Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership and Policy Studies in Education
About This Programme
A research doctorate in educational leadership, governance and policy.
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
PhD Leadership and Policy Studies in Education, minimum 60 CH. Structure: Core (9 CH), Research Methodology (9 CH), Specialization Electives (9 CH, select 3), and one further Elective (3 CH).
- CURR701 Curriculum Theory and Practice3 credits
- FOED702 Organizational Theory in Educational Leadership3 credits
- SPED704 Teaching Students from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds3 credits
- CURR710 Quantitative Research Methods in Education3 credits
- CURR713 Qualitative Research Methods in Education3 credits
- CURR715 Mixed Methods Research in Education3 credits
Specialization Electives: select 3 (9 CH) from FOED704, FOED720, FOED721, FOED722, FOED723, FOED724. Plus one further Elective (3 CH) from FOED701, FOED733, or STAT712.
- FOED704 Philosophy of Education3 credits
- FOED720 Comparative and International Education3 credits
- FOED721 Sociology of Education3 credits
- FOED722 Leading School Change3 credits
- FOED723 Leadership and Policy in Adult Education3 credits
- FOED724 Ethics of Educational Leadership3 credits
- FOED701 Policy Studies in Education3 credits
- FOED733 Independent Study3 credits
- STAT712 Advanced Quantitative Research Methods3 credits
Comprehensive / Qualifying Examination
FOED800 Comprehensive Examination and FOED810 Research Proposal (0 CH each).
Dissertation Research
FOED900 Dissertation Research (30 CH). Research areas: philosophy of education; comparative and international education; sociology of education; leading school change; leadership and policy in adult education; ethics of educational leadership; education policy studies.
Dissertation Defense
FOED910 Dissertation Defense (0 CH). Program total: minimum 60 CH.
Entry Requirements
Full transcripts, two references and, where required, a research proposal are needed.
Careers
Graduates pursue careers as teachers, education specialists and school leaders, or continue to postgraduate study in education.
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
Education
Campus
Al Ain
Course Type
Doctor of Philosophy
Study Pattern
Full time
Delivery Format
In person
Tuition Fee
AED 42,000/yr
Graduate applicants apply through apply.uaeu.ac.ae with transcripts, a CV and two references, and pay the AED 200 application fee.