggestionstoapplytheobjectivesofDeanshipofPostgraduateStudiesrelevanttotheacademicaffairsofstudents.

•Following-uponacademicperformanceofpostgraduatestudentswithcollegesandexternalunits,includingemployers.

•Supervisingtheprocedureofthesisdefencesessionsandmastersanddoctoralcomprehensiveexaminationsincoordinationwithcolleges.

•Monitoringstudents’graduation.

TheDeanshipofPostgraduateStudiesisnowoperatingundertheauspicesoftheDeputyVice-ChancellorforPostgraduateStudiesandResearchandhasfouroperatingdepartmentsincluding:•AdmissionsandStatistics•AcademicAffairs•Programs•ScholarshipsandInternationalStudents

Alldepartmentshaveassigneddirectorsresponsibleforoverseeingtheaccomplishmentofalltheaforementionedtasks.TheDeanshiphasoverallresponsibilityfortheadministrationofpostgraduatediploma,Master’sandDoctoralPrograms.

Besides being one of the most prestigious academic institutions with international reputation having both high quality teaching and researchfacilities, I am very impressed by how kind, respectful, easy-going andintelligentthestudentsandstaffatSultanQaboosUniversityare.Iamreallyverygratefulforhavingsuchanopportunitytopursuemypostgraduatestudy(PhD)inthisreputableUniversityandinacount-rywiththemostmarveloustraditionsandhistorythepersonmaycomeacross.F.MansoorAbdelmageed,PhDstudentPhysiologyCollegeofScience



SQUoffersawiderangeofpostgraduateprogramswhichaimtobuildprofessionalcapacityanddevelopskills required for the rapiddevelopmentofOman. Postgraduateprogramsrestonastrongresearchbasewhichemphasizesacademicexcellenceandaddressesissuesofnationalstrategicimportance.

The Deanships of Postgraduate Studies has an overall responsibility for the administration ofMasters’andDoctoralprograms.SultanQaboosUniversityhasstronglysupportedpostgraduateprogramsinordertokeeppacewiththevastandrapiddevelopmentswitnessedbytheSultanateinvariousfieldsanddomains.TheUniversityofferspostgraduateprogramsinallCollegesindifferentspecializations.Studentsfromvarioussectorsjointheseprogramsaspartoftheirhumanresourcesdevelopmentandtoupgradetheir scientific and vocational standards, so that they can take part in the overall developmentprocess.

The mission of the Deanship of PostgraduateStudies is to promote nationally andinternationally the high quality postgraduateprograms offered at Sultan Qaboos Universityandtosupportcollegesby:1-Coordinatingallmattersrelevanttoadmission,registrationandgraduationofPostgraduatestudents.

2-Marketingandpublicizingofprograms.3-AdministeringofthePostgraduateAcademicRegulations.

4-Managingofthescholarshipprogram.5-Offeringworkshopsandcoursestodeveloppostgraduatestudents’andfacultymembers’skillsinresearchandacademicendeavors.

TheDeanshipofPostgraduateStudiesfacilitatesandsupportspostgraduateprogramsinavarietyofwaysincluding:1-Providingarangeofscholarships.2-Marketingprogramsthroughadvertisementsaswellasinformativebrochuresandbooklets.

3-Administeringthepostgraduateacademicregulations.

4-Coordinatingthedefense/examinationoftheses.

5-Offeringarangeofcoursesandworkshops6-todevelopskillsrelatedtoresearch,publishingandprofessionalism.




OrganizationalStructureofDeanshipofPostgraduateStudies

Organizational Structure

By being in this international academic program, Iwas exposed to a variety of learning perspectives andprofessionaldevelopmentprograms.SQUbroughtinsideme a sense of curiosity, increased problem solvingskills, excitement, and happiness, while strengtheningmyknowledgeeveryday.On topof this, theUniversityitself has an energetic and booming culture in whichpostgraduate students are actively encouraged to takepart.

MohamedHaneef,PhDstudentMechanicalEngineeringCollegeofEngineering



PostgraduateProgramshavebeenrunningatSQUwithMasterProgramssince1992andareofferedinallcolleges,withtheexceptionof the College of Nursing. There are fouroptions:bythesis,bycourseworkandthesis,bycourseworkonly,andbycourseworkandacomprehensiveexamination.

Doctoral programsstarted in 2008, andareresearch-based with the option of limitedcoursework as required. Doctoral programsareofferedinmostcollegesatSQU.

Postgraduate Studies Programs a4-pointscaleorequivalentisrequiredforadmissionintothemasters’bythesisprogram.

c.AminimumcumulativeGPAof2.75ona4-pointscaleorequivalentisrequiredforadmissionintothemasters’programbyeithercoursework,courseworkandthesisorcourseworkandacomprehensiveexamination.

d.AnundergraduatedegreeoranequivalentqualificationandaoneyearpostgraduatediplomainarelatedspecializationfromarecognizedhighereducationinstitutionwithacumulativeGPAof3.00ona4-pointscale(orequivalentgrade)inthediploma.

b. Conditional Admission

Conditionaladmissionisgrantedtoanapplicantfor themasters’programsasper the followingcriteria:a.AnapplicantwithcumulativeGPAof3.00ona4-pointscale,butdeficientinpre-requisitecoursesneededfortheprogram,maybeconsideredforconditionaladmissionintothemastersbyresearchprogram.Suchpre-requisitecoursesaretermedbridgingcoursesandshouldbecompletedwithinoneyearofstudyasspecifiedbythedepartment.

b.AnapplicantwithacumulativeGPAof2.75ona4pointscale,butdeficientinpre-requisitecoursesneededfortheprogram,maybeconsideredforconditionaladmissionintothemastersbycoursework,orcourseworkandthesis,orcourseworkandacomprehensiveexaminationoptions.Similarly,thebridgingcoursesshouldbecompletedwithinoneyearofstudy.

c.AnapplicantwhosecumulativeGPAisbetween2.74and2.50maybeconsideredforconditionaladmissionintothemastersbycoursework,courseworkandthesis,orcourseworkandacomprehensiveexaminationoptions.Insuchcases,relevantworkexperienceandanyotheracademicactivitybeyondthefirstdegreemaybetakenintoconsiderationtoassesstheapplicant’spotentialtoachieveatahighlevelintheselectedfield.

Masters’ ProgramsAmaster’sprogramisdesignedtonormallybecompletedwithintwoyearsoffull-timeenrolment.Anextensionofonesemestermaybeapprovedby the Deanship of Postgraduate Studies onthe recommendation of the supervisor andthe College Dean. In case of part-time study,all degree requirementsmust be completed inthreeyears.Anextensionofonesemestermaybeapprovedby theDeanshipofPostgraduateStudies on the recommendation of thesupervisor andCollegeDean. Themaximumperiodofregistrationiscountedfromthedateoffirst registration,excludinganypostponementsgranted throughout this period. Theminimumresidencyperiodrequired for full-timestudentsis one year and for part-time students is twoyears.

Admission RequirementsA. Unconditional Admission

Forunconditionaladmission,anapplicantforamasters’programmustmeetthefollowingcriteria:a.Anundergraduatedegreeorequivalentfromarecognizeduniversity

b.AminimumcumulativeGPAof3.00on

MoreMaster’sandDoctoralProgramswillbeopeningsoonintheColleges.



Application RequirementsTheapplicantmustfulfillthefollowing:a.Submitanapplicationform.b.Attendaninterview,ifrequired.c.Providealetterofreleaseandsupportfromtheemployerforfull-timestudy,orano-objectionletterforapart-timestudy.

d.Provideproofoffinancialsupport.e.Provideamedicalreport,notmorethansixmonthsolderthanthedateofapplication,certifyingfitnesstopursuethestudy.

f.Submitofficialtranscripts,copiesofdegreecertificatesandpassport/nationalidentitycard.

g.Adheretotherequirementsofspecificprograms,suchaslanguageandcomputerproficiency,assessmentofworkexperienceoraqualifyingexaminationinaspecificarea.Suchrequirementsarelistedundertherelevantprogramdescription.

Any conditions placed on the student will beincluded in the notification of admission. Iftheconditionsarenotmetwithin thespecifiedtime,thecandidate’sregistrationinthemasters’programwillbecancelled.

AdditionalRequirementsineachCollege,

College of Agricultural & Marine Sciences:-ApplicantshouldhaveaBachelor᾿sdegreeinoneofthefollowingdisciplines:Agriculture,Science,Engineering,CommerceandEconomics.

College of Arts and Social Sciences:-CandidatesforthefollowingprogramsmustsubmitaEnglishproficiencycertificatein:>HistoryandLibrary&Information

Science(IELTS4orequivalent).>SociologyandSocialWork(IELTS4.5

orequivalent).>GeographyandMassCommunication

(IELTS5.5orequivalent).-ApplicantsfortheMastersinTranslationmusthaveapostgraduatediplomaintranslationfromSQUwithaCGPAof3.00ona4pointscale.



College of Commerce and Economics:-Candidateswithanonbusinessbackgroundareencouragedtoapply.Theymay,however,berequiredtotakeadditionalbridgingcoursestoprovidethemwithnecessarybusinessbackground.-CandidateswithanundergraduateGPAbetween2.5–2.99arerequiredtosubmitaGraduateManagementAdmissionTest(GMAT)scoreof450orabove.-Candidatesmustpasstheinterview.

College of Education:-Applicantsshouldhaveabachelor’sdegreeinEducationinthespecializationappliedfor,oraB.A.inanydisciplinewithaPostgraduateDiplomainEducation.-ApplicantswithaPostgraduateDiplomainSchoolAdministration,Supervision,oraBachelor᾿sinIslamicStudiesmayapplyfortheMasters’programintheappropriatespecialization.-Applicantsfromothernon-educationaldisciplinescanbeconsideredfortheEducationalPsychologyprogram.However,theymayberequiredtoenrollinpre-requisitecoursesbeforetheyareadmittedtotheprogram.-ApplicantsfortheCurriculum&MethodsofTeaching,Mathematics,TeachingScience,EducationalPsychology,EducationalAdministration,andIslamicStudiesProgramshouldpasstheEnglishtest,whichisofferedbytheLanguageCenteratSQUandachieveLevel4.-AminimumofoneyearofteachingexperienceisrequiredforacceptanceintotheCurriculum&MethodofTeachingScience,TeachingMathematicsandTeachingEnglishLanguagePrograms.-AminimumoftwoyearsofexperienceineducationaloradministrativeworkfortheMasters’PrograminEducationalAdministration.Graduates of the Institution of Sharia, theIslamic Institutes and Islamic SciencesDepartmentatSQUwithaspecializationinIslamicSciencescanapplyfortheMasters’programinIslamicStudies.



A doctoral program is offered for fulltime students only and should normallybe completed within four years, with allcoursework completedwithin the first year.ExtensionofonesemestermaybeapprovedbytheDeanshipofPostgraduateStudies,onthe recommendation of the supervisor andtheCollegeDean. Themaximumperiodofregistration is counted from the date of firstregistration, excluding any postponementsgrantedthroughoutthisperiod.

Doctoral Programs

c.Submit3lettersofreference,atleast2fromacademics,toshowcompetenceinthedisciplineofinterestandresearchcapability.

d.Attendaninterviewifrequired.e.Providealetterofreleaseandsupportfromtheemployerforfull-timestudy.

g.Provideproofoffinancialsupport.h.Provideamedicalreport,notmorethansixmonthsolderthanthedateofapplication,certifyingfitnesstopursuethestudy.

k.Submitofficialtranscripts,copiesofdegreecertificatesandpassport/nationalidentitycard.

n.Adheretotherequirementsofspecificprograms,suchaslanguageandcomputerproficiency,assessmentofworkexperienceoraqualifyingexaminationinspecificarea.

Admission RequirementsApplicationforentrytoadoctoralprogramcanbemadeineitherfallorspringsemester,subjecttothenormalprocessingtime.Anapplicantfora doctoral program must meet the followingcriteria:a.Amasters’degreefromarecognizedhighereducationinstitutionwithaminimumcumulativeGPAof3.00ona4-pointscaleorequivalentinthemasters’program,or:

b.Inthecaseofanapplicantfromasystemnotusinga4-pointGPAscale,whosecumulativeGPAisequivalenttolessthan3.00andabove2.75,workexperienceandanyotheracademicactivityduringorbeyondthemasters’degreemaybetakenintoconsideration,subjecttotheapprovaloftheDeputyViceChancellorforPostgraduateStudiesandResearch.

c.Inthecaseofmedicine,amedicalgraduatedegree(MD)withaminimumgradeof(B)fromSultanQaboosUniversityoranequivalentqualificationfromarecognizedhighereducationinstitution.

d.Anyotherprogram-specificrequirements.

Application RequirementsTheapplicantmustfulfillthefollowing:a.Submitanapplicationform.b.Submitastatementontheobjectivesandgoalsoftheresearchproposedforthedoctoralprogram.



Preliminary Oral ExaminationDoctoral studentsmustundertakea searchingoral examination after the first seminar butbefore the end of the first year. This will beundertakenby theThesisCommitteewithoneexternal person nominated by the Head ofDepartment. Thiswillbebasedmainlyon thestudent’sresearchproposalandwillassessthestudent’sreadinesstoengage in theproposedresearch. Failure in thiscan lead toasecondattemptwithinfourmonths;failureintherepeatwillresultintheexpulsionfromtheprogram.

Graduation RequirementsAuthorization to grant a doctoral degree willbeconfirmeduponcompletionof the followingconditions:a.Satisfactorycompletionofalldegreerequirementswithinthespecifiedtime.

b.CumulativeGPAofatleast3.00foranycourseworkrequirements.

c.Acceptanceofapaperforpublicationinaspecializedinternationaljournalandaconferencecontributionorapaperinalocaljournal.

d.Successfuldefenseofathesisinvolvingindependentresearch.

e.Submissionoftherequirednumberofcopiesofthefinalapprovedversionofthethesis.

g.ClearanceofalldebtstotheUniversity.

Degree Requirements Doctoral candidates are required to producea thesis containing original work of suitablemerit to demonstrate their command of therelevantresearchmethodologyandtheirabilityto undertake independent research. Thethesis should make a significant contributionto thebodyof knowledge in thespecificarea,as demonstrated by at least one paper beingpublished or accepted for publication in aninternational,specialized,refereedjournal.Thestudentshouldidentifytheresearchprobleminconsultationwiththesupervisor,whichnormallytakesplaceatthetimeofapplication.Astudentmaynotsubmit forassessmentthesismaterialwhich hasalreadybeen submitted for anotherdegreeatSultanQaboosUniversityoranyotheracademicinstitution.

While there is no minimum course workrequirement, a program or Thesis Committeemayspecify certain coursework requirementswhich are deemed to be in the candidate’sinterest.Theserequirementsmustbecompletedwithinthefirstyearofstudy.



General Conditions:1.Studentshavetopassthepreliminaryoralexamination.

2.Studentsshouldnotbeworkingonfundedresearchprojects.

3.Studentsmustnotexceedtheprogram’sduration.

4.Studentsarerequiredtoregistereverysemester.

5.RequestedfundsshouldnotexceedRO7,000andthetotalmoneyallocatedshouldbedistributedoverthestudies’duration.

6.MinorequipmentrequestedshouldnotexceedRO2,000.

Application Procedure1.Thebenchfeesform(DPS28)shouldbefilledinbytheconcernedsupervisor,beapprovedbytheHeadofDepartmentandeventuallybesenttotheDeanofthecollegethroughthecollege’sAssistantDeanforPostgraduateStudiesandResearch.

2.ThesignedformalongwiththeproposedresearchplanshouldbesenttotheDeanofPostgraduateStudiesforrecommendation.FinalapprovalwillbesolicitedfromtheDeputyViceChancellorforPostgraduateStudiesandResearch.

3.TheconcernedcollegeandtheFinanceDepartmentwillbeinformedofthefinaldecision.

BenchFeesisfinancialsupportprovidedforPhDstudentstocovercostsforconsumablesneeded in their research work. However,bench fees do not cover expenses forconference attendance, international travel,major equipment purchases and personalsalaries.

Bench Fees



Fee Type ScienceColleges*

HumanitiesColleges*

College of Commerce and

Economics

College of Law

Translation Program

Applicationfee RO 10 RO 10 RO 10 RO 10 RO 10

Feepercredit hourforbridging

coursesRO 50 RO 40 RO 50 RO 50 RO 40

Omani Students' Fees

Feepercredit hourforMaster’s


Master’sThesis RO 840 RO 700 - RO 840 -

TotalcostforMaster’sPrograms RO 3,000 RO 2,500 RO 4,500 RO 3,000 -

TotalcostforPhDPrograms RO 5,000 RO 4,000 - - -

International Students' Fees

Feepercredit hourforMaster’s


Master’sThesis RO 1,120 RO 980 - RO 1,120 -

TotalcostforMaster’sPrograms RO 4,000 RO 3,500 RO 5,400 RO 4,000 -

TotalcostforPhDPrograms RO 7,000 RO 5,000 - - -

Note: * Science Colleges: Science - Engineering - Agricultural and Marine Sciences - Medicine and Health Sciences. * Humanities Colleges: Education - Arts and Social Sciences.

Remarks:-AllfeesarequotedinOmaniRials(1RO=2.60USDollars).-FeesareNOTsubjecttoreduction.-FeesforMastersProgramsdonotincludeundergraduate(bridging)courses.-Feeswillbepaideverysemesterbasedonthenumberofregisteredcredithours.-Studentswon’tbeabletoregisterunlesstheyhavepaidthefullamount.-Astudentwillberequiredtopaycoursetuitionagainincasetheyrepeatthecourse.

Tuitions Fees

When I joinedSQU, I foundwell equipped laboratorieswithmoderntechnologiesandequipmentfocusedmainlyonresearch that isbasedoncountry’sstrategicneeds.The University is trying to support every student byprovidinge-journals,e-books,otheracademicresourcesaswellasnon-academicactivities.

UmEAmmara,PhDstudentCropScienceCollegeofAgriculturalandMarineScience



The university offers the following types ofscholarshipannually:a.Exemptionfromtuitionfeesscholarships–thesearelimitedtoexemptionfromtuitionfeesonly.

b.Fullteachingscholarships–theseincludeexemptionfromtuitionfees,andgrantingthestudentastipendinadditiontootherbenefitsinreturnforpart-timeteachingresponsibilitiesattheUniversity.

c.Researchscholarships–theseincludeexemptionfromtuitionfees,andgrantingthestudentastipendinadditiontootherbenefitsinreturnforinvolvementinresearchprojectsconductedattheUniversity.

Scholarships Criteria for Applying for a Postgraduate Scholarshipa.Fillingouttherequiredadmissionapplicationform.

b.Fulfillingthepostgraduateprogram’sadmissionrequirements(Receivinganunconditionalacceptance).

c.Havingabachelor᾿sdegreewithaCGPAof3.00orahigherona4-pointscale.

d.Allcandidatesapplyingforfullscholarshipmustbefulltimestudents.

e.Applyingfor“exemptionfromtuitionfeesscholarships”islimitedtostudentswhohavenotbeenadmittedtoapostgraduateprogrambefore.

h.Studentsalreadyenrolledinapostgraduateprogrammayapplyforteachingandresearchscholarshipsiftheyhavecompletedonesemesterbuthavenotregisteredforthesecond.

Benefits for Recipients of ScholarshipsRecipients of full teaching and researchscholarshiparegrantedthefollowing:a.Exemptionfromtuitionfees.Thisexemption,however,doesnotcoverhousing,transportation,food,academicreferences,andanyotherfeesrequiredbytheUniversity.

b.AmonthlystipendofRO250forMaster’sstudentsandRO350forPhDstudentsforthedurationoftheirscholarship.

c.TheuseoftheUniversitylibraries,laboratoriesandcomputersinaccordancewithSQUregulations.

d.MedicalcareatSQUHospitalduringtheperiodoftheirscholarshipinaccordancewithSQUregulations.

e.InternationalstudentsmaybeaccompaniedbytheirspousesandchildreninaccordancewiththelawsregulatingtheresidencyofexpatriatesintheSultanate.

h.Recipientsofscholarshipsshallreceiveoneeconomyclasstickettothenearestinternationalairporttohis/herresidence.



Supervisorscantop-upSQUscholarshipsfromtheirrespectivedepartments’researchfunds.Thefollowingguidelinesfortop-upshavebeenapprovedbytheUniversityCouncilandarebasedonthevaluesofscholarshipsprovidedbytheResearchCouncil:

Top-Ups

3.Astudentonscholarshipshouldnothavemorethan2top-upssourcessimultaneouslyandtotalweeklyhoursworkedoutsidethesisresearchshouldnotexceed15hours(paidteachingand/orresearchassistance).

4.Control/Monitoringoftop-ups

-ThecurrentResearchAssistantformshouldbemodifiedtoindicatewhetherthestudenthasascholarshipandthisshouldbeverifiedbythesupervisororheadofdepartment.

-TheDeanshipofPostgraduateStudiesshouldgivetheDeanshipofResearchalistofscholarshiprecipientsatthestartofeachacademicyear.

-TheDeanshipofResearchshouldcheckthattheabovelimitsarenotexceeded.

1.ForstudentsreceivingSQUscholarships,thetotalfinancialsupportfromthescholarshipmonthlystipendplustop-upshouldnotexceed:

-RO800permonthformaster’sstudents(i.emaximumtop-upofRO550)

-RO1000permonthfordoctoralstudents(i.emaximumtop-upofRO650)

2.AcceptableSQU-administeredsourcesoftop-upfundsare:

-HisMajesty’sTrustFund-TheResearchCouncilOpenGrantsProgram

-ExternalGrantsandContractResearch



The Deanship of Postgraduate Studiesoffers Skill’s Enhancement Programsfor postgraduate students, faculty andresearchers.Theprogramsareoffered in theformofseminarsandworkshops.Theaimoftheprogramistoimproveparticipants’skillsintheirspecialization. These cover a variety of topics including thefollowing:

Non-Academic Programs

3. Postgraduate Skills Enrichment Toprovidebasic training in thevarietyofskillsneeded to pursue research, communicateand publish the results and to operate in aprofessional manner in the work environment.This includes undertaking literature searches,proposal/thesis/paperwriting, use of statisticalpackages, critical thinking, presentation andprofessionalskills.

4. Basic Safety Procedures in the Laboratory and the FieldToensurethatstudentsworkinginlaboratoriesorthefieldareawareofrelevantsafetyprocedures.This includes fire safety, hazardous chemicalsandbasicfirstaid.

1. Effective Supervision of Postgraduate Research Tohelpacademicsbecomeeffectivesupervisorsbyraisingawarenessofallfacetsofsupervisingpostgraduate research students. Effectivecommunication andenhancing students abilitytoworkindependentlyareemphasized.

2. Writing and Publishing Academic and Scientific PapersTointroducejuniorresearcherstotherangeofskillsneeded to takeapieceof research fromthe proposal stage to a paper published inan international journal. Special emphasis isplaced on constructing a paper, dealing witheditorsandreviewersandethicalissues.



Residence Card (Visa)Sultan Qaboos University will assist theinternationalpostgraduatestudents insecuringvisastostudyinOman.Studentsshouldsubmitthenecessarydocuments thatwill be requiredbytheuniversityfortheirvisaapplication.

AccommodationOmanifemalepostgraduatestudentscanapplyforon-campusresidenceinaccordancewith the University Article (5462009/), wheretheyarechargedasmallfee.However,providingon-campus residence for international femalepostgraduatestudentsisstillunderdiscussion.

Malepostgraduatestudentsarenotofferedon-campus residence. The Deanship of StudentAffairsandtheHousingDepartmentcanassistpostgraduate students in finding a suitableaccommodationclose to theUniversity.Rentalpaymentistheresponsibilityofthestudent.Sultan Qaboos University has plans to rent abuilding close to campus for all postgraduatestudents for a small fee. Future plans alsoincludeconstructingon-campusresidencehalls.

Thereareseveralprivatepropertyrentalofficeswhereinyoucanleaseahousefromalandlordor a real estate agent. This can offer you anindependent lifestyle and privacy. Propertiesavailable through theprivate rentalmarket aregenerallyunfurnished.Livingwithotherpeoplein a shared house is usually one of themoreaffordable options as many of the costs canbeshared.MonthlyrentsvaryaccordingtotheresidencetypeanddistancefromtheUniversity.TheclosestresidentialplacetoSQUandwheremanystudentsliveisAl-Khoud,whichisaround3kmawayfromtheUniversity.

Privileges

Cost of living estimatesSharingarentedhouseclosetotheUniversity(Al-Khoud)withtwopeoplemayrequireyoutospendthefollowing(pleasenotethatthequoteamountsareperperson)

Monthly ExpensesRent for Accommodation OR100Food and Groceries OR80Bills (water & electricity) OR10Public Transport Fare(from house to SQU) OR15

Total Cost OR205

Ontheotherhandifyouoptforrentingyourownapartment(oneortwobedrooms,alivingroom,akitchenandtwobathrooms)theexpenseswillbeasfollows:

Monthly ExpensesRent for Accommodation OR250-300Food and Groceries OR80Bills (water & electricity) OR15Public Transport Fare(from house to SQU) OR25

Total Cost OR370-420**Please note that the above estimates are a rough guide only and may be subject to inflation or market fluctuations.

Food The University does not offer meals or foodexpenses; however, a studentmay consider abudgetinthefollowingrangeforfoodexpenses:

Meal AmountBreakfast RO.500–1.500Lunch RO.700–3.00Dinner RO.700–3.00

But still, it depends on the student’s personalchoiceandbudget.



Transportation Inside Sultan Qaboos UniversityTransportationsuchasbusesareavailableandfreeinsidetheuniversitycampus.Freecampusbusesarepainted in redandgreen.Therearebuses formale students andbuses for femalestudents.MinibuseswiththeSQUlogoarealsoavailable free for people going from the SQUHospitaltotheFAMCOclinic.

Transportation Outside Sultan Qaboos UniversityAstudent’sbudgetfortransportationmaydependonhowfarhe/shelivesfromtheUniversity.IfastudentislivinginAl-KhoudaplacenearesttoSQU) the farewill range fromRO .300 - .500baizaonly.

Licensed taxi are painted in orange andwhiteanddonotuseameter.Taxisworkontwobases:‘engaged’whichmeansyoutakethetaxiforyourownridetillyouarrivetoyourdestination.Thisoptionisofcoursemoreexpensive.Theotherbase is known as ‘shared’ in which you canhaveotherpassengers riding the taxiwithyouwhichmakesthefarecheaper.

The University provides intranet and internetserverssupportforemailandwebsiteshosting.Postgraduate students can get their internetaccess from the CIS (Center for InformationSystem).SQUwebresourcescanbeaccessedonandoffcampus.Butbeawarethattheusageoftheinternetinsidethecampusislimitedduetowebsite’scontent.

The University has one main and twospecializedlibraries(medicalandbusiness).Inaddition, there are four supporting libraries inthecollegesandintheMosque.SQU’slibrariesprovidephysicalcollectionsaswellaselectronicresources via the campus network, theInternet, and an inter-libraryloan service. At present,the SQU Library systemincludes close to 300,000volumes,about1,014printedjournals, 9,706 audiovisualmaterials, 18,600 electronicjournals,50,000 e-books,and about twenty-sevendatabases.

SultanQaboosUniversityoffersfreehealthcaretointernationalstudents,whoareonpostgraduatescholarshipsfromSQU,attheUniversityHospitalandfamilyclinic(FAMCO).Internationalstudentsareresponsibleforanytreatmentcostsincurredbyseekingoutsidehealthcareservices.

Internet Access

Libraries

Health



Sultan Qaboos University provides a stimulating and lively atmosphere in its academic andeducationalenvironment for itsstudents toguarantee that theyparticipate in theuniversity life.Takeapeekatwhatisonourlistofservices.

Students’ Support and Services

ArrivalThe Sultan Qaboos University can meetinternationalstudents,fromMuscatInternationalAirportuponarrival inMuscatCity. Onemustapplyandcontacttheassignedpersonfromtheuniversityeitherbyphoneorbye-mailat leastoneweekbeforethedateofarrival.Pleasenotethatthisarrangementisstillunderdiscussion.

Student Services CenterThis center consistsof twodiningfloors. Thetopfloorisallocatedforthebanquetinghalltherestaurant,andthecafeterias.Thegroundfloor,containsacafeteriaservingsnackstostudentsand visitors. It also includes public waitingplacesusedbythestudentstohaverestafterorbetweenclassestostudy,severalshopsandtwotelevision rooms, sometimesused for showingfilms collectively to provide the students withan educational and recreational atmosphere.One of the television rooms accommodates46 students while the other accommodates88 students. The ground floor also containsa hall for games which include three snookertables, three billiard tables, two tennis tables,and a twelve-lane bowling alley provided withthelatestdesignfeatureswithanexcellentanddistinctelectronicsystem.



Health ServicesForOmanis,healthservicesareprovidedbyamedicalcenterwhichfallsunderthesupervisionoftheCollegeofMedicineandHealthSciencesatSQU.Thehealthcenterhasapharmacyaswell,which is equippedwith all thenecessaryinstrumentsandmedications.Medicalservicesinvolve running comprehensive medical tests,someofwhichcanbeperformedinthestudentshealth center while others in the laboratoriesofSQUHospital. Thishealth services is alsofree for all international students who are onpostgraduatescholarships.

Sultan Qaboos University HospitalSultan Qaboos University Hospital, inpartnership with the College of Medicine andHealth Sciences, strive to assume a strongleadership role in academic excellence andmaintain a reputation as a Premiere ReferralCenter for teaching, training, research andclinicalarea.



SQU MosqueIt is considered the precious gem on thenecklace of SQU buildings. Besides thepraying hall there is a large courtyard. Forfemalestudentsanoratorythataccommodates400 prayers has been added. SQU mosqueincludes facilities in which the comfort of thestudents, employees, and visitors was takeninto consideration throughproviding themwitha design that inspires tranquility andpeaceofmind.

Banking ServicesThe banking services are provided at SQUcampus through the SQU Branch of BankMuscat. The bank is located on the far eastendoftheUniversity.BankMuscatisopenfromSundaytoThursday,9:00amto2:30pm.

The Post OfficeThe post office service is offered also oncampus through which one can send lettersand cards, but not parcels, to all countries allover theworld. For receiving posts, onemayuse themail boxesofSQUCollegesorhireaprivatemailbox insideoroutside thecampus.ThisislocatednearBankMuscat.Thereisalsoanother post office available at SQUwhich islocatedneartheFacultyClub.

The Commercial AreaTheCommercialAreawhichcatersforstudents’needs is locatedbetweenthemosqueandtheDeanshipofStudentAffairs.Theareaincludesa bookshop, a shop for photography andelectronic services, a beauty salon,male andfemale lounges, and a supermarket. All theproductsandgoodsavailableinthesupermarketare reduced in prices to bewithin a student᾿sbudget.

Student RepresentativeIneachcollegethereisanassignedstudenttobethevoiceofeveryinternationalstudent.Anyconcerns,commentsorsuggestionspertainingto their studies can be expressed through thestudentbuddy.

Appendices

Appendices


DPS Forms

*All forms are in the PDF,website: www.squ.edu.om/ps

Appendices


Publications

*All Publications are in PDF,website: www.squ.edu.om/ps

Appendices


MostOmanishavetheirowncars,asprivatecarsarethemostcommonmeansoftransportationinthecountry.Foreignresidentsandvisitorsoftentravelbybus,sharedtaxisorarentalcar.Manycar rentalcompaniesoperate throughout theSultanate,someofwhichare franchisebrancheswhileothersarelocalcompanies.ThefollowinglistprovidesyouwiththemostcommoncarrentalcompaniesinOman:

Transport Companies

Al Jabar Al Akhdar Height Rent-A-CarTel:(+968)24592036GSM:(968)99330459Location:Bowsher,Muscat

Al Maha Rent A CarTel:(+968)24603359,24603376GSM:(+968)99467384Location:AlSaroojComplex,2ndFloor,Muscat

Avis Rent A CarBranches:Hotel IncontinentalTel:(+968)24601224,24607235Crowne PlazaTel:(+968)24566526Grand Hyatt HotelTel:(+968)24696596Seeb International AirportTel:(+968)24510342SalalahTel:(+968)23202585

Budget Rent A CarBranches:Ruwi, MuscatTel:(+968)24794721Salalah Holiday InnTel:(+968)23235160Salalah AirportTel:(+968)23290097

EuropcarBranches: Seeb International AirportTel:(+968)24521369Muscat Holiday InnTel:(+968)24884093Sur Beach HotelTel:(+968)25540735Hilton Hotel SalalahTel:(+968)23212460Salalah AirportTel:(+968)99341814

Hertz Rent-A-CarBranches:Wattayah, MuscatTel:(+968)24566208Seeb International Airport (24 hours)Tel:(+968)24521187

Six Rent A CarBranches:Crowne PlazaTel:(+968)24561427,24560100ext.3202Seeb International AirportTel:(+968)24510224SalalahTel:(+968)23290908,23294665

Appendices


Essential Information

Police/Fire/Accident 9999 Regional Police HeadquartersMuscatGovernorate 24560021MusandamGovernorate 26730299DhofarGovernorate 23219399AlBuraymiGovernorate 25650199AlBatinahRegion 26840096AlDahkiliyahRegion 25425099A’SharqiyahRegion 25540599AlWastaRegion 23436099CoastguardHeadquarters 24714888Dir.Gen.ofPassports 24510571

Embassies–Call 1318 24 600 100

Government HospitalsRoyalHospital,Muscat 24579000AlNahdaHospital 24831255KhoulaHospital 24563625SultanQaboosHospitalMuscat 24413355/ 24 415 747SultanQaboosHospitalSalalah 23216000

24HourPharmacy 24702542

Flightinfo.Muscat 24519223or 1101Domesticflightinformation 24519230

OmantelCallCentre 1300OmantelGSMHelpline 1234

NawrasCallCentre 1500

WeatherForecast 24519113

InternetEnquiries 1313

DirectoryofEnquiries 1318

International 1319

OmanAirOffices 24707222

Salalahoffice 23292777

OmanAirCallCenter 24531111

AAACarBreakdownServices 24605555

Coach Services:ComfortLine(MCT-Dubai) 24702191OmanNationalTransportCo.Muscat 24708522Salalah 23292773GulfTransportSalalah 23293307 Courier Services:Aramex 24563668DHL 24563599FederalExpress 24833311

MinistryofTourismCallCenter 80077799

Useful Websites:MinistryofTourism www.mot.gov.omRoyalOmanPolice www.rop.gov.omMinistryofInformation www.omannet.om

We aim to help postgraduate students achieve their

academic aspirations, and to provide them with the practical skills which are needed in their pursuit of

upgrading their knowledge.


Appendices


Postgraduate Students᾿ Guide - Sultan Qaboos University

Documents

Transcript of Postgraduate Students᾿ Guide - Sultan Qaboos University