Doctor of Philosophy in Geographic Information Science

PhDDoctoralSocial Sciences

About This Programme

A research doctorate in GIS, remote sensing and spatial science.

Course Highlights

  • Taught at UAEU, ranked #217 in the QS World University Rankings 2027
  • American-style credit-hour degree taught in English
  • Research doctorate with supervision across the college's research areas

What You'll Study

Taught full time, in person, on an American-style credit-hour system, primarily in English.

Coursework

General College Requirements (6 CH) and Geography core (18 CH). 54 CH total programme.

  • CHSS700 Research Methods and Ethics2 credits
  • CHSS702 Critical Reading and Writing2 credits
  • CHSS703 Digital Applications in Humanities and Social Sciences2 credits
  • GEOG703 Geographic Information Systems: Applications in Geographical Research3 credits
  • GEOG707 Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS)2 credits
  • GEOG708 GIS Modeling3 credits
  • GEOG709 Internet and Mobile GIS3 credits
  • GEOG710 GIS & Accuracy Assessment3 credits
  • GEOG712 GIS Programming2 credits
  • GEOG718 Spatial Analysis and Geo-statistics2 credits

Comprehensive / Qualifying Examination

GEOG800 Comprehensive Examination and GEOG810 Research Proposal.

Dissertation Research

GEOG900 Dissertation Research (30 CH). Research areas: GIS, remote sensing, climate change, population studies, natural hazards, and coastal zone management.

Dissertation Defense

GEOG910 Dissertation Defense.

Entry Requirements

Academic: A relevant master's degree from an accredited university with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
English: IELTS Academic 6.5 (or 5.0 for Arabic-medium doctorates).

Full transcripts, two references and, where required, a research proposal are needed.

Careers

Graduates pursue careers in government, policy, international organisations, research and the social sector, or continue to postgraduate study.

Accreditation & Professional Recognition

Licensed and accredited by the UAE Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA); UAEU also holds US institutional accreditation from WSCUC.

Programme Details

Award

Doctor of Philosophy

Start Date

August (Fall intake)

Typical Offer

A relevant master's degree from an accredited university with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Duration

4 years

Qualification

Doctorate

Subject Area

Social Sciences

Campus

Al Ain

Course Type

Doctor of Philosophy

Study Pattern

Full time

Delivery Format

In person

Tuition Fee

AED 32,400/yr

Graduate applicants apply through apply.uaeu.ac.ae with transcripts, a CV and two references, and pay the AED 200 application fee.

EnquireView United Arab Emirates University
Next intakes
AugJan