University of Kirkuk – Postgraduate Strategic Plan
The University of Kirkuk aims to develop postgraduate programs, ensure the quality of outcomes, and strengthen its role in serving the community through a clear strategic vision grounded in academic excellence, scientific research, and innovation.
Contents
Introduction
Postgraduate studies at the University of Kirkuk represent a core component of the university’s strategic direction, built on excellence and quality. Through postgraduate programs, the University Council seeks expansion and advancement by continuously updating curricula to align with international quality standards, launching joint programs with reputable universities locally and internationally, and strengthening the university’s role in community service through short- and long-term strategic plans.
General Goals of the Strategic Plan
- Prepare highly specialized national cadres in various scientific fields.
- Provide practical training in scientific research methods and capacity building to meet university and community needs.
- Expand postgraduate programs to apply knowledge effectively, not merely transfer or memorize it.
- Strengthen ties with universities, institutions, and scientific centers inside and outside Iraq.
- Apply and ensure quality standards, aiming for accreditation of postgraduate programs and departments.
Key Assumptions of the Strategic Plan
- Study the current status of postgraduate studies at the University of Kirkuk to facilitate planned development work.
- Analyze strengths and weaknesses in the current postgraduate landscape.
- Provide specialized staff capable of executing the plan efficiently and effectively.
- Improve the quality of the educational process and related scientific activities.
- Keep pace with technological development through modern electronic systems.
- Enhance supervision quality across programs.
- Support digital transformation in postgraduate studies.
- Create an environment that encourages innovation and creativity for postgraduate students.
- Develop postgraduate students in education, research, and community service.
Strengths
- Clear internal postgraduate regulations (2020).
- Modern leadership approaches, teamwork, and administrative fairness.
- High competency of academic staff with diverse specialized fields.
- Strong commitment of academic staff to postgraduate duties.
- Robust curricula approved by the Ministry of Higher Education.
- Use of electronic systems for postgraduate management.
- Updated databases for faculty, students, and graduates.
- Strong focus on workshops and seminars to develop student and staff skills.
- Many programs aligned with labor market needs.
- Use of modern educational technology in teaching and scientific discussions.
Weaknesses
- Weak integration between education and quality in some programs.
- Continued reliance on traditional teaching approaches in certain specialties.
- Shortage of qualified technical staff to operate and maintain scientific equipment.
- Laboratory limitations in capacity and equipment.
- Urgent need to develop infrastructure in some colleges.
- Lack of advanced labs dedicated fully to postgraduate studies.
- Weak financial support for research from the university budget.
- Not all required specialties have postgraduate programs.
- Limited access to recent scientific references in some fields.
- Insufficient financial resources to achieve all objectives.
Potential Threats
- Decline in university-level student preparedness due to economic, social, and security conditions.
- Impact of global health crises on continuity of education.
- Admission numbers exceeding program capacity due to exceptional expansions.
- Reduced faculty numbers due to retirement, transfers, and limited hiring.
- Limited attention to supportive activities (cultural, sports, social).
- Weak support for applied/scientific research from private sector and production institutions.
- Low financial incentives in education compared with other sectors.
- Reduced government spending on higher education amid growing student numbers.
Key Strategic Objectives (2021–2026)
During 2021–2026, the Postgraduate Administration at the University of Kirkuk aims to implement strategic objectives, including launching new programs, developing research infrastructure, and establishing specialized research units and centers.
| Objective | Expected Outputs | Performance Indicators | Responsibility | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prepare specialists across scientific fields | Launch new postgraduate programs (Master’s & Ph.D) in multiple colleges and departments | Number of launched programs and departments offering postgraduate studies | Vice President for Scientific Affairs in coordination with colleges | 2021 – 2025 |
| Establish advanced research laboratories | Create modern labs, provide advanced equipment, and specialized staff | Number of new research labs and their readiness level | University Presidency – Projects Department | Until 2026 |
| Create research units and centers | Establish specialized research centers in strategic fields | Number of established units and centers | University Presidency and relevant academic departments | 2023 – 2026 |