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Established in 2004 by the provincial government of Basra in Iraq, Iraq University College "focuses on the development of a vibrant and prosperous society in Iraq", and aims to achieve this through "cutting edge academic programmes and syllabi, delivered by highly qualified and professional academic and teaching staff members".

Still led in 2019 by its founding dean, Abdul Hadi Al-Hassani, it has built its academic provision over time. The faculties of computer engineering, political science and communications engineering had started by 2005, along with the engineering management services centre offering courses in English and translation services. Subsequent additions include the faculties of civil engineering, started in 2012, and computer technology engineering.

British connections have been central from the start. Accrediting bodies include the UK National Recognition Information Centre (UKNARIC) and the ASIC accreditation service. A long-running partnership with the University of Portsmouth is expressed across the range of university activities including advice on the procurement of equipment for the new nanotechnology research laboratory.

Many students also attend language courses provided by Central Bedfordshire College. The college has an ELTC and TOFEL centre to support English language learning.

Seeking to upgrade to "reach high science and research classification", the university has invested in facilities such as the nanotechnology laboratory and the two new labs opened by the computer technology faculty in February 2019 and participated in the Ministry of Education¡¯s e-Learning and Lifelong Learning projects.

Ambitions for the near future include the creation of an International Research Centre in communications and computer engineering.