GLASGOW Caledonian University (GCU) has confirmed for the first time it was the alma mater for the new president-elect of Iran.

Dr Hassan Rouhani, was a graduate of Glasgow Caledonian University under the name of Hassan Feridon.

He studied at GCU in the 1990s and was awarded an MPhil in 1995. His thesis was entitled The Islamic Legislative Power with reference to the Iranian experience.

In 1999, he was awarded a PhD. His thesis was entitled The Flexibility of Shariah (Islamic Law) with reference to the Iranian experience.

Reformist-backed cleric Mr Rouhani, who secured more than 50% of the vote, had originally stated his qualifications came from Glasgow University, before correcting this to Glasgow Caledonian University in recent weeks.

In January, the website Iran Election Watch first published a story that expressed doubt about Dr Rouhani's claim to have a PhD from Glasgow University. And on April 14, the Center for Strategic Research of which he led, stated the correct university is GCU.

Last week an election campaign film is said to have changed his alma mater after the same website quoted a Glasgow University spokesman as having "no record of anyone of his name" ever attending the institution.

The half-hour campaign broadcast – shown on Iranian television – stated that Mr Rouhani went to Glasgow Caledonian University.

"He went to England [sic] and graduated with a MA and a PhD in Glasgow Caledonian University," the narrator says, accompanied by footage of the university.