Ph.D

The normal length of the program is 81 credit hours. To be recommended for graduation with a Ph.D. in Global Studies, students must satisfactorily complete formal courses in the specified categories as set out as follows: 24 credit hours of core required courses, 9 credit hours of language courses, and 24 credit hours of electives (to be selected in consultation with their advisor and DGS, and the courses can be chosen from one program path or track, or two). The curriculum also requires 6 credit hours of Reading and Preparation for The A Exam and 18 credit hours of thesis research, or a similar capstone project. Students  have to submit a written thesis, that is evaluated by the examination committee, as well as satisfactorily defend their thesis research or capstone project in a viva format.

Overall Program Structure

The major components of the Ph.D. in Global Studies program are summarized in the table below:

The Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) Ph.D. in Global Studies are:

1. Knowledge

On successful completion of this program the graduate will be able to:

• Synthesize and critically evaluate key historical debates and conceptual frameworks in Global Studies to get deep and comprehensive understanding of social, cultural and political issues of global relevance,
• Develop and contribute original interdisciplinary research that significantly advances contemporary debates and theories in Global Studies, and
• Critically apply and advance interdisciplinary research principles, approaches, and methods that have the potential to generate overarching insights and new knowledge in the field of Global Studies.

2. Skills

On successful completion of this program the graduate will be able to:

• Exhibit leadership in critical thinking and interdisciplinary research by innovatively analyzing, synthesizing, and advancing knowledge on complex cultural, historical, and political issues of different regions of the world and their multifaceted connections, and
• Articulate and disseminate research findings with expertise and clarity, contributing to scholarly discourse and influencing both academic and public audiences through advanced spoken and written communication, in face-to-face and digital platforms.

3. Competence

On successful completion of this program the graduate will be able to:

• Autonomy and Responsibility: Demonstrate leadership and innovation in autonomously designing, managing, and advancing interdisciplinary research projects, while mentoring others and contributing to the development of research methodologies
• Self-development: Exhibit advanced self-evaluation and critical reflection skills, taking responsibility for rigorously assessing and refining their own research work and providing constructive feedback to enhance the work of others
• Role in Context: Lead and collaborate with interdisciplinary and cross-cultural teams, demonstrating advanced leadership, strategic decision-making, and effective communication in navigating and resolving challenges within complex and diverse settings

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) for Track 1 and Track 2

1. Knowledge

• Advance and critically evaluate key concepts, interdisciplinary theories, and contemporary debates in cultural, visual, and literary studies within the framework of Global Studies, and
• Contribute original research that redefines the role of culture, art, and literature in shaping global experiences and discourses.

2. Skills

• Demonstrate leadership in advanced critical thinking and interdisciplinary research, innovatively analyzing and synthesizing complex global issues related to the role of culture, art, and literature.

All Ph.D. students take these core courses and share these foundational experiences.

Students must complete a total of six elective courses (24 credits). The courses are organized into two concentration tracks. In consultation with their advisors and DGS, graduate students chart a curricular path in Global Studies through one track and its program areas or an interdisciplinary path through two or more program areas, depending upon their scholarly interests, their research questions, their thematic field interests, and their career goals.

Guided by the interdisciplinary approach and structured around the two outlined program tracks, the following courses are offered as electives covering a range of interdisciplinary topics and themes:

Track 1: Cultural, Visual, and Literary Studies  

Track 2: Historical, Political, and Social Studies

Subject to the approval of the main advisor and DGS, up to two electives (6 credits) of the six courses may be taken from outside the student’s track/program area and chosen from the list above if these courses support the student’s dissertation topic.

All doctoral students are required to take three semesters of non-Western language during their first two years at the Institute. Currently, four languages, namely Arabic, Amharic, Hausa, and Kiswahili are offered, and more languages and
options will be added over time. With its emphasis on the teaching of non-Western languages and translation, the program provides its graduate students with a vital understanding of local contexts, relevance, and deep-rooted connections.

Language Courses

Students must complete the following language courses in a chosen non-Western language:

Amharic

• AMH 100: Amharic Elementary  (3 credits)
• AMH 200: Amharic Intermediate  (3 credits)
• AMH 300: Amharic Advanced (3 credits)

Arabic

• ARL 100: Arabic Elementary (3 credits)
• ARL 200: Arabic Intermediate (3 credits)
• ARL 300: Arabic Advanced (3 credits)

Hausa

• HAU 100: Hausa Elementary (3 credits)
• HAU 200: Hausa Intermediate (3 credits)
• HAU 300: Hausa Advanced (3 credits)

Kiswahili

• KSW 100: Kiswahili Elementary (3 credits)
• KSW 200: Kiswahili Intermediate (3 credits)
• KSW 300: Kiswahili Advanced (3 credits)

The admission requirements for applicants to a Doctorate degree program are specified with regard to academic qualifications, CGPA, and English language proficiency. Here are the key requirements:

1. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in relevant fields (humanities, social sciences, and the arts) from an accredited institution, with a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.5 out of 4.0 or its equivalent. Degrees with a program duration of less than three years will not be considered equivalent to a bachelor’s degree.
2. The university must be recognized by both the UAE Ministry of Education’s Higher Education Affairs Division and the institution to which you are applying.
3. If the bachelor’s or master’s degree was obtained outside the UAE, applicants must submit an equivalency certificate from the UAE Ministry of Education’s Higher Education Affairs Division to ensure the foreign degree is recognized within the UAE. Click here to refer to the Ministry of Education website for information on how to apply for a Certificate of Equivalency.
4. Official transcripts and graduation certificates for both bachelor’s and master’s degrees, duly attested by the UAE Ministry of Education, must be provided. If the bachelor’s or master’s degree and transcripts are not in English, a legal translation is required.
5. If the applicant obtained a bachelor’s or master’s degree from a UAE university accredited by the Ministry of Education, it is necessary to provide the official transcripts and graduation certificates, duly attested by the UAE Ministry of Education.
6. Valid passport copy
7. Emirates ID and visa (if applicable)
8. One passport-sized photo
9. Valid English proficiency score (IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 91)
10. CV/Resume
11. Statement of Interest (1000 – 2000 words)

• • For those applying to the Ph.D. program of Global Studies, a personal statement ranging from 1000- 2000 words is required and needs to encompass two key sections:
  • Focuses on the applicant, detailing their personal journey, motivations, and aspirations. This includes
  • An introduction that showcases their background and interests.
  • The motivation behind pursuing a graduate program in their area of interest.
  • Applicants should highlight their accomplishments and skills that demonstrate their suitability for the program. This can incorporate teaching and research experience, publications, volunteer work, professional experiences, and personal or academic achievements, and it should include a statement explaining how these experiences align with the program being applied for.

12. Research Statement (2,000 – 2,500 words)

• • A brief proposal for research projects they intend to pursue during their studies in the program. The applicant’s research statement should focus on the reasons for choosing one of the two tracks within the program. This includes:
  • A detailed explanation of their specific research interests within the field of Global Studies.
  • How have their past academic and professional experiences (if available) prepared them to pursue research in this area
  • The potential impact they hope to achieve through their research and how it aligns with their future career objectives.

13. Two writing samples: a writing sample consisting of either a published journal article, a book chapter, an essay, or a thesis chapter. The writing sample should be equivalent in length to a standard academic journal article.
14. Recommendation letters from two referees must be issued within one month prior to the application submission date.
15. ‘No Objection Certificate’ from the authorities responsible for national service for male Emirati students only.
16. Application fee AED 365 (non-refundable)

*Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed online via Zoom by the Student Admission Committee, which includes
faculty and academic affairs staff. Faculty specialization will be considered in relation to the applicant’s
academic interests.

To access student manuals and academic resources, please click here.

Learn about the research interests, experiences, and academic journeys of students in the Ph.D. program. View profiles.