Doctor of Philosophy in Law
About This Programme
A research doctorate in legal scholarship.
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
24 credit hours: 12 CH of core courses plus 12 CH of electives (at least 9 CH taught in English). Students specialize in one branch of law, Public Law or Private Law. The programme is delivered in Arabic at the Al Ain campus.
- Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods3 credits
- Advanced Legal Research: Writing and Presentation3 credits
- Selected Legal Readings (English)3 credits
- Advanced Studies in Comparative Legal Systems3 credits
12 CH of electives (at least 9 CH taught in English), drawn from the branch of specialization: the Public Law group or the Private Law group.
- Criminal Law (Public Law group)3 credits
- Administrative Law (Public Law group)3 credits
- Public International Law (Public Law group, English)3 credits
- Criminal Procedure Law (Public Law group, English)3 credits
- International Crimes and Judicial System (Public Law group, English)3 credits
- Constitutional Law (Public Law group, English)3 credits
- Contemporary Crimes (Public Law group, English)3 credits
- Civil Law (Private Law group)3 credits
- Commercial Law (Private Law group)3 credits
- Civil Procedures Law (Private Law group, English)3 credits
- Companies Law and Investment Legislation (Private Law group, English)3 credits
- Real Estate Legislation (Private Law group, English)3 credits
- Private International Law (Private Law group, English)3 credits
- Securities and their Governing Legislation (Private Law group, English)3 credits
Comprehensive / Qualifying Examination
Non-credit comprehensive examination (LAW800) taken after the coursework.
- Comprehensive Examination
Dissertation Research
Research areas: Public Law (Criminal Law, Administrative Law, Public International Law, Criminal Procedure, International Crimes and the Judicial System, Constitutional Law, Contemporary Crimes) and Private Law (Civil Law, Commercial Law, Civil Procedures, Companies Law and Investment Legislation, Real Estate Legislation, Private International Law, Securities and their Governing Legislation).
- Dissertation Research (12 CH per semester)36 credits
Dissertation Defense
Oral defense of the completed doctoral dissertation before the examination committee.
- Public defense of the doctoral dissertation
Entry Requirements
Full transcripts, two references and, where required, a research proposal are needed.
Careers
Graduates pursue careers in legal practice, the judiciary, and corporate and government legal roles, or continue to postgraduate legal 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
Law
Campus
Al Ain
Course Type
Doctor of Philosophy
Study Pattern
Full time
Delivery Format
In person