Apply Now

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Introduction

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program is crafted to equip students with the skills and knowledge required for successful careers as academics or researchers across public and private sectors. This program emphasizes applied business research, aligning closely with the developmental goals of the UAE, GCC, and MEA economies, as well as the objectives outlined in Dubai’s D33 economic agenda.

 The PhD program offers two modes of study:

 Full-time Mode: Completion in 3 to 5 years

Part-time Mode: Completion in 4 to 7 years

 The curriculum is structured into two distinct phases:

 Phase One: Coursework

This phase includes eight rigorous courses, such as Academic Writing, Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methodology Seminars, and Management Studies, among others. These courses are designed to provide students with a solid foundation in research skills and theoretical knowledge.

 Phase Two: Dissertation

In this phase, students embark on their dissertation research, allowing them to apply their acquired knowledge to contribute original insights to their field, addressing real-world challenges and advancing business practices.

The PhD Program Learning Outcomes:

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

PLO1: Examine theoretical concepts and managerial practices across various research business disciplines by integrating philosophical, theoretical, and empirical research approaches, thereby advancing knowledge and contributing to developing the field in both local and global contexts.

PLO2: Critically synthesize theories to innovate solutions for business challenges and effectively communicate findings to transform business practices by integrating original research using diverse qualitative and quantitative approaches and analytical tools.

PLO3: Develop leadership qualities by collaborating effectively with peers and faculty members and being committed to propose novel research ideas within varying socio-cultural settings to advance existing theoretical concepts

PLO4: Develop the ability to manage and lead multiple research stages within an innovative research model by enhancing writing skills to communicate a research project in individual settings effectively.

PLO5: Value ethical practices at various stages of research within the business administration field.

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 Aims to prepare the PhD students to be ready for academia by providing series of workshops in regards class preparation, assignments, course file and other aspects.
  • 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

Admission Requirements for  25-26

Each year, candidates are admitted as a cohort limited to a maximum of 12. Candidates must demonstrate the potential for sustainable success in the PhD program. The admission process consists of four phases – eligibility, application, Interview, 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: mnoufal@ud.ac.ae

Due to the increased demand from serious UD-PhD seeking students, the key dates for ( 2025-2026 ) have been advanced as below:

Key Dates for ( 2025-2026 )

University of Dubai PhD

Dates

Submission of Application Opens

01st November 2024

Deadline to submit electronically completed applications (along with all documents) to Mrs. Manar Noufal (mnoufal@ud.ac.ae)

31th August 2025, If applicant fail to submit on the due date the application will consider cancelled.

Maximum number of PhD candidates for (2024-2025) (on first come – first served basis)

12

Orientation of (2024-2025) candidates

 Thursday 11/9/2025 at 3:00 PM

Seminars days

Monday 4:30 PM -9:30 PM
Wednesday 4:30 PM -9:30 PM

Cost of the Program

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

 

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.
  • Satisfy any English language entry requirement: TOEFL PBT 550, TOEFL IBT 79, IELTS 6.0.
    • 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.