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Doctoral of Philosophy in Earth Sciences

Pursue advanced research in Earth Sciences through a doctoral program designed for independent investigation, scholarly publication, conference presentation, and original contribution to geoscience knowledge in Oman and beyond.

Key Information

Institute
Sultan Qaboos University
Department
Earth Sciences
Qualification Level
Doctoral of Philosophy Degree
Awarded Qualification
Ph.D. of Science in Earth Sciences
Learning Mode
On-Campus Learning
Study Mode
Full-Time and Part-Time
Date of Application
January to February
Study Duration
4 years (full-time) / up to 6 years (part-time)
Start Date
Fall Semester: September / Spring Semester: January
Language
English
Tuition Fees
5000 OMR (Omani) / 7000 OMR (International)
Location
Al-Khoudh, Muscat

Why This Program?

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Research-Driven PhD

The PhD in Earth Sciences is structured as a research-based degree designed for advanced independent inquiry and original scholarly contribution.

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Academic Depth

Students develop high-level expertise in research design, scientific argumentation, publication, presentation, and thesis development.

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Publication & Conference Output

Doctoral students are expected to publish at least one paper in an international refereed journal and present findings in at least one regional or international conference.

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Supervisor-Guided Progression

Progress is supported through seminars, a preliminary oral examination, annual progress, and thesis examination procedures supervised by the department and university.

Entry Requirements

Academic Background

  • A bachelor’s degree (BSc) and master’s degree (MSc) in geology, geophysics, or related subjects from SQU or a recognized university.

CGPA Requirement

  • Not less than 3.00 without work experience.
  • Not less than 2.75 with two or more years of work experience.

English Proficiency

  • TOEFL score of at least 575, or
  • Academic IELTS score of at least 6.5.

Required Documents

  • Attested bachelor degree (BSc) and master degree (MSc) certificates
  • Attested official transcripts for BSc and MSc
  • English proficiency test certificate
  • Curriculum vitae (CV)
  • Statement on the objectives and goals of the proposed doctoral research
  • Three letters of reference, at least two from academics
  • Passport
  • Identification card
  • Passport-size photo with blue or white background
  • Release letter, study leave, or no-objection letter depending on study mode
More Information: General Admission Requirements

Degree Structure & Study Plan

The PhD in Earth Sciences is a research-based program. Students progress through supervised research, milestone reviews, two required seminars, a preliminary oral examination, publication and conference requirements, and final thesis examination.

2 Required Seminars
1 Preliminary Oral Exam
1+ Journal Publication
1+ Conference Presentation

Full-Time Study Plan

Typical completion time: 4 years

Year 1

Semesters 1–2

  • Develop research proposal and thesis direction
  • Begin supervised research work
  • Complete the First Seminar after the first semester of thesis registration and before the end of the second semester
Year 2

Semesters 3–4

  • Sit for the Preliminary Oral Examination no later than the end of the third semester
  • Advance research, data collection, and analysis
  • Continue progress reporting and supervisor review
Year 3

Semesters 5–6

  • Present research findings and refine thesis chapters
  • Deliver the Second Seminar before thesis defence
  • Work toward publication and conference presentation requirements
Year 4

Semesters 7–8

  • Finalize thesis writing
  • Complete examination readiness steps in the portal
  • Submit and defend the thesis

Part-Time Study Plan

Typical completion time: up to 6 years

Years 1–2

Research Setup

  • Establish research proposal and timeline
  • Begin research gradually alongside professional commitments
  • Complete the First Seminar within the required milestone window
Years 2–3

Milestone Examination

  • Prepare for and complete the Preliminary Oral Examination
  • Continue research and supervisor-reviewed progress
  • Strengthen methodology, analysis, and chapter drafting
Years 4–5

Research Output

  • Complete major findings and thesis drafting
  • Deliver the Second Seminar
  • Meet publication and conference presentation expectations
Years 5–6

Submission & Defence

  • Finalize thesis and portal approvals
  • Arrange examiners and thesis examination logistics
  • Defend and complete graduation procedures

The exact timeline may vary depending on research progress, supervisor guidance, publication readiness, and examination scheduling. Students should always follow the approved departmental and university procedures.

Research Milestones

Preliminary Oral Examination

Doctoral students must sit for the preliminary thesis examination no later than the end of the third semester. The committee assesses readiness to engage in the proposed research.

  • Based on the student’s research proposal
  • Committee result: pass or no pass
  • A repeat attempt is allowed within a semester
  • Failure in the repeat attempt results in withdrawal from the program

Thesis Examination Readiness

Before initiating thesis examination procedures, students and supervisors must confirm completion of required academic and administrative milestones.

  • Presented a paper at an international scientific conference
  • Published or received acceptance for publication in a specialized peer-reviewed journal
  • Completed and approved the two seminars in the portal
  • Completed and approved the preliminary oral exam in the portal
  • Entered and approved the progress report in the portal

Seminars & Oral Exam

PhD students in Earth Sciences are required to complete two seminars during their study, in addition to the preliminary oral examination. These milestones support scientific communication, research development, and formal progression through the doctoral program.

First Seminar

Covers the research background, objectives, and methodology.

  • Held after the first semester of thesis registration and before the end of the second semester
  • Usually scheduled on Thursday of week 14
  • Form should be submitted at least one week before the seminar
  • Student should use the seminar template and review the presentation with supervisors

Second Seminar

Includes a summary of the research and the main findings before thesis defence.

  • Must be held before the thesis defence
  • Usually scheduled on Thursday of week 11
  • Form should be submitted at least one week before the seminar
  • Student should use the seminar template and review the presentation with supervisors

Oral Exam Process

The preliminary oral examination evaluates readiness to proceed with the proposed doctoral research.

  • Based on the student’s research proposal
  • Pass / no pass decision by examination committee
  • Must be completed by the required timeline
  • Must be entered and approved in the portal before thesis examination

Seminar Templates

Use the following templates for the Postgraduate Seminar, Preliminary Oral Exam, and final defence.

Ph.D. Preliminary Oral Exam

PPT PDF

Ph.D. First Seminar

PPT PDF

Ph.D. Second Seminar

PPT PDF

Ph.D. Thesis Defense

PPT PDF

Tuition Fees

Omani Students

5000 OMR
  • Total fee for the whole program
  • Research-based doctoral tuition
  • See university regulations for fee rules and details

International Students

7000 OMR
  • Total fee for the whole program
  • Research-based doctoral tuition
  • See university regulations for fee rules and details
More Information: Academic Fees Regulations

Admissions & Quick Links

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Registration & Graduation

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