Overview
Academic Programs
The Academic Programs of Ahfad University for Women stand as pillars of academic excellence and empowerment, each fostering a unique environment of learning, growth, and innovation. Rooted in a rich tradition of women’s education, these programs are offered by our eight Schools and Regional Institute of Geder, Diversity, Peace and Rights with the support of other service units at AUW such as the Ahfad Center for Science and Technology and others. AUW has a diverse range of programs that reflect the university’s commitment to addressing real-world challenges and advancing social progress. With a holistic approach to education, AUW programs empower students to excel academically, contribute to their communities, and become leaders in various fields.
School of Health Science
Ahfad University for Women's School of Health Sciences has its roots in the esteemed School of Family Sciences. With a transformative vision and a mission to produce proficient professionals in Dietetics, Human Nutrition, Public Health, and Physiotherapy, the School is a beacon of innovation, research, and community involvement. It offers an array of programs, from undergraduate to doctoral degrees, and boasts a multicultural environment that nurtures holistic learning. The School's cutting-edge laboratories and facilities empower students to engage in practical training and groundbreaking research. Through dynamic seminars, collaborative research groups, and impactful projects, the School actively addresses health challenges, from diseases prevalence to dietary guidelines. Aspiring to shape the future of healthcare, the School of Health Sciences stands as a testament to Ahfad's commitment to excellence and community-driven progress.
School of Psychology
The School of Psychology at Ahfad University for Women, established in 1967, stands as a pioneering institution in Sudan's educational landscape. With a legacy spanning over five decades, it has graduated 48 batches and continues to lead the way in psychology education. Offering groundbreaking disciplines like Counseling and Health Psychology (CHP), Early Childhood Education (ECE), and more recently, Special Education, the school's curriculum combines theoretical depth, practical training, and hands-on experiences. This unique approach culminates in a Bachelor's degree, BA with Honors, making it the first specialized education department in Sudan to offer comprehensive psychological education. Moreover, the school's commitment extends to its on-campus Master's programs, research initiatives, and connections with national and international institutions. By nurturing critical thinkers, fostering cultural awareness, and promoting civic engagement, the School of Psychology empowers graduates to make meaningful contributions to the broader community and the field of psychology at large.
School of Management
The School of Management at Ahfad University for Women is dedicated to empowering the businesswomen of tomorrow. With a commitment to excellence in management education, training, and research, the school aims to produce well-qualified, creative, and effective female managers who can contribute to the development and management of businesses across various sectors. Established in 1977 as the School of Organizational Management, it has evolved to offer a range of dynamic programs in the field. The school's historical journey includes the introduction of various specializations such as Business Administration, Office Management, Accounting and Finance, and later, Management Information Systems (MIS). With a focus on contemporary management approaches and innovative skills, the school aspires to nurture graduates who possess critical thinking abilities and the courage to lead ethically on a global stage. Anchored in core values such as excellence, ethics, transparency, and social responsibility, the School of Management envisions becoming a recognized hub for management education, research, and community development. Through strategic directives that emphasize academic quality, research collaborations, staff development, and partnerships, the school endeavors to shape future leaders who thrive in a rapidly changing business landscape.
School of REED
The School of Rural Extension Education and Development (REED) at Ahfad University for Women is dedicated to transforming the status of Sudanese women by equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to drive development within the nation. Established in 1987, REED's philosophy centers on empowering women to play vital roles in the country's progress. The program produces change agents committed to improving conditions in rural communities, particularly for women. By offering field work, research, training, and involvement in policy and decision-making, REED graduates become adept at addressing rural challenges. The curriculum integrates hands-on experiences, with students engaging in research and training during summer breaks in rural Sudan, fostering an understanding of community problems and effective solutions. The Rural Extension Program, initiated in 1973, further enhances students' capacity for social change by immersing them in community mobilization and service work. REED's mission focuses on delivering high-quality extension training, aiming to cultivate informed and active rural women. With a commitment to excellence and a comprehensive curriculum spanning five academic years, REED envisions producing graduates equipped to be leaders in rural development and change.
School of Medicine
The School of Medicine at Ahfad University for Women, established in 1990, is dedicated to innovative and community-oriented medical education. The curriculum employs a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) approach, focusing on the health needs of both individuals and communities. This strategy not only enhances students' learning experiences but equips them with lifelong learning skills, analytical thinking, and metacognitive abilities crucial for their future careers. The program's emphasis on evidence-based and context-sensitive practices ensures graduates are prepared to address local and global health challenges. By combining community-oriented education with PBL, the school cultivates graduates who possess a deep understanding of health conditions, collaborate effectively with healthcare professionals, and recognize the impact of social factors on health management. Successful completion of the program results in graduates being awarded the Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery Degree (MBBS). With a vision to lead in innovative and context-sensitive medical education, the School of Medicine aspires to be recognized for its academic excellence, community-oriented research, and person-centered services. Its mission is to provide socially accountable medical education that empowers students to positively impact individuals, communities, and the global healthcare landscape through collaborative and community-based learning strategies.
School of Pharmacy
The School of Pharmacy at Ahfad University for Women, established in 2001, is dedicated to fostering excellence in pharmacy education and pharmaceutical research. Through a curriculum driven by contemporary methodologies and technical expertise, the school equips female pharmacists with competence and competitiveness. Its mission is to produce qualified and competitive graduates who positively impact pharmacy practice. With a vision to lead regionally and excel internationally, the school places special emphasis on Clinical Pharmacy, aiming to pioneer this field. By offering a comprehensive curriculum, including both theoretical and practical components, and culminating in a research project, the School of Pharmacy prepares students to thrive in diverse pharmacy branches and contribute to patient-centered care and innovative pharmaceutical research.
School of Language
Ahfad University for Women's dedication to advancing English language education has extended to preparing Sudanese educators through diverse programs. The School of Languages, recognizing the significance of English proficiency and contemporary pedagogical approaches, has introduced the Bachelor of Arts Honors Program in English Language and Literature, featuring a novel major in English Language Teaching and Literature (ELT). This program aims to cultivate strong language skills, promote confident language use, enhance fluency, nurture linguistic and communicative competence, and ignite a passion for language and literature. The curriculum emphasizes key areas such as instructing Young Learners, teaching literature, refining English pronunciation, and introducing research theory and practice, while fostering collaborative learning through varied methods like lectures, practical applications, seminars, presentations, and group discussions. This full-time ten-semester program requires successful completion of 150 credit hours to obtain a Bachelor of Arts (Honors) Degree in English Language and Literature or TEFL majors. Supported by a capable faculty and modern facilities, including resource-equipped lecture rooms and libraries, the School of Languages collaborates with institutions like the British Council, American Embassy Khartoum, and local universities to ensure a comprehensive and relevant learning experience.
School of Graduate Studies
In 1997, Ahfad University for Women established the Graduate Studies Committee consisting of Academic Council members to oversee the formulation and quality of graduate programs. The university's first graduate program, a higher diploma in Human Nutrition, began in 1990 and paved the way for the development of more advanced programs. Two Master of Science programs, in Human Nutrition and Gender and Development, commenced in 1997, aligned with the institution's mission of empowering women and enhancing lives. These programs were distinctive, as the MSc. in Gender and Development was one of the few in the region. The approach of offering courses rather than focusing solely on research aimed to enhance graduates' expertise before undertaking dissertations. The University Graduate Studies Committee, established in 1997, ensured program quality and awarded higher degrees. The schools continuously developed graduate programs to meet community needs, involving consultations, partnerships, and market surveys. The establishment of the School of Graduate Studies in 2016 marked a significant step, guided by a vision of academic excellence, a mission to provide responsive programs, and core values of meritocracy, accountability, and international orientation. Over time, around 3007 female candidates have graduated with various degrees, contributing to societal advancement and professional development.
Postgraduate Program
Ahfad University for Women offers range of Postgraduate Diplomas, Master and PhD programs through its different academic institute and schools.
Regional Institute of Gender, Diversity, Pace & Right
- PhD and Master Programs in Gender , Development , and Peace studies
- PhD and Master Programs in Gender & Governance and Migration Studies
School of Health Science
- PhD and M.Sc.in Nutrition & Dietetics
- PhD and Master in Public Health
- P.G Diploma in Family Sciences Family Sciences
- P.G Diploma in Diabetes Education Diabetes Education
School of Management
- Master in Business Administration (MBA)
- PhD and Master in Microfinance & Development
School of Psychology
- PhD and M.Sc.in Counseling and Health Psychology
- PhD and M.Sc.in Trauma and Community Counseling
- PhD and M.A.in International and Multicultural Education and Development
School of Rural Extension Education & Development
- PhD and M.Sc.in sustainable rural development
- PhD and M.Sc.in humanitarian Assistance & post disaster development
School of Pharmacy
- PhD and M.Sc.in Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology
School of Languages
- PhD and MA in Language Teaching
- Postgraduate Diploma in English Proficiency and Communication
Program & Activities
Ahfad University actively organizes a variety of events and activities, such as Women’s Week, World Food Day , International Day and many other initiatives, all aimed at promoting women’s empowerment, social awareness, and community engagement.
The Rural Extension Program
The Rural Extension Program started in 1973 in the School of Family Sciences, and in 1978, was assigned as a University Requirement (UR) course for all schools of the university. The Programs aims to contribute to achieving the goal of preparing the students to serve as agents of social change. It provides firsthand experience and training opportunity for the students in matters related to their own disciplines, and in variety of activities related to community mobilization and community service work. The students and their instructors carry out field trips to villages in different areas of Sudan to conduct extension work. These field trips are organized in cooperation with government agencies and non-governmental organizations, which are active in the areas to be visited, and themes for the activities to be undertaken are chosen in collaboration with the help of these agencies.
Ahfad University Women's Week
Ahfad University for Women's Week is an annual celebration dedicated to empowering women and highlighting their achievements. The week features a series of events, including workshops, panel discussions, and cultural activities, all aimed at fostering leadership, creativity, and social awareness among students. It’s a vibrant platform for women to share their voices, inspire change, and celebrate their contributions to society.
World Food Day
World Food Day at Ahfad University for Women focuses on raising awareness about global hunger, food security, and sustainable agriculture .The day includes seminars, cooking demonstrations, and community outreach programs to educate students on the importance of nutrition and food sustainability. It’s an opportunity to take action against hunger and advocate for a healthier, more equitable food system.
International Day
International Day at Ahfad University for Women is a celebration of cultural diversity and global unity. Students from different nationalities come together to showcase their traditions, food, and heritage through performances, exhibitions, and interactive activities. This event promotes cross-cultural understanding and strengthens the bonds of friendship within the university community.