phd in management in dubai

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PhD Management

Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus

+971 4 571 7000

[email protected]

The PhD programme in the School of Social Sciences offers unique opportunities for students in the region to research issues of relevance to the Islamic and Arab world as well as globally.

For instance, the programme offers opportunities for research in areas such as Islamic business, international human resource management, cross-cultural management, equality and diversity, emiratisation and other nationalisation policies, marketing, sustainability, accounting, finance and corporate governance.

Accreditation

Read more about the UAE Federal Accreditation .

Entry requirements

Fees and funding, research topics for phd supervision.

• International Human Resource Management 
• Human Resource Management policies and practices in local and multinational organisations
• Expatriate staff in organisations (experiences, organisational strategies, etc.)
• Diversity/Equality in organisations
• Emiratisation, Qatarisation (and any other nationalisation/localisation) policies
• Critical management, comparative management and Islamic management. Cross cultural management
• Electronic HRM (specifically internet recruitment)
• Small and Medium size enterprises (SMEs) and Entrepreneurship development
• Female Entrepreneurs
• Employer branding
• Sustainability
• Non-genuine branded goods (from a marketing perspective)
• Customer relationship management (CRM; Relationship Marketing; Trust, commitment and quality in customer, business and marketing channel relationships (especially in a financial services context); Marketing Channel Management. Ethical and environmental dimensions of Consumer behaviour and marketing practice.)
• Digital marketing, social media, consumer behaviour online

Accounting, Banking, Finance areas

• Corporate governance and corporate finance
• Corporate governance and regulatory reforms in emerging economies
• Risk management and efficiency in the banking sector
• Islamic banking and finance
• Corporate social and environmental responsibilities
• Carbon disclosures and biodiversity
• Financial Reporting and Corporate Disclosure
• Risk Disclosure
• Investor Relations
• Management Accounting
• International Accounting
• Corporate Governance and Ethics
• Accounting education and ethics
• Socio-economic perspectives on accounting

Research proposal

The research proposal (normally 3 to 4 pages) should contain as much as possible of the following:

• Introduction or outline of the proposed topic
• Statement of objective(s) and/or specific research questions
• Summary of some of the relevant literature that supports the research objective(s)
• An indication of the intended research methodology
• An indication of the theoretical structure and/or conceptual outline
• A provisional timetable of the major phases of the research process
• Results expected from the research, e.g., practical value of the research or possible contributions to knowledge, policy or methodology. At this stage we are not looking for a definitive document but merely an indication that you have thought through most of the above issues. Please note that work submitted may be subject to screening using plagiarism software.
• Interested applicants should complete the online application form, making clear on the form that you are applying to study at the Dubai Campus.
• If you have any questions about the application process, contact Kurian Kuruvilla ( [email protected] )

Supporting documents

Applicants interested in our PhD opportunities need to submit the following:

• Copies of full academic transcripts from all previous academic degree courses and copies of certificates for degrees already awarded.
• Confirmation of funding source and/or confirmation of sponsorship/sufficient funds to pursue studies.
• A detailed research proposal.

English language requirements

Where English was not the medium of instruction during previous education, applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.5. Other qualifications may also be considered.

• AED 95670 per year*

* All tuition fees inclusive of VAT

Scholarships and bursaries

See our range of degree entry, undergraduate, postgraduate taught and PhD scholarships and discounts .

• Open Day: Saturday, 2 November 2024 from 3pm to 7pm - Register now!

Business & Commerce

Develop your career potential through robust administration and candidate support including training courses, mentorship, and supervision by top academic experts with uowd's phd program., select the degree you wish to study.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Attend our next Open Day on Saturday, 2 November 2024. Join our experts to learn more about our degrees and how you can enrol at UOWD.

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• PHD IN ECONOMICS & MANAGEMENT

DOCTOR OF PHD IN ECONOMICS & MANAGEMENT

Introduction.

Welcome to the SSM PHD program

Structure and Schedule

The PhD Program structure is aligned with international standards of Postgraduate Education and, accordingly, fulfils the criteria of the process of Harmonisation of Higher Education in Europe (Bologna Process).

The first stage of the PhD program consists of coursework that gives the candidate an overview of the entire research process. The aim is to acquire fundamental research skills.

The coursework consists of five mandatory modules, which will be delivered as taught modules in three general Workshops. Each workshop typically covers one or more modules. The successful students will acquire 60 ECTS credits through the coursework.

The modules are delivered interactively and are based on actual knowledge and research in this pathway. The “Research Methods” modules are taught via lectures and/or seminars and require students’ attendance. A long-distance learning version will be introduced as alternative form of study as well.

Students, who have decided to attend also the Master of Research (MRes) pathway, have to continue with three additional optional modules (10 ECTS Credits each). If the candidate passes successfully the additional coursework, a Research Proposal is required. The Research Proposal is the final work in order to achieve the Degree of the Master of Research (MRes).

The students can move forward in the second stage, the Research Lab, after the fulfilment of all five modules. In this stage, they will collect, edit and analyse data.

The third and final stage of the process of the PhD program is the write-up. This normally requires additional analyses and the time-consuming task of presenting findings clearly and without mistakes. After six months, a draft version should be ready for submission to internal and external readers. Processing readers’ comments may take up to three months, after that a date will be set for the oral defense, the so called viva voce (VIVA).

Workshop OUTLINES - Modules

Research methods.

Professional and academic research are vital necessities for modern management to forge ahead. Research is the process of asking the right and relevant questions and of gathering and analyzing the necessary data in a systematic and methodologically sound manner. An important aspect of sound professional and academic research is to embed the research within the body of existing knowledge (applied research) and to add to it (generating new knowledge).

This module will guide you through the research process, from the formulation of the topic to critically detecting and reviewing relevant literature, designing the research project and choosing appropriate methodologies, collecting and analyzing the data and writing the report. Especially for those who are new to research, this workshop will offer a helicopter view of the approaches that researchers use to answer research questions. The other workshops will zoom in on specific parts of the research process and on specific methodologies that can be employed.

Learning Objectives

• Formulate research topic in clear terms.
• Formulate research objectives and questions, hypotheses and propositions.
• Carry out a critical review of literature relevant to the topic at hand.
• Essential skills in reviewing literature: search for recent and relevant articles in (electronic) libraries and on the Internet; using tools to structure the review; know how to use systematic referencing; summarize the review concisely.
• Understand the key methodologies used in modern research. Understand the advantages and disadvantages of quantitative and qualitative approaches. Creatively combine various approaches to generate relevant data.
• Have a good knowledge of the various methods of data collection.
• Be familiar with statistical concepts like sampling, and hypothesis testing. Have an understanding of the main statistical (descriptive and inferential) techniques used to analyze data.
• Know how to structure the report, and the main requirements of a high quality professional or academic report.
• Be familiar with ethical considerations in research, including the concept of plagiarism.

The assessment will be based on one assignment. The assignment consists of two parts. In part one you will be asked to evaluate parts of a sample research proposal written by somebody else. In the second part you are invited to draft a rough plan for your own research project.

In the assignment you are asked to:

Clearly describe the topic;

Formulate research objectives and questions;

• Identify and summarize at least five articles relevant to the study;
• Design your research (in terms of approaches; methodologies; and strategies), and to motivate why the chosen design is effective in meeting the research objectives.

Quantitative Methods & Survey Design

Numbers play an important role in research. Statistical skills are critical to understanding a lot of what goes on in society. Many of us find statistics hard.

One reason is that understanding statistics requires mathematical skills. The mathematical skills needed seldom go beyond operations that all students are familiar with – adding, subtracting, multiplication and division. This module will introduce basic and advanced statistics in an intuitive way. Concepts are introduced using examples that students will easily recognize from daily life. Although we refrain from discussing advanced topics in statistics, the workshop paves the way to exploring more advanced statistics.

A second reason why some students have a fear of statistics is the gap that exists between understanding the statistical concepts on the one hand and applying the concepts to reality. This workshop introduces the student to descriptive and inferential statistics. All techniques will be illustrated with easy-to-understand examples.

In the process, this workshop will zoom in on important topics in survey design: sampling techniques; validity and reliability; and data cleaning.

• Ability to design a survey (sample; questionnaire)
• Understand basic descriptive statistics
• Understand the concepts used in inferential statistics
• Understand which statistical tests and techniques can be used in a variety of settings
• Be able to perform, interpret and report statistical tests.

Students will be assessed through one assignment.

The assignment will challenge the candidate to draft a plan of analysis, for his or her research, based on a draft of the data collection instrument to be used in the research.

Qualitative Methods

This workshop is designed to help qualitative researchers with all aspects of their qualitative research project from the beginning to the end. It discusses the key philosophies underpinning qualitative research and design – with a focus on research in management – and assesses the key advantages and disadvantages of the different approaches.

We will zoom in on aspects of research design for qualitative studies. The core part of the workshop elaborates qualitative research methods that have been touched upon in the workshop on research methods: action research; case study research; ethnographic research; grounded theory; interviews; participant observation; and document analysis. All techniques will be discuss the various approaches of that technique, along with strengths and weaknesses and examples.

In a separate block the workshop will discuss the analysis of qualitative data, which is fundamentally different from analyzing quantitative data. After an overview of the various methods and techniques that can be used when analyzing qualitative data – including the use of dedicated software – the principles of hermeneutics, semiotics and narrative analysis will be taught and trained.

In a concluding block, the workshop will address issues of write-up and publication, with a focus on the differences from writing up non-qualitative studies.

• Familiarize the participants with the fundamentals of qualitative research
• Understand the pros and cons of qualitative research as compared to quantitative research
• Have a sound understanding of the various methods and techniques in qualitative research
• Ability to use the various methods and techniques of qualitative research
• Obtain the various skills needed for carrying out qualitative research: formulating and asking questions; listening; summarizing; analyze qualitative data; write-up.

This course will not make use of software dedicated to analysis of qualitative research. The use of Nvivo is the topic of an elective course.

The assignment will be based on the application of various methods and techniques of qualitative research to one’s own research (even if the study will be mainly quantitative).

Essential Tools

The module will introduce you to essential tools for doing research at doctoral level. The toolbox offers a rich set of tools. The focus will be on STATA. The STATA package is one of the main packages used by researchers doing serious research. A fully operational permanent license for the latest version of STATA is included in the study fees.

Candidates are requested to submit and defend a doctoral thesis.

The topic of the thesis has to be one of the following broad field of research:

• Strategic Management
• Human Resource Management
• Production and Operations Management
• Logistics Management
• Business Environment
• Public Policies
• Specific Sectors of the Economy

General Entry Requirements

Candidates with master’s degree, candidates need to have completed a significant research project, dissertation or thesis, at university level. candidates must own a comparable master’s degree; i.e., it has to be awarded by an officially acknowledged higher education institution., graduates without a master’s degree are equally admitted, but they must have acquired another similar degree, which can be directly compared to a postgraduate degree, i.e. equivalent to level 7 of studies. this regulation acknowledges differences, which may internationally exist on national levels., all applicants from countries in which the official language is not english or german are required to submit official evidence of english or german language proficiency., acceptance by the department, meeting our academic requirements does not guarantee entry. you must demonstrate an ability to research independently and possess a high level of theoretical understanding., acceptance is subject to staff availability for supervision. a committee decides whether your qualifications fulfil the admission requirements as a doctoral candidate. the department’s committee usually meets periodically., application and enrolment.

How to apply: step by step from Application to Enrolment

• 1. Application and Biographical Information (Portfolio)

To apply for a PhD program, please submit the application form and provide us your biographical data. For this purpose, use the student portfolio form, which is used to assess whether an applicant is eligible for a Doctorate. In case of admission, the candidate receives a letter of acceptance. You can download the forms from our website or use the application form, which you will get at the Office of Admissions.

The Application form will ask you to provide biographical and academic information and to give details about your educational and extracurricular activities. Information must be completed with accurate dates on each entry. Please fill in the form carefully as far as you can, so that your application can be processed as soon as possible. All documents have to be submitted in an electronic version (PDF or jpg-Format) to the Office of Admissions.

• 2. Letter of Acceptance

SSM will notify you of the results of your application. Wait for it! In the case of admission, the student receives a letter of acceptance.

• 3. Educational Agreement and Tuition Fees

After receiving the letter of acceptance, please fill in the educational agreement. The student receives a confirmation of enrolment and can start the educational path, as soon as the study contract is signed and submitted (an electronic version/pdf-file can be submitted via email) and the application and tuition fee are paid at least for the first semester.

• 4. Begin of Study

An individual study plan can be prepared or discussed with a student counsellor, during a personal meeting or a preliminary seminar at the beginning of the course.

Quality Assurance on National Level of Further Education

SSM is a quality certified school aligned to the standard of Swiss Further Education by EduQua.

EduQua is a Public Private Partnership with international bodies, e.g. the Swiss Federation for Adult Learning and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs for Quality Assurance in HE in Switzerland (SQS).

Certificate of Accreditation and excerpts from EduQua online database are displayed on the following pages.

Cost of the program

The tuition fee for the doctorate program is euro 30,000., the tuition fee can be paid in instalments, in accordance with a step-by-step plan consisting of 20 steps, which will give structure to your study. broadly speaking, candidates are expected to pay in three main instalments as shown below:, fees structure, application fee : € 200, enrollment fee : € 10,000 – before starting program, first installment : € 10,000 – at the beginning of 2nd academic., second installment : € 10,000 – at the beginning of 3rd academic., total tuition fees : € 30,000, short facts overview.

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Introduction

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program is designed to prepare students for a career as an academic or a researcher in the public or private sector. The program’s focuses on applied business research, making it relevant to the growth of the UAE/GCC/MEA economies. The PhD program generally takes 4 years to complete. The curriculum involves three academic pillars:

• Research methodology courses (i.e. Research Design, Quantitative and Qualitative methodology seminars, Pedagogy, etc.).
• The Dissertation/ Thesis.

The PhD Program Objectives

By the end of the PhD program, the candidate is expected to have fulfilled the following learning objectives:

• Develop  key pioneering research questions that can be explored empirically to provide innovative and creative solutions to specific problems
• Explore  advanced theoretical knowledge to develop research skills through original research
• Integrate  advanced knowledge into managerial and organizational contexts and roles
• Prepare  for teaching responsibilities in higher education (for those who expect to enter the teaching profession)

Unique Features of the University of Dubai PhD

• AACSB International accreditation is the hallmark of a high-quality PhD program
• The program’s focuses on applied business research, making it relevant to the growth of the UAE/GCC/MEA economies
• The program is delivered by well-trained, highly qualified faculty at UD’s College of Business Administration as well as visiting professors from overseas institutions collaborating with UD. Thus, diversity and international expertise become part of the student’s learning experience
• Students are exposed to UAE culture and the global business environment, which enriches their experience as doctoral students
• Instructional resources are available through the e-portal shared by UD and other partnering institutions to assist students with their PhD theses
• The University of Dubai is sponsored by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, an important link to the business community
• UD was founded in 1997 and has since then earned its reputation for providing quality education

Information for Prospective Candidates

The PhD program generally takes 4 years to complete. The curriculum involves three academic pillars:

• Research methodology courses (i.e. Research Design, Quantitative and Qualitative methodology seminars, Pedagogy, etc.)
• Concentration courses (Management, Organizational Behavior, Human Resource Management, Strategic Management, Marketing, Finance, Accounting) – students admitted to the program must choose one of these concentrations

Admission Requirements for  23-24

Each year, candidates are admitted as a cohort limited to a maximum of 10. Candidates must demonstrate the potential for sustainable success in the PhD program. The admission process consists of four phases – eligibility, application, assessment and registration, and orientation.

Available PhD Programs

Cost of the Program The total cost of the program is AED 270,000’ Discounted fees.

For more information, please contact Mrs. Manar Noufal at (04) 5566800 – Ext: 953, Email:  [email protected]

Due to the increased demand from serious UD-PhD seeking students, the key dates for ( 2023-2024 ) have been advanced as below:

Key Dates for ( 2023-2024 )

For Application & Admission to UD-PhD

Eligibility conditions for admission into the first year of UD PhD Programs:

• Must hold a Master’s degree.
• Have a GPA of 3.0 or more out of 4.0 in the Master’s degree. No provisional admission is allowed for Doctoral programs.
• Have at least 3 years of teaching experience or managerial experience.
• No provisional admission is allowed for applicants with lower TOEFL/IELTS scores.
• Students who studied in an English medium Master’s program which required for admission an English proficiency score of 550 on the TOEFL, or its standardized equivalent as approved by the MOE, are exempt.

Candidate must provide the following documents for application process:

• Completed application form.
• Provide 2 satisfactory letters;
• Provide a certified copy of the last 2 degrees (Bachelors and Master’s degree).
• Valid Bachelor’s equivalency or Master’s equivalency (Degree outside UAE).
• Provide an updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Submit a research proposal.
• Attend an interview with the PhD Program Committee.
• Pay application fees AED 3,000 (non-refundable).
• Valid passport copy.
• Valid emirates ID.
• Campus violation list (provided by registration department).
• Original Transcript of the last 2 degrees (Bachelors + Masters).
• Recent photos (4 copies).
• IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent.
• Employment letter.

Interview and Registration Phase

Each candidate will have to attend a personal interview with the PhD Program Committee to evaluate the suitability of the candidate to the PhD Program. The PhD committee comprises of at least two senior faculty members from UD in addition to the Director of the PhD program. The candidate will be advised on the outcome of his/her application within 48 hours of the interview date. Once the decision for admission has been made, the PhD Program Committee transfers the original file of the candidate to the Registration Department at UD, which will register successful applicants as UD students, subject to payment of appropriate tuition fees. Following registration, the PhD Program Office will advise each student on course selection.

The registered students will participate in the UD PhD Orientation Week, meeting fellow students and faculty members and becoming familiar with UD regulations, procedures, services and facilities.

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PhD in Management

Areas of Specialisation

• Accounting and Control
• Decision Sciences
• Entrepreneurship
• Organisational Behaviour
• Technology and Operations Management

INSEAD Doctoral Courses

• Core Courses
• Advanced Courses
• Admissions and Financing
• View PhD Student Profiles

Your doctoral journey is the start of your exciting career as an innovative researcher and professor of management.

Message from the Academic Director

Ella Miron-Spektor

Academic director, phd programme professor of organisational behaviour the insead dutch alumni fellowship in leadership, diversity and governance, your passport to a prestigious academic career.

The INSEAD PhD Programme is designed to amplify your talents by offering the best training, experience and advice to set the foundations for a successful career in business academia. Our curriculum gives you the depth and breadth needed to develop rigorous and relevant research in a truly unique, diverse and global environment. As a doctoral student at INSEAD, you will have the opportunity to start collaborations with globally renowned faculty and thought leaders from our campuses in France, Singapore, and Abu Dhabi as well as from our alliance partners - The Wharton School, Sorbonne University and Tsinghua University. INSEAD’s faculty are deeply committed to your well-being, training and development to help you become an outstanding scholar in your field and place you among the best academic departments worldwide. Our programme provides a generous fellowship that offers health insurance coverage for you and your family and the necessary...

The INSEAD PhD Programme is designed to amplify your talents by offering the best training, experience and advice to set the foundations for a successful career in business academia. Our curriculum gives you the depth and breadth needed to develop rigorous and relevant research in a truly unique, diverse and global environment. As a doctoral student at INSEAD, you will have the opportunity to start collaborations with globally renowned faculty and thought leaders from our campuses in France, Singapore, and Abu Dhabi as well as from our alliance partners - The Wharton School, Sorbonne University and Tsinghua University. INSEAD’s faculty are deeply committed to your well-being, training and development to help you become an outstanding scholar in your field and place you among the best academic departments worldwide. Our programme provides a generous fellowship that offers health insurance coverage for you and your family and the necessary freedom to develop your research interests. Moreover, INSEAD’s close connection to business, government and society offers numerous resources and opportunities to conduct your research in the real world, along with access to our behavioural laboratory facilities in France and Singapore. The world is full of complex problems that we need future generations of scholars to solve. Join the INSEAD PhD Programme on this journey to push the boundaries of your field and make a difference!

Why an INSEAD PhD?

The transformation of your career path starts from here, the only two-continent programme, the most culturally diverse in the world, …and yet the most intimate, close relationships with world experts, a stimulating interdisciplinary environment, full financial support, outstanding career potential.

Our eight choices of specialisation cover the whole breadth of business – and the entire business school curriculum. During the first two years of the programme, there are core courses common to all areas, giving you...

Our eight choices of specialisation cover the whole breadth of business – and the entire business school curriculum. During the first two years of the programme, there are core courses common to all areas, giving you insights from other disciplines and confidence for your future career. As a PhD student, along with these core courses, you will take a set of advanced course requirements applicable to your chosen field of specialisation, and these must be met in order to qualify in the field.

Experience the INSEAD PhD

When you join the INSEAD PhD in Management, you become part of an extraordinary global community. Explore the programme through the experiences of our students, alumni and faculty experts.

Why the INSEAD PhD?

Life as a PhD Student

Life as a Business Professor

Intellectual Leadership and Influential Scholarship

Join us and start living the insead experience.

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• PhD Study in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) – A Guide for 2024

Written by Kirsty Smitten

Excellent natural resources and a growth in luxury tourism have seen the United Arab Emirates develop into the second largest Arab economy. But there’s more to the UAE than industry and commerce and it isn’t just travellers that visit its high-tech cities: investment in universities and research means this region also offers unique opportunities for cutting-edge doctoral work.

This page covers everything you need to know when searching for a PhD in the United Arab Emirates , with information on universities, application requirements and international funding.

On this page

Phd opportunities in the uae - what's on offer for 2024.

The UAE offer a brilliant combination of higher education and cosmopolitan culture.

Famous for its business schools as much as its designer shopping (and possibly in the future its Mars simulation city), the UAE is a fantastic place for international study.

Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to take part in some great extra-curricular activities. Whether that involves walking around the Dubai Fountains or observing the Persian Gulf from the world’s tallest building: the Burj Khalifa.

Here are a few more specific reasons to consider a PhD in the UAE this year:

• The Centre of Excellence for Applied Research and Training (CERT) - The United Arab Emirates is now home to one of the largest research centres in the Middle East and aims to train PhD students in order to develop and shape the region’s future.
• Domestic university and international branch campuses - Their PhD degrees are accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and the international universities educating body (British/USA/Australian).
• A wide range of opportunities - A PhD student will be able to easily explore the seven different emirates; all of which have their own laws, cultures, traditions and landscapes.

Coronavirus updates for international students at UAE universities

For the latest information on the impact of coronavirus on studying a PhD in UAE, please check the official Study in UAE website for updates.

United Arab Emirates universities

The UAE higher education system is similar to the UK, offering Bachelors, Masters and doctoral degrees.

Not all institutions offer PhD study, and a number only offer programmes in a specific discipline. If in doubt, check university websites or contact their admissions office.

Public and private institutions

United Arab Emirates higher education institutions can be divided into two categories according to: the funding they receive, how they are operated and whether international students can attend them.

• Public higher institutions - There are 3 main UAE Government institutions and 5 other public institutions. These are administered by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and are usually restricted to UAE nationals and children of UAE nationals.
• Private higher institutions - These are non-government funded and are open to international applications. They are licensed and accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA).

International student applications

It is best to check with the university directly as to whether they accept applications from non-UAE nationals - some public higher institutions do have exceptions in place.

United Arab Emirates university rankings

The UAE’s growing higher education sector has begun to receive international recognition, with four institutions featuring within the most recent QS and THE world rankings. The UAE Government is currently investing money into institutions and research centres to improve the higher education system.

Do ranking matter for PhD study?

University rankings can help you choose a PhD project or programme, provided you know what to look at. Our guide explains how to use rankings as a prospective postgraduate.

Other opportunities

There are a number of specialised college and research centres in the UAE that offer PhD programmes.

Within the capital city Abu Dhabi there are 17 government funded Higher Colleges of Technology ( HCT ). The HCT are enhanced institutions of applied higher education; and are designed to produce skilled PhD researchers that will shape the UAE’s future.

The specialised research centres are typically linked with a partner university or higher college.

• Emirates Technology and Innovation Centre (ETIC)
• Centre of Excellence for Applied Research and Training ( CERT )

If you conduct your PhD within a research centre your degree will be accredited by the partnering institution.

United Arab Emirates university cities

The United Arab Emirates is a federation made up of seven Emirates. All feature several higher education institutes and research facilities.

The United Arab Emirates main university cities include: Dubai , Abu Dhabi , Sharjah and Ajman.

PhD structure

The core component of the UAE PhD programme is similar to that of the UK and other countries. You will conduct independent research and eventually submit and defend a thesis detailing your results.

However, during a UAE PhD you will also undertake courses designed to improve your skills as an independent researcher.

Programme length

The majority of UAE doctorate programmes involve three or four years of full-time research. Under the terms of a student residence visa international students are not permitted to study part-time .

The full-time academic year in the UAE consists of two semesters: fall (September-December) and Spring (January-June).

Assessment and examination

There are different types of UAE PhD programmes and it depends upon your institution as to the format of your studies. Typically, they are made up of two sections, courses and research .

Programmes may involve a number of taught courses ; there are core and elective courses covering topics such as research methodology. Courses are typically assessed via coursework or a comprehensive exam .

The research section of your work will be made up of a literature review and your thesis . You will have to defend your thesis in an oral examination ( viva voice ) in front of experts in the field. (This is slightly different to the private internal and external examiner format in countries like the UK).

Fees and funding

In the UAE there is no standard tuition fee cap and postgraduate fees are considerably higher than they are in other countries like the UK.

However, as with the UK there are university scholarship programmes available to international students, making the UAE an affordable option for PhD study abroad.

Universities in the United Arab Emirates are free to set their own fees. Instead of setting an annual fee, most institutions will charge per credit-hour. This system is similar to the credit-hour system adopted in the USA.

Each institution will have a set number of credit hours you have to complete to pass your degree; but, typically universities will charge between 129,600-359,964 AED (USD $35,290-98,020) for a 3-4-year programme.

Living costs

Known as one of the most beautiful places in the Middle East and the world the UAE is a brilliant place to live during a PhD. However, the cost of living is relatively high.

As a rough guide an international student need between 3,000-6,000 AED (USD $817-1,634) a month, this will vary depending upon location.

You can save a considerable amount of money opting for university accommodation rather than private rentals:

• University accommodation - you will have to pay a security fund deposit, this varies depending upon institution and is returned at the end of your studies. This will typically cost 5,000 AED (USD $1,360) per semester.
• Private rental - for a standard one bed private rental flat this will cost around AED 4,245 (USD $1,155) per month (according to crowdsourced data from Numbeo ).

Graduate research teaching assistant (GRTA)

Some universities within the UAE offer PhD students a teaching assistantship scheme similar to the Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) position in the UK.

The GRTA is offered to international students to assist in funding of their studies. The assistantship covers:

• Tuition fees - full coverage of your tuition fee costs for the entirety of your study
• Research support funds - this is money set aside for you to attend international research conferences
• Monthly stipend - your monthly stipend will be based upon the average number of teaching hours you work throughout your PhD study
• Medical insurance - provided your visa is sponsored by your University the assistantship will cover your medical insurance costs

Research teaching assistant

You should check with universities directly to see whether they offer research teaching assistantships, what the requirements are and what the costs it covers.

Graduate research scholarship and fellowship for international PhD students

Some UAE universities may offer scholarships and fellowships specific to international students.

A typical scholarship includes a number of benefits, but most are subject to certain requirements you must meet during your PhD studies:

• Living costs paid - you will receive a monthly stipend, medical insurance and a housing allowance
• University costs covered - the scholarship covers the cost of full tuition and research support for consumables and conferences
• Requirements - you must spend a minimum of 20-hours a week with your supervisor, present your research outcomes, publish 2 papers and have no other work duties

A studentship has fewer benefits than the scholarship, it will only cover your full tuition costs and medical insurance . In turn, it is subject to fewer requirements : You must spend a minimum of 10-hours a week with your supervisor, present your research outcomes and publish 1 paper .

You should apply for the scholarships directly on the university’s website and deadlines are typically the same as for the graduate programmes.

Applying for a PhD in the United Arab Emirates

As not every institution in the UAE offers PhD programmes there are no centralised application services. You should apply directly to your university of choice after ensuring they have a PhD programme.

Admission requirements

Different institutions will have their own requirements and minimum grades for admission to their programmes, but there are a couple of key things most will require:

• A Masters degree - you must hold a Masters degree from a university recognised by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education. Typically, a minimum GPA 3.3/4.0 (63% in UK Masters /pass in MPhil ) or equivalent is required
• Graduate Record Examination ( GRE ) - this is a standardised test that all applicants must complete prior to applying for the programme. Each institution/department sets its own requirements for the minimum GRE score.
• Research proposal - this will be a short summary of the project you want to do, including aims, hypothesis and research methods.

Some universities will also require you to submit a statement of purpose ; including your specific plans and goals that you hope to achieve from the programme.

Language requirements

Some PhD programmes for international students are taught in Arabic and others are taught in English. Depending on the programme you choose there may be a language requirement.

Usually private institutions will teach in English. Public universities are more likely to teach in Arabic and require students to be fluent in this language (and potentially English too).

If you have completed a Masters/Bachelors taught in English, you may not need to complete an English language test . Otherwise, commonly accepted scores include:

• International English language Testing System (IELTS ) - Score of 6.5 or higher where the course is taught in English, or dissertation is submitted in English. Score of 5.0 or equivalent for courses taught in Arabic.
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - A score of 91 or equivalent in the internet based TOEFL test for courses taught in English.

If you do not reach the language entry requirements contact the university directly, as they do sometimes admit students during clearing with lower scores.

Application process

In the UAE, students are required do research about the PhD project and email a prospective supervisor to discuss their research before filling out applications.

Following this there are several steps you must complete:

• Complete the application form - this is typically online, through the university's own webpage
• Provide academic transcripts - two copies of your full academic transcripts, available from your university and college
• Provide references - two recommendation letters from professionals who have taught/worked with you
• Provide proof of funds - evidence of your scholarship, or that you have sufficient funds. They will need to see that you can afford both tuition fees and living costs
• Pay the application fee - this varies but is typically AED 200-420 (USD $55-115)
• Other - you must submit an up to date CV, a copy of your passport and a passport style photograph

All applications must be reviewed and recommended for admission or rejection by the academic department; and reviewed and endorsed by the Doctoral Study Committee.

Choosing a PhD supervisor

Choosing the right supervisor is essential for a PhD. Not sure how to pick a potential supervisor for your PhD, or how to approach them once you have? We have a guide to help you .

Some universities may wish to discuss your application with you; if this is the case they may ask you for an interview. They probably won’t expect you to fly over to the UAE for an hour, these will usually be conducted through a web-chat or video-conferencing channel.

What happens during a PhD interview?

Your interview for a PhD in China will follow a fairly standard format (apart from the fact in may take place online). Our guides give advice on what happens at a PhD interview and an overview of some questions you might be asked .

Student visas

All international students will be required to obtain a student residence visa , except those from the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries : Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and the UAE.

For a student residence visa, full-time students must be sponsored by the university they are attending – not all institutions offer this. Your university will start the visa application process as soon as you are admitted on to the programme as they take 2-5 weeks to process.

The fees required for a student visa in the United Arab Emirates can vary depending on whether you are applying for a new visa (normal or express), a visa renewal or a visa cancellation. A normal visa (not express) applied for outside of UAE includes a refundable deposit of approximately AED 5560, a visa fee of AED 850-1400 and health insurance fee of AED 800. This comes to an approximate total of AED 7000-8000 (USD $1905-2178).

To apply for a visa you must submit the following documents:

• An original and photocopy of your passport with 6-months validity and passport photos
• Your university acceptance letter , a bank statement showing proof of funds and your tenancy agreement/university accommodation letter
• A medical test conducted at an UAE authorised medical centre and possible a security check to make sure you are not a threat to UAE security

Student resident permit visas are only valid for 12-months and have to be renewed for each year of study. Renewal typically costs 550 AED (USD $150).

Medical test

Some pre-existing medical conditions, including: HIV, TB, Hepatitis B/C and leprosy can debar students from entering the UAE or risk deportation. If you’re unsure, check with your university and arrange a medical test before arriving.

Working in the UAE as an international PhD student

Under a new Federal Law, international students studying in the UAE are permitted to work part-time alongside their studies.

You are allowed to apply for unpaid internships or paid placements in addition to part-time work. However, for any paid work you must have university sponsorship and obtain a working permit from the UAE Labor department .

For any off-campus work you must obtain permission from your institution.

Health insurance

It is required that you obtain health insurance in your own country prior to arriving in the UAE. Ensure this insurance covers the entirety of your stay.

As you can see there are many things to do in the UAE, with seven emirates to visit, a diverse culture and excellent research facilities. All of this means you will certainly enjoy your PhD experience studying there, but what can you do next?

Can I work in the UAE after my PhD?

The UAE encourages international students to remain in the UAE after graduation.

With the accessibility of working visas and permits , large trade centres and a thriving business and economy sector, it isn’t surprising that 85% of the UAE population are internationals.

Once you’ve completed your PhD you must secure a job in order to procure a working visa . Following this, your employer must obtain a work permit for you from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

Your employer (sponsoring company) arranges for: medical testing, a UAE Resident Identity (Emirates ID) Card, Labour Card and stamp of the work residency permit on your passport (within 60 days). After these are completed you can sponsor family members and bring them into the country.

UAE laws and cultural expectations for international students

The UAE is a respectable, beautiful and popular destination and you will definitely enjoy your time there.

To make your PhD study abroad experience easier there are a number of laws and customs you must respect:

• Zero tolerance of drink and drug driving
• You must have a specific license to consume alcohol
• It is illegal to have relationships outside marriage
• Women must dress comfortably but modestly when out in public

Your university’s international office should be able to advice you if you have any questions about customs and cultural expectations whilst studying in the UAE.

Find a PhD in the UAE

Ready to start browsing some current PhD opportunities in the UAE . Alternatively, you can look at our other guides to PhD study abroad.

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What's it like to live in the UAE during a PhD? Our guide covers accommodation, student living costs, working and other key information.

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PhD in Strategic Management

The right methodology in practicing management in the different organizations is through strategic management.

The effective strategic management practice is one of the most important reasons to distinguish leading institutions from affiliated institutions, and successful institutions form other unstable institutions.

The development to reach the current concept of strategic management was reached after many phases of planning implementation that started by using budgets, long-term planning, strategic planning and finally reaching the strategic management methodology.

Reaching this phase has changed the philosophy of the organization’s management in dealing with the work environment, and changed it from being constant -that must be recognized- to being variables that can be interacted with and impacted on to serve the mission and objectives of the organization.  

The PhD in Strategic Management aims to introduce students to the advanced and deep process in strategic management and its importance to the success of institutions and organizations

• Prepare efficient and qualified staff that the governmental and business sectors need to keep developing and face the business challenges.
• Develop knowledge, skills and capabilities of managers in the governmental sector and businessmen and businesswomen in the private sector by combining the scientific thoughts to build strategies and its practical implementation and the recreating of the concepts and practices of strategies according to successful bases.
• Cover the local market needs of the scientific competencies in strategic management.
• Provide students with experience and skills to be in leading positions in the public sector and the non-profit sector by using theory and practice.
• Upgrade the level of research and academic studies by conducting researches in a scientific way and focusing on researches that provide knowledge in all program courses.
• Develop a relation network with academic institutions and the local community organizations to act like one organization to serve community.
• Enhance communication, group work skills and the social responsibility concepts that lead to better organization practices.
• Focus on the courses, seminars and modern theories in all courses.
• Connect the theory with the practice part to refine the skills and experiences of employees who join this program, in order to prepare managers and experts capable to apply the strategic methodology in governmental project management and governmental institutions … etc. 

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOME

The Importance of Strategic Management in Institutions:

• Provide managers with the critical thinking mechanism in general.
• Increase the ability to predict the changes in the surrounding environment and the way to adjust to them.
• Allocate all available resources.
• Contribute in raising awareness about changes, and understanding the available threats and opportunities.
• Provide a sound logic in evaluating budgets.
• Organize sequencing process in the overall planning effort for all administrative levels.
• Work in making managers innovative and creative, and direct them to creating events not receiving them.

Careers of Graduates

Strategic Management fields and the careers of graduates in this field in Palestine are:

• In the different ministries and organizations related to health– Education – Economic – Media – Work – Transportation – Housing – Finance – Tourism – Interior – Foreign Affairs – Telecommunications and Technology.
• The research and studies center in the governmental and central organizations.
• Youth institutions.
• Environment and Land Management Authorities.
• Water and Electricity Companies.
• Private Companies.
• Insurance companies and social security companies.
• Universities and higher education institutions.

Program Curriculum

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