Ph.D. in Global Studies

Program Overview

The Ph.D. curriculum of The Africa Institute engages the most important, pressing questions in Global African Studies across the breadth and depth of the humanities and social sciences. The Ph.D. program in Global Studies is a five-year program that entails two years of coursework and three years of dissertation/thesis research and writing.

This program is accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA), Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MOHESR), U.A.E.

Program Areas/Tracks

The Ph.D. program is organized into two broad interdisciplinary focus areas/tracks that, in turn, encompass five interdisciplinary programs

Track 1: Cultural, Visual, and Literary Studies

African Languages and Translation Studies
History of Art, Visual Studies, and Performance Studies
Literary and Cultural Studies

Track 2: Historical, Political, and Social Studies

Historical Studies
Social and Political Studies

Thematic Fields

In order to encourage interdisciplinary work across our two program tracks, most courses are also associated with one of seven thematic fields:

African-Arab Relations
Intellectual Thought in Global Studies
Diaspora
Gender Studies and Feminist Futures
Political Economy
The Indian Ocean World
The Muslim World

Fall 2027 Admission Key Dates and Deadlines:

Applications open: Monday, August 3, 2026
Application deadline: Tuesday, October 27, 2026

*First 40 completed applications receive an AED 365 application fee waiver.

Contact Admissions

For admissions inquiries, email admissions@gsu.ac.ae.

Speak With an Admissions Adviser

For personalized guidance, book an appointment with an admissions adviser.

Program Structure

Program Outcomes

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.

Program Core Courses (24 Credit Hours)

Program Elective Courses (24 Credit Hours)

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

Course Code	Course Title	Credit Hours
GSSH 709	The Global 60’s	4
GSSH 743	Special Topics in Global Studies	4
GSSH 711	Global Africa, World Literature, and the Oceanic Imagination	4
GSSH 741	Basics in Performance Studies, Theory, and Method	4
GSSH 712	Translation Studies in/of Africa	4
GSSH 723	Africa: A Crucible for Global Conceptual Innovation	4
GSSH 724	The Politics of Language and Education in Africa	4
GSSH 742	Performance Historiography	4

Track 2: Historical, Political, and Social Studies

Course Code	Course Title	Credit Hours
GSSH 709	The Global 60’s</p	4
GSSH 743	Special Topics in Global Studies	4
GSSH 721	The State in Africa: An In-Depth Exploration	4
GSSH 722	The Body in African History	4
GSSH 731	Africa’s International Relations	4
GSSH 732	State, International Society, and Empire	4
GSSH 733	Archaeology of Atlantic Africa and the African Diaspora	4
GSSH 734	Who Owns the Past?: An Introduction to Heritage in Africa	4

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.

Language Courses (9 Credit Hours)

Admission Requirements

The admission requirements for applicants to the Ph.D. in Global Studies are specified with regard to academic qualifications, CGPA, and English language proficiency.

Key Admission Requirements:

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field within the humanities, social sciences, or 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.
The awarding university must be recognized by both the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Global Studies University.
If the bachelor’s or master’s degree was obtained outside the UAE, applicants must submit a Certificate of Recognition from the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research to confirm that the foreign qualification is recognized in the UAE. Further information is available on the Ministry’s Certificate Equivalency Information page.
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.

Academic Document Attestation Process

Please ensure that the academic documents complete the following attestation process:
- Issuing University Authentication
  The degree certificate and official transcript must first be authenticated by the university that issued the qualification. The documents should bear the official university seal, stamp, or other verification confirming their authenticity.
- Ministry or Department of Education Attestation
  Following university authentication, the documents must be attested by the Ministry or Department of Education, or the relevant higher education authority, in the country where the qualification was awarded.
- Ministry or Department of Foreign Affairs Attestation
  Once the education authority has completed its attestation, the documents must be attested by the Ministry or Department of Foreign Affairs in the same country.
- UAE Embassy or Consulate Attestation
  Before traveling to the UAE, the documents must be attested by the Embassy or Consulate of the United Arab Emirates in the country where the qualification was awarded.
Please note: The attestation process may vary from one country to another. Applicants are advised to verify the applicable requirements and procedures with the relevant authorities in the country where their qualification was issued.

Upon arrival in the UAE, students must present their original attested academic documents for verification by the University.
If the applicant obtained a bachelor’s or master’s degree from a UAE university accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, official transcripts and graduation certificates duly attested by the Ministry must be submitted.
Valid passport copy
Emirates ID and visa, if applicable
One passport-sized photograph with a white background
Valid English language proficiency score: IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 91
CV/résumé
Statement of Interest: A personal statement of 1,000 to 2,000 words covering the applicant’s personal journey, motivations, and aspirations. It should include:
- An introduction outlining the applicant’s background and interests
- The applicant’s motivation for pursuing the Ph.D. in Global Studies
- Relevant accomplishments and skills that demonstrate the applicant’s suitability for the program
- Relevant teaching and research experience, publications, volunteer work, professional experience, and personal or academic achievements
- An explanation of how these experiences align with the program
Research Statement: A research statement of 2,000 to 2,500 words presenting a brief proposal for the research project the applicant intends to pursue during the program. It should include:
- The applicant’s reasons for choosing one of the program’s two tracks
- A detailed explanation of the applicant’s specific research interests within Global Studies
- An explanation of how previous academic and professional experience, if applicable, has prepared the applicant to pursue research in this area
- A discussion of the potential impact the applicant hopes to achieve through their research and how it aligns with their future career objectives
Two Writing Samples: Each writing sample may consist of a published journal article, book chapter, essay, or thesis chapter and should be equivalent in length to a standard academic journal article.
Two recommendation letters, issued within one month prior to the application submission date
A No Objection Certificate from the authority responsible for national service, applicable only to male Emirati students
Application fee of AED 365 (non-refundable)

Important Admission Information

Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed online via Zoom by the Student Admission Committee, comprising faculty members and Academic Affairs staff. Faculty specialization in areas related to the applicant’s academic interests will be taken into consideration.

Application Dates and Deadlines

Academic Resources

Ph.D. Student Research

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MA in Global African Studies

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Language Certificates

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PROGRAM COMPONENT	CREDIT HOURS
Core courses	24
Language Courses	9
Elective courses	24
Readings for The A Exam	6
Doctoral Project	18
TOTAL	81

Course Code	Course Title	Credit Hours
GSSH 701	Globalization: History and the Rise of Capitalism	4
GSSH 702	Colonization and Decolonization	4
GSSH 703	Bi-weekly Seminar: From Area Studies to Global Studies I	1
GSSH 704	Bi-weekly Seminar: From Area Studies to Global Studies II	1
GSSH 705	Theory and Method I	4
GSSH 706	Theory and Method II	4
GSSH 707	Methods in the Social Sciences and the Humanities: A Summer Research Laboratory	2
GSSH 708	African and African Diaspora Intellectual Tradition/Critical Imagination	4

Ph.D.

Program Overview

Program Areas/Tracks

Track 1: Cultural, Visual, and Literary Studies

Track 2: Historical, Political, and Social Studies

Thematic Fields

Fall 2027 Admission Key Dates and Deadlines:

*First 40 completed applications receive an AED 365 application fee waiver.

Contact Admissions

Speak With an Admissions Adviser

Overall Program Structure

1. Knowledge

2. Skills

3. Competence

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

1. Knowledge

2. Skills

Language Courses

Amharic

Arabic

Hausa

Kiswahili

Ph.D.

Program Overview

Program Areas/Tracks

Track 1: Cultural, Visual, and Literary Studies

Track 2: Historical, Political, and Social Studies

Thematic Fields

Fall 2027 Admission Key Dates and Deadlines:

*First 40 completed applications receive an AED 365 application fee waiver.

Contact Admissions

Speak With an Admissions Adviser

Overall Program Structure

1. Knowledge

2. Skills

3. Competence

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

1. Knowledge

2. Skills

Language Courses

Amharic

Arabic

Hausa

Kiswahili

Register Your Interest