PhD in International Relations and Security Studies

College

Economics and Political Sciences

Program Type

Study Mode

Duration

Instruction Language

English

Program Coordinator

Name: Prof. Gubara Said Hassan

Email: gubara@squ.edu.om

Tel: +968 24141859

College Website

http://www.squ.edu.om/ceps

Program Overview

Program is in line with the vision, mission and objectives of SQU and the CEPS, which call for gaining an international recognition in education, research and innovation by continually improving the learning and research environment, engaging in innovative and multi-disciplinary research, and contributing to national development and international cooperation. IRSS-Ph.D. Program will create a high quality graduate program. It produces internationally recognized innovative research that addresses local, regional and global challenges. It also meets the needs and aspirations of Omani society. The graduates from this Program will significantly contribute to the research goals of the SQU and the Sultanate of Oman in Vision 2040. On the other hand, the program fulfills the needs for PhDs. in the fields of International Relations and Security Studies by higher educational institutions in the Sultanate of Oman and in the region, and provides the necessary research skills and expertise to the public and private sectors of the Sultanate. IRSS-Ph.D. Program is unique in the Sultanate of Oman. It is modeled after American/European doctoral programs that are primarily thesis-based with limited or no course-work. IRSS-PhD Program has 2 specializations: International Relations and Security Studies. According to the thesis topic of the students, one of the specializations will be granted.

Admission Requirements

• Applicants should have a Bachelor and a Master’s degree in Political Science, International Relations, Security Studies and/or any Social Science degree  or related field, from Sultan Qaboos University or equivalent from a recognized university.
• A master cumulative Grade Point Average of not less than 3.00 on a 4-point scale or equivalent in any other system and the Deanship of Postgraduate studies makes the assessment for equivalency acceptance
• A master cumulative GPA ranging between 2.75 and 2.99 on a 4-point scale or its equivalent, taking into account the applicant’s work experience (not less than 2 years following completion of an undergraduate degree) and any academic activities they are engaged in.
• A Resume that shows the candidate’s qualifications, research experience, work experience, research publications, skills, awards and honors received, and any other extracurricular activities
• Two letters of reference from academics, to show competence in the discipline of interest and research capabilities.
• The candidate will also be required to provide a detailed dissertation proposal of 3,000 – 4,000 words.
• Applicants must submit a release letter or a study leave from their employer, addressed to the dean of postgraduate studies at SQU. Un-employed applicant needs to submit a statement from The Ministry of Labour  documenting the unemployment status of the applicant.

• Submitting band (6.5) or higher in academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic or a score of (90) or higher in the International TOEFL – IBT

or 

• Submitting band (6.0) in the academic IELTS test or (79) in the international TOEFL test, provided that they register for the language course LANC6001(after being admitted) during the first semester. 

or

• Submitting band (5.5) in the academic IELTS test or (69) in the international TOEFL test, provided that they register for the two language courses LANC6001 and LANC6003 (after being admitted) during the first semester.

​​​​​​​