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The Quality of Higher Education in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq
M.Sc. Awarded in 2018
M.Sc. Awarded in 2018
Master in Higher Education Leadership
Advancing Higher Education in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq
Master in Higher Education Leadership
Advancing Higher Education in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq
My Master's thesis, titled "The Quality of Higher Education in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq," explored the current state of higher education within this developing region. Completed in 2018 under the supervision of Assistant Professor Dr. Steve Woodfield at Kingston University, this research investigated the perceptions of university representatives on quality control within the region's higher education system.
A Cause for Concern: The Need for Quality Improvement
A Cause for Concern: The Need for Quality Improvement
The rapid expansion of higher education in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, while positive in terms of accessibility, has raised concerns about quality control. This research aimed to bridge the knowledge gap by examining the system through the lens of academic staff and university leaders.
Methodology: Exploring Perceptions Through Surveys
Methodology: Exploring Perceptions Through Surveys
An exploratory study design was employed, utilizing a quantitative online questionnaire survey distributed across four public universities in the region. The survey, targeting both academic staff and university leaders, investigated various dimensions of quality in higher education, including:
Teaching and Learning Practices
Graduate Employability
Facilities and Infrastructure
Funding and Resource Allocation
University Leadership and Governance
Key Findings: A Call for Change
Key Findings: A Call for Change
The analysis of the survey responses revealed a critical perspective among the majority of participants. Less than 15% expressed positive perceptions of the current higher education system, with over 60% expressing dissatisfaction. Interestingly, university leadership also shared concerns about both the overall system and their own roles within it.
A Catalyst for Progress: The Importance of Further Research
A Catalyst for Progress: The Importance of Further Research
A significant outcome of this research is the clear desire for a stronger focus on quality improvement within the region's higher education system. The findings serve as a call to action for policymakers and university leaders to prioritize further research and implement targeted initiatives that enhance the educational experience for students and equip graduates with the skills needed for success in the job market.
Continuing the Conversation: Join the Effort
Continuing the Conversation: Join the Effort
I am committed to ongoing research and collaboration to improve the quality of higher education in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. If you share this passion and have an interest in further exploration or potential collaboration, I encourage you to get in touch.
QUALIFICATION DETAILS:
QUALIFICATION DETAILS:
M.Sc. Thesis Details:
M.Sc. Thesis Details:
TITLE: The Quality of Higher Education in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq
AUTHOR: Dawood Sulaiman Atrushi and Steve Woodfield
ISSN:
AWARDING BODY: Kingston University, London, UK
CURRENT INSTITUTION: The University of Duhok
DATE AWARDED: 2018
Full Text Link: [PLEASE CLICK TO VIEW THE FULL TEXT OF MY MA]
SUPERVISOR: Dr Steve Woodfield
SPONSOR: The University of Duhok and Kingston University, London, UK
QUALIFICATION NAME: Degree of Master of Art in Higher Education Leadership
QUALIFICATION LEVEL: MA
LANGUAGE OF THE THESIS: English
REPOSITORY LINK: https://eprints.kingston.ac.uk/id/eprint/40706/1/Woodfield-S-40706-AAM.pdf
Citation to this work:
Citation to this work:
Atrushi, D.S. and Woodfield, S., 2018. The quality of higher education in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. British Journal of Middle Eastern Studies, 45(4), pp.644-659. Available at: https://www.jstor.org/stable/48541261 [Accessed DATE HERE].
Abstract:
Abstract:
The higher education sector in Kurdistan Region of Iraq has expanded rapidly in the last 14 years, but there has been only limited quality control of the higher education system. This exploratory study examines the perceptions of university representatives about the quality of higher education in the Region. It explores the higher education system from the perspective of the academic staff and university leaders, with a focus on evaluating the system’s quality. The findings from the analysis of a quantitative online questionnaire survey carried out in four public universities in the region are presented and discussed, comparing the responses from different groups of respondents. The survey used closed questions, although respondents could add open-ended textual comments at the end of the questionnaire. The sample population compromised of 703 participants, but responses were received from only 123 participants (17%). The survey included the following dimensions of quality: teaching; leadership; facilities; funding and employability. The results demonstrate that the majority of respondents were critical of the higher education system in the region. Less than 15% of respondents had positive perception about the current higher education systems, and more than 60% were negative. Furthermore, the leadership of the universities were also dissatisfied with both higher education system and their own role. All respondents expressed a clear desire for more focus and more research on this important topic.
Keywords:
Keywords:
Higher Education, quality factors, Iraq, Kurdistan Region, research study and methodology
Reference List:
Reference List:
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To see the full list of References for this M.Sc. Thesis, please click to view or download the PDF version,
To see the full list of References for this M.Sc. Thesis, please click to view or download the PDF version,
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