As part of its strategy to consolidate educational quality standards and develop academic staff capabilities, Pharos University in Alexandria (PUA) hosted a series of three intensive training workshops titled: “Preparing Competency-Based Program and Course Specifications and Matrices.” The workshops targeted faculty members from the Faculties of Dentistry and Mass Communication, alongside newly appointed staff across the university.

The workshops provided an in-depth analytical look into the concepts of Competency-Based Education (CBE) focusing on formulating learning outcomes and linking them to modern competency matrices. The training also emphasized mechanisms for updating teaching, learning, and assessment strategies to align with global shifts in higher education. A significant portion was dedicated to Gap Analysis between the traditional National Academic Reference Standards (NARS) and the modern competency-based versions, providing innovative solutions to bridge these gaps.

This initiative reaffirms PUA’s commitment to leading the transition toward modern educational systems and ensuring that all academic programs align with updated national standards. Investing in faculty skills for designing competency-based matrices and programs is a fundamental pillar for ensuring high-quality educational outcomes and preparing a generation of graduates equipped with the competitive skills required in local and international labor markets.