Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQs
FCS - Computer Science
FCS – BIS
FBMS – Business Programmes
Library
MBA
Student Affairs Centre
1. What are the programmes offered by Gulf College?

GC is a private Higher Education Institution that operates in Oman under the supervision of Ministry of Higher Education. GC offers degrees through affiliated arrangements with UK Universities such as Staffordshire University and Cardiff Metropolitan University. On the successful completion of the course requirements the certificates are issued by the affiliated UK Universities,

For the list of programmes, please see  http://www.gulfcollege.edu.om/Programmes

2. What are the general admission requirements?

The following needs to be submitted along with the accomplished application forms:

  • Original General Education Diploma or its equivalent attested  by the Ministry of Education in Sultanate of Oman
  • Four recent passport size photographs
  • Copy of the passport
  • Registration fee of OMR 100 or USD 260 (non-refundable)

NOTE: additional documents may be required to submit based on the nature of student application (international, transfer from other colleges, return/re-activation

3. Do I need to study Foundation programme?

Yes, if you have not done any Foundation course. However if you are able to produce evidence of English proficiency (valid IELTS 5.0 or equivalent)along with the other requirements, then you may be exempted from  Foundation programme  which will lead you to be placed at Level 3. Please see details about GFP: http://www.gulfcollege.edu.om/Programmes

4. Does Gulf College accept international students?

Yes, GC accepts international students. The student has to bring relevant documents such as transcript, course descriptors and equalisation letter from the MoHE.

GC also offers visa to international students, the applicant should complete a minimum of 6 months stay in Oman.

5. If I finished some course from other college or university, does Gulf College recognise it upon my admission?

Yes, through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) / Advance Standing (AS) . For details, please see Recognition of Prior Learning Advanced Standing - Gulf College

6. When is the deadline for application/registration?

GC has two semesters that is first week of October and March of every year, applicants have to complete their applications and get the approval at least two weeks before the two weeks from the start of the semester.

7. Do I have an option to register online?

No, as you need personal appearance during registration. However, online module registration can be done by the existing students.

8. I used to be a student in Gulf College, how to “reactivate” my registration /status in Gulf College?

Reactivation or rejoining can be done only within the first two (2) weeks from the start of the semester. Latest result might be needed to any of your application along with finance clearance also, sponsor’s approval (if any).

9. If I feel that I have made wrong choice of programme during registration, can I change it?

Yes, you can change the programme within the first two weeks from the start of the semester.

10. What if I missed to submit/attend any assessment?

You can apply for Exceptional / Mitigating Circumstance provided that you will produce an evidence to justify your failure to submit /attend assessment. The application is subject for approval or rejection by the committee.  Please see the links of partner universities’ procedure on application.

SU: https://www.staffs.ac.uk/students/course-administration/academic-policies-and-regulations/academic-conduct-procedure

Cardiff Met: https://www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/registry/academichandbook/Documents/AH1_05_01E.pdf

11. What can I do if I fail a module?

If you have not passed the module on the first attempt you may be granted a referral (resit). This may depend on your level of engagement on this module. The maximum mark you are able to achieve for any referral assessment is 40R unless an extenuating/mitigating circumstances claim has been upheld against the assessment. You may talk to your academic advisor for further details.

12. How many credits do I need to achieve to progress to the next level?

STAFFORDSHIRE UNIVERSITY

Progression onto Level 4 120 credits at Level 3 plus two English Modules
Progression onto Level 5 At least 90 credits at Level 4 or outstanding a single module single Level 4 module
Progression onto Level 6 120 credits at Level 4 and at least 90 credits at Level 5 or outstanding a single Level 5 module

Level 4, 5 and 6 students can carry forward a maximum 30 credits and also upto 30 credits can be compensated at Level 4, 5 and 6.

CARDIFF METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY

Progression onto Level 4 Level 3 students  should complete 90 credits from Level 3 before progressing onto Level 4 and can carry forward a maximum 30 credits from Level 3 (excluding English Language modules )
Progression onto Level 5 Level 4 students should complete 100 credits from Level 4 before progressing onto Level 5  and can carry forward a maximum 20credits from Level 4
Progression onto Level 6 Level 5 students can’t carry forward any credit from Level 5 to Level 6 (must complete 400 credits before progress onto Level 6)

*Up to 40 credit can be compensated at Level 3, 4,5 and 6 with an overall average mark of 40%

13. What is UP/AC?

If a student is caught cheating or attempting to cheat during assessment will be subject for investigation and required to accomplish an Unfair Practice / Academic Conduct form. Both terms apply the same; the former is for Cardiff Met while the latter is for SU. The investigation may lead to upholding or rejection of the case. Please the links of Partner Universities’ procedure on application.

SU : https://www.staffs.ac.uk/students/course-administration/academic-policies-and-regulations/academic-conduct-procedure

Cardiff Met : https://www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/registry/academichandbook/Documents/AH1_08_01.pdf

14. Who is an academic advisor?

They are the assigned staff who look after, assist, and provide advising throughout your journey in GC.

15. When can a student “withdraw/drop-out” from study?

A student must complete and submit the withdrawal form to Registration Office within three (3) weeks from the start of the semester or upon completion of a particular semester. Unless this form is received, the Registration Office will not be aware of the withdrawal and you may remain chargeable even if you withdraw from the course within the specified period. Latest result might be needed to any of your application along with finance clearance also, sponsor’s approval (if any).

16. Can I ask someone to collect my Ifadha/ certificate and transcript?

It is strongly advised that the student himself/herself should be the one to collect either document. For exceptional cases, you may ask someone to collect Ifadha on your behalf provided that the person has “authorisation letter” from you. Authorisation letter must contain name, signature, phone number and civil id / national id copy of the student and the recipient. For certificate and transcript, it is compulsory that the owner himself/herself will be the one to collect along with duly accomplished clearance form.

17. What entertainment facilities are available in Gulf College?

Most of the sport facilities are available both indoor and outdoor (student recreational center). In addition, GC has facilities for social interactions and various activities which include sports, cultural events, scholars and different activity groups.

1. Why should I take Computer Science?

Being a dynamic and a rapidly growing area of study, Computer Science has become an integral part of the world that we live in today. Expertise in computing will enable you to solve complex, challenging problems that make a positive difference in the world. That is why, this area of study offers many types of lucrative career opportunities.

2. What career opportunities can I have with a Computer Science degree?

In general, graduates in Computer Science may pursue career across both the traditional Information and Communications Technology and telecommunications sector. A wide variety of career opportunities are also available for them in the majority of other industrial sectors (both public and private), such as the digital or creative industries, financial and professional services, advanced manufacturing, engineering, and management consultancy.

Also, there are postgraduate study options across computing and information systems in various universities for those who choose to further their skills and knowledge in computing.

Broadening options in this programme will enhance the knowledges and skills in specialist areas such as Artificial Intelligence, mobile computing, robotics, and data analytics to become highly employable across different sectors of the digital economy.

3. What specialisations are available in the Computer Science Programme?

In Gulf College, Computer Science has 3 pathways aside from the generic degree – Data Analytics, Mobile Computing, and Artificial Intelligence.

The taught pathway modules are defined as follows:

Pathway Level 5 Level 6
Artificial Intelligence GIS5023 Concepts in Artificial Intelligence GIS6005 Computational Intelligence
Data Analytics GIS5004 Data & Knowledge Management GIS6008 Analytics & Business Intelligence
Mobile Computing GIS5006 Mobile & Web Technologies GIS6017 Mobile Game Development
4. How long do I need to study Computer Science?

For a Bachelor’s degree, it will take four years (you must earn a total of 520 credits); for a Diploma in Higher Education degree, 3 years (you must earn a total of 400 credits).

5. How is my entry level to the Computer Science programme determined?

You must have completed General Foundation Programme or through Recognised Prior Learning (RPL).

6. How can I transfer from my current programme to the Computer Science programme?

You can transfer through Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) wherein your previous academic records will be mapped with the CS modules.

7. Is Computer Science the same as computer programming?

Computer Science degrees include courses focused mainly on programming or software development.  Computer programming is just one area you will learn in Computer Science.

8. Can I be a software engineer with a Computer Science degree?

Learning more about educational paths will help you pursue a career as a software engineer. We will guide you to decide which pathway to select when you enroll at Gulf College.

9. Is Computer Science the right choice of degree for me?

Being a dynamic and a rapidly growing area of study, Computer Science has become an integral part of the world that we live in today. Expertise in computing will enable you to solve complex, challenging problems that make a positive difference in the world. That is why, this area of study offers many types of lucrative career opportunities.

10. Do I need to have my own computer equipment to study Computer Science?

Having your own equipment would be more beneficial, however, the college has state-of-the-art computer laboratory facilities and equipment which you could use during your course of study.

11. I've selected an incorrect module - how can I change it?

To change the module you incorrectly registered, contact your Academic Advisor.

12. If I cannot complete my assessment for a module and is unable to submit it on time, what do I have to do?

If you are unable to submit your assessment on time, contact your Academic Advisor to help you accomplish the Mitigating Circumstances (MC) Form and to guide you on what pieces of evidence to submit. Email your accomplished MC form to the Academic Administrator, with cc to your Academic Advisor.

13. How do I get feedback for my modules?

There are two types of feedback your module leader and tutor give you – Formative Feedback and Summative Feedback.

You can get formative feedback on your class activities, including your assessment work output, during your task/assessment preparation through MS Teams, email, Moodle or WhatsApp.

You can get the summative feedback of your performance in the module through Turnitin after the result announcement.

14. Where do I get more information about the Computer Science Programme?

You can get more information about the Computer Science Programme through the College website, www.gulfcollege.edu.om, or through:

WhatsApp: 00968 93035558

Telephone: 00968 24468666

Fax: 00968 24468600

Email: enquiry@gulfcollege.edu.om

You may also directly contact the Faculty of Computing Sciences:

Mr. Abubucker S. Shaffi

Head of Faculty

WhatsApp: +968 9581 2868

Email: abubuckershaffi@gulfcollege.edu.om

Dr. S. Sebastin Antony Joe

Programme Leader

WhatsApp: +91 94420 79707

Email: sebastin@gulfcollege.edu.om

1. Why do I need to study Business Information Systems?

Business Information System is a great choice for your future that opens many opportunities in the new digital economy. By studying BIS at Gulf College, you will learn invaluable business and technology skills needed by the industry.

2. What career opportunities can I have with a Business Information Systems degree?

The graduates of this programme could have opportunities in organisations where there are positions such as Business Analyst, Database Administrator, Application Analyst, IT Consultant, Data Analyst, Systems Analyst, Project Management Consultant etc.

3. How long do I need to study BIS?

For a Bachelor’s degree, it will take four years (you must earn a total of 520 credits); for a Diploma in Higher Education degree, 3 years (you must earn a total of 400 credits).

4. How is my entry level to the BIS programme determined?

You must have completed General Foundation Programme or through Recognised Prior Learning (RPL).

5. Do I learn computer programming in the BIS programme?

Yes. You will learn web design and development and computational thinking in the BIS programme.

6. How can I transfer from my current programme to the BIS programme?

You can transfer through Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) wherein your previous academic records will be mapped with the BIS modules.

7. Is BIS the right choice of degree for me?

If you want to build information systems for business use or go into business using information technology systems, then YES.

8. I am not good in mathematics, am I qualified to study BIS?

Yes. Unlike other computing degrees, mathematics in BIS is focused only on Introduction to quantitative analysis and statistics or any math classes as a Business Management or Finance degree.

9. Do I need to have my own computer equipment to study BIS?

Having your own equipment would be more beneficial, however, the college has state-of-the-art computer laboratory facilities and equipment which you could use during your course of study.

10. I've selected an incorrect module - how can I change it?

To change the module you incorrectly registered, contact your Academic Advisor.

11. If I cannot complete my assessment for a module and is unable to submit it on time, what do I have to do?

If you are unable to submit your assessment on time, contact your Academic Advisor to help you accomplish the Mitigating Circumstances (MC) Form and to guide you on what pieces of evidence to submit. Email your accomplished MC form to the Academic Administrator, with cc to your Academic Advisor.

12. How do I get feedback for my modules?

There are two types of feedback your module leader and tutor give you – Formative Feedback and Summative Feedback.

You can get formative feedback on your class activities, including your assessment work output, during your task/assessment preparation through MS Teams, email, Moodle or WhatsApp.

You can get the summative feedback of your performance in the module through Turnitin after the result announcement.

13. Where do I get more information about the BIS Programme?

You can get more information about the Business Information Systems Programme through the College website, www.gulfcollege.edu.om, or through:

WhatsApp: 00968 93035558

Telephone: 00968 24468666

Fax: 00968 24468600

Email: enquiry@gulfcollege.edu.om

You may also directly contact the Faculty of Computing Sciences:

Mr. Abubucker S. Shaffi

Head of Faculty

WhatsApp: +968 9581 2868

Email: abubuckershaffi@gulfcollege.edu.om

Dr. S. Sebastin Antony Joe

Programme Leader

WhatsApp: +91 94420 79707

Email: sebastin@gulfcollege.edu.om

1. How many business Programmes are offered at Gulf College?

Gulf College is offering 5 Business Programmes

  1. BA (Hons) Business and Management Studies
  2. BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance
  3. BA (Hons) Business Economics
  4. BA (Hons) Marketing Management
  5. BA (Hons) Business Information Systems
2. How many credits have to be achieved to complete a Bachelor’s Degree?

Answer: 520 Credits

3. How many credits are required to achieve Diploma certificate?

Answer: 400 Credits

4. What is the duration of study of a Bachelor’s Degree?

Students can complete the Bachelor’s Degree in minimum 4 years

5. How many years of study is required to achieve Diploma?

In minimum 3 years students can complete Diploma

6. When will be induction week held for new students?

Each semester, a week prior to commencement of classes

7. When will be the module induction?

Module induction will be in the first week of the semester.  Module induction handout will be available in Moodle

8. Can we register modules online?

Yes you can. Follow the instruction given in the below link

https://gulfcollege.edu.om/student-induction/

9. How will I know my academic advisor?

After registration students will come to know their Academic Advisor. The name will be mentioned in the College system in student’s account and also Academic Advisor name will be mentioned in Student Timetable.

10. What is the duration of each semester?

Each semester is duration of 11 weeks

11. What are the e-services offered by the College?

Moodle, Turnitin and E-library

12. How can I access Moodle, Turnitin and other IT services?

Follow the instructions in the below link and get access to Moodle, Turnitin, Email, online registration, and other IT services

https://gulfcollege.edu.om/student-induction/

13. How can I get access to Cardiff Met e-library password?

Approach the College Library staff to get access to Cardiff Met e-library username and password

14. If I face problem in accessing my college email to whom I must approach?

Centre for Academic Support. You can get access to more information relating to this centre in the below link

https://bit.ly/36nift3

15. I have problems in paying College fees to whom I must approach?

Centre for Admin and Finance. You can get access to more information relating to this centre in the below link

https://bit.ly/36nift3

16. Who will provide information on number of modules I have to register and other programme details?

Academic Advisor

17. Can I study two programmes at the same time at the Gulf College?

No you cannot. Students can study only one programme

18. How can I know details of the modules in a programme?

Check the Programme Structure

19. When does the registration begins in the College?

Check the Academic Calendar. Its available on the College website

20. Can I drop a module(s) in a semester?

No you cannot

21. Can I postpone a semester or year of study?

Yes, you can. You have to discuss this with your Academic Advisor.

22. How can I improve my writing skills at the College?

We have a Writing Unit at the College the staff in this Unit will guide students in improving their writing skills

23. Do the College have a medical counselor?

Yes the College has a medical Counselor

24. Can a student with prior learnings join the College?

Yes, students with prior learning can join the College. They have to submit all the achievements of their prior learning to the registration department of the College for evaluation purpose.

25. Can we borrow books from the College library?

Yes, we can borrow books from the College library. Contact the College Librarian for more information.

1. What are the library‘s hours?

Sundays-Wednesdays 8:00 am – 8:00 pm

Thursdays8:00 am – 3:00 pm

2. Which classification system in the library using?

It is using the library Dewy Classification.

3. How many books can I borrow?
Category Total no. of items Period
Foundation and undergraduate students 3 week
Postgraduate students 3 2 weeks
Academic staff 4 3 weeks
Administrative staff 3 2 weeks
4. How do I renew an item?

By going personally to the circulation desk.

5. What happens if I return a book late?

Pay fines of 200 Baiza per day for the late return of every borrowed material.

6. How do I search resource that is available within library?

By using the OPAC.

7. Can I search resource that is available within library through library webpage on GC website?

No, this service not available.

8. May I take photographs and print in the Library?

Yes, you can take photographs in the library but you need to get permission from library administration. A registered student of the College is allowed to print 300 Pages/semester.

9. How do I access to E-resources?

go to this link of e-library metsearch.cardiffmet.ac.uk. Then press sign in and enter your username and password.

10. I am an alumni of GC or visitor, is it possible for me to use the library?

The library is used by GC students, faculty and staff. Alumni, researchers and visitors are welcome to use the library facilities and resources. However you cannot check out books.

1. What are the Postgraduate programme(s) being offered at Gulf College?

Master of Business Administration (MBA) with pathways.

  • MBA
  • MBA with Project Management
  • MBA with Finance
  • MBA with Marketing
  • MBA with Islamic Finance
  • MBA with Health Sector Management
2. What is the academic affiliation and approval status of Postgraduate programme(s)?
  • The MBA programme with Pathways have been approved by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, Sultanate of Oman and
  • Offered in academic partnership with Cardiff Metropolitan University, U.K.
3. What is the mode of study and duration?

Both Part-Time and Full-Time study modes are available.

  • Part-Time (Duration: Two years approx.)
  • Full-Time (Duration: Fourteen months approx.)
4. What are the entry requirements for joining the MBA programme?

1.Bachelor’s degree or equivalent (A Good Grade or 2:2 as per the British Higher Education System);

OR

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent (‘Pass’ or ‘Satisfactory’), with a minimum two-years work experience in the field of specialisation;

OR

Diploma or equivalent with minimum six-years of relevant management work experience.

 

2. A score of 6.0 in IELTS (Academic) or equivalent from a recognised international English Test

 

3. Any other entry requirements set by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation and the Partner University.

5. How is the MBA programme structure?
  • The MBA programme consists of seven 20 credit taught modules: 5 Core modules and 2 Optional/Pathway modules, and one 40 credit project/dissertation module (Total:8 modules).
  • The programme is modular in design. In order to obtain an MBA which is a Level 7 programme, each student will be required to successfully complete a total of 180 credits.
6. Who teach in the MBA programme?

The MBA programme is taught by highly experienced and qualified tutors from U.K.

7. Who issues the certificate and transcript upon completion of the MBA programme?

The certificate and transcript are issued by the Cardiff Metropolitan University, U.K.

1. Where is the Student Affairs Centre located?

The Centre is located on the ground floor G14.

2. What is the grievance mechanism?

Through the ERP system

3. What are the departments included in the Student Affairs Centre?
  • Student Counseling Department
  • Student Activities Department
  • Department of Career Guidance and Graduate Affairs
4. What services does the Student Affairs Centre provide?
  • Providing various career guidance services for current students and graduates
  • Providing activities related to the curriculum, community participation and social responsibility
  • Provide personal advice to students
  • Work cooperatively with other departments to provide better support services to students
  • Maintaining student satisfaction with the various services provided by the centre
5. How to contact the Student Affairs Center?

WhatsApp: 93367244

Phone: 24468666

Email: csa@gulfcollege.edu.om

6. How do I join student clubs as a member?

At the beginning of each semester, the Activities Department sends a text message to all college students with a link to register in student clubs and through club accounts on social media sites.

7. Can I join more than one club?

Yes, every student has the right to join more than one club as a member, except for club heads.

8. Do I get an honor or a certificate because of my participation in the student activities?

Yes, every student receives honor and certificates of participation, and there is also a special honor for the closing ceremony of student activities that is held at the end of each academic year for students who are good at the field of activities.

9. What do I benefit from my participation in student activities?
  • Acquiring experience, knowledge and developing skills
  • Acquiring cooperative values and principles through fair competition and taking responsibility
  • Acquiring leadership and dependency skills through managing and organizing events
  • Discovering students' skills and energies and directing them to the correct direction that would benefit them and the community.
  • Acquiring and learning new skills
  • Exploiting youth energies and time by practicing their beloved hobbies in an organized format
  • Consolidating relationships and the link between college students
  • Student activities contribute greatly to building a balanced personality for the student.
  • Activities contribute to the proper guidance of students and their removal from bad habits.
  • Promoting the national identity through religious, cultural, social, economic, political and sports activities.
  • Promoting a culture of dialogue and cooperative spirit to enable students to engage in collective and volunteer work in the university and local community.
10. When is the college football championship held?

Football tournaments are held for college students in the middle of each semester.

11. What are the services provided by the Student Activities Department?
  • Organizing various activities and events that serve students' hobbies.
  • Organizing awareness workshops and lectures to educate students.
  • Providing the ideal environment for a balanced and responsible student activity
  • Taking care of gifted students and developing their talents and abilities according to their preferences and aspirations
  • Hosting and organizing voluntary activities and events that serve the community, such as donating blood.
  • Organizing a ceremony to honor students who are good at student activities at the end of each academic year.
12. What are the services provided by the Career Guidance and Graduate Affairs Section?
  • Career guidance.
  • Employment and training opportunities.
  • Preparing and reviewing a CV.
  • Prepare for job interviews.
  • News and events of the college (for graduates).
  • Alumni club.
13. What are the communication channels for the Career Guidance and Graduate Affairs Department?

Email: Alumni@gulfcollege.edu.om

Instagram: @umniclubc

14. How can student counselor help me in the college?

The student counselor helps students to transform personal challenges into life-enhancing opportunities. Student counselor guide, support and encourage students to reach their academic, personal, social, and emotional potential.

15. What type of counseling the student counselor provide?
  • Individual counseling.
  • Group counseling.
  • Community services.
16. How does low self-esteem affect us? How to improve low self-esteem?

If you have low self-esteem or confidence, you may hide yourself away from social situation, stop trying new things, and avoid things you find challenging. Living with low self-esteem can harm your mental health and lead to problems such as depression and anxiety. You may also develop unhelpful habits, such as smoking and drinking too much, as a way of coping.

To improve your low self-esteem, recognize what are you good at, build positive relations, be kind with yourself, learn to be assertive, start saying (NO).

17. How to deal with exams stress?
  • Find out as much as you can about the exam so you can prepare.
  • Find a quiet place to study without distractions.
  • Learn how to make mind map.
  • Make a plan of what you want to study.
  • Take a regular short break.
  • Ask your teacher if you are unsure of what will be tasted.
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