PhD in Earth Sciences

PhDDoctoralNatural Sciences

About This Programme

A fully funded research doctorate in earth sciences (60/72 credits), with tuition waiver and a monthly stipend.

Course Highlights

Research spans petroleum systems, seismic interpretation and imaging, rock physics, and sedimentary basin analysis
Includes geochemistry, paleoclimate, plate tectonics, remote sensing and planetary science
60 credits entering with a master's or 72 for direct entry from a bachelor's, built around an original dissertation
Fully funded PhD: full tuition waiver plus a competitive monthly stipend for admitted researchers

What You'll Study

Research doctorate: coursework + comprehensive exam + dissertation; fully funded (tuition waiver + monthly stipend)

Coursework

Required coursework and PhD seminar
Comprehensive / qualifying examination

Research Areas

Petroleum Systems
Seismic Interpretation, Modelling and Imaging
Rock Physics
Carbonate Petrology and Stratigraphy
Sedimentary Basin Analysis
Organic and Isotope Geochemistry
Plate Tectonics and Geodynamics
Remote Sensing and Planetary Science

Dissertation

Doctoral Dissertation

Entry Requirements

Academic: A relevant master's degree with a CGPA of at least 3.25/4.00 (or direct entry from a bachelor's with at least 3.50 and a GRE quantitative score >=150). Applicants submit two reference letters, a statement of purpose, a research statement and a CV, and complete an interview.

English: TOEFL iBT 91 or IELTS Academic 6.5.

PhD study is fully funded: admitted researchers receive a tuition waiver and a substantial monthly stipend (with an Abu Dhabi pension for UAE nationals).

Careers

Graduates pursue academia, oil and gas exploration with companies such as ADNOC, geological surveys, and environmental and planetary research.

Accreditation & Professional Recognition

UAE CAA (Ministry of Education)

Programme Details

Award

PhD in Earth Sciences

Start Date

August 2026 (Fall)

Typical Offer

Master's CGPA >=3.25/4.0 (or direct-entry bachelor's >=3.5 + GRE quant >=150) + TOEFL 91 / IELTS 6.5

Duration

4 years

Qualification

Doctorate

Subject Area

Natural Sciences

Campus

Abu Dhabi

Course Type

Doctor of Philosophy

Study Pattern

Full time

Delivery Format

In person

Enquire View Khalifa University

Next intakes

AugJan

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Master of Science in Applied Chemistry

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Course Highlights

Research spans petroleum systems, seismic interpretation and imaging, rock physics, and sedimentary basin analysis

Includes geochemistry, paleoclimate, plate tectonics, remote sensing and planetary science

60 credits entering with a master's or 72 for direct entry from a bachelor's, built around an original dissertation

Fully funded PhD: full tuition waiver plus a competitive monthly stipend for admitted researchers

What You'll Study

Research doctorate: coursework + comprehensive exam + dissertation; fully funded (tuition waiver + monthly stipend)

Coursework

Required coursework and PhD seminar
Comprehensive / qualifying examination

Research Areas

Petroleum Systems
Seismic Interpretation, Modelling and Imaging
Rock Physics
Carbonate Petrology and Stratigraphy
Sedimentary Basin Analysis
Organic and Isotope Geochemistry
Plate Tectonics and Geodynamics
Remote Sensing and Planetary Science

Dissertation

Doctoral Dissertation

Entry Requirements

English: TOEFL iBT 91 or IELTS Academic 6.5.

PhD study is fully funded: admitted researchers receive a tuition waiver and a substantial monthly stipend (with an Abu Dhabi pension for UAE nationals).

Programme Details

Award

PhD in Earth Sciences

Start Date

August 2026 (Fall)

Typical Offer

Master's CGPA >=3.25/4.0 (or direct-entry bachelor's >=3.5 + GRE quant >=150) + TOEFL 91 / IELTS 6.5

Duration

4 years

Qualification

Doctorate

Subject Area

Natural Sciences

Campus

Abu Dhabi

Course Type

Doctor of Philosophy

Study Pattern

Full time

Delivery Format

In person