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:
| PROGRAM COMPONENT | CREDIT HOURS |
|---|---|
| Core courses | 24 |
| Language Courses | 9 |
| Elective courses | 24 |
| Readings for The A Exam | 6 |
| Doctoral Project | 18 |
| TOTAL | 81 |
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.
|
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 |
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 |
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.
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:
- 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.
- The university must be recognized by both the UAE Ministry of Education’s Higher Education Affairs Division and the institution to which the applicant is applying.
- 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 that 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.
- 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 certificates and transcripts are not in English, a legal translation is required.
Academic Document Attestation Process:
Please ensure that the academic qualification completes the attestation process outlined below:
-
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
After 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
The final step before traveling to the UAE is to have the documents 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 specific requirements and procedures with the relevant authorities in the country where their qualification was issued.
Upon arrival in the UAE, students will be required to present the 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 Education, official transcripts and graduation certificates duly attested by the UAE Ministry of Education must be provided.
- Valid passport copy
- Emirates ID and visa, if applicable
- One passport-sized photo
- Valid English proficiency score: IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 91
- CV/Resume
- Statement of Interest (1,000–2,000 words):
Applicants to the Ph.D. in Global Studies must submit a personal statement ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 words. The statement should focus on the applicant’s personal journey, motivations, and aspirations. It should include:
-
An introduction that showcases the applicant’s background and interests
-
The applicant’s motivation for pursuing a graduate program in their area of interest
-
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 (2,000–2,500 words):
Applicants must submit a brief proposal for the research project they intend to pursue during the program. The research statement should explain the applicant’s reasons for choosing one of the program’s two tracks. It should include:
-
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. The writing samples should be equivalent in length to standard academic journal articles.
- Recommendation letters from two referees must be issued within one month prior to the application submission date.
- A No Objection Certificate from the authorities responsible for national service, applicable only to male Emirati students.
- Application fee of 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.
For Fall 2027 admission to the MA and Ph.D. programs:
Applications open: Monday, August 3, 2026
Application deadline: Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Learn about the research interests, experiences, and academic journeys of students in the Ph.D. program. View profiles.
