KHALIFA UNIVERSITY · UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
PhD in Earth Sciences
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
60 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
€2k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- Ranked 202nd in the QS 2025 World University RankingGlobal Ranking
- Top in MENA region in THE Young Universities 2024Regional Ranking
- Petroleum Engineering ranked 7th globally (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024)Subject Ranking
- 15 Faculty among Top 0.05% Worldwide (ScholarGPS)Faculty Excellence
- Over 300 issued patents – highest in the UAEInnovation
- Accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) and ABETAccreditation
The PhD in Earth Sciences program at Khalifa University is designed to advance your expertise and contribute to leading-edge research, aligning with Abu Dhabi's economic development goals. This program aims to produce highly skilled professionals capable of driving innovation in priority industrial, business, and governmental sectors. Graduates will be equipped to conduct independent, original research at the highest levels of quality, demonstrating advanced knowledge and skills at the forefront of Earth Sciences. The curriculum supports the development of novel research topics through comprehensive investigation and dissertation, under the guidance of experienced researchers.
Curriculum
The PhD in Earth Sciences program requires a minimum of 60 credit hours. This includes 24 credit hours of coursework (core and electives), 36 credit hours for the PhD Dissertation, and two zero-credit PhD Seminar courses. Students must also successfully pass PhD Written Qualifying and PhD Research Proposal Examinations. A minimum CGPA of 3.0 is required for graduation.
- Core and Elective Courses
- Research Methods in ScienceSCIE 701
- Research Seminar ISCIE 702
- Research Seminar IISCIE 703
- PhD Written Qualifying ExaminationSCIE 795
- PhD Research Proposal ExaminationSCIE 796
- Petroleum SystemsERTH 701
- Machine Learning for Earth SciencesERTH 704
- Carbonate Petrology and StratigraphyERTH 711
- Rock PhysicsERTH 713
- Seismic Interpretation in Petroleum Exploration & ProductionERTH 714
- Seismic Modelling and ImagingERTH 715
- Biogeochemical CyclesERTH 718
- Deformation and Structures of Sedimentary RocksERTH 719
- Organic GeochemistryERTH 720
- Sedimentary Basins AnalysisERTH 721
- Isotope Geochemistry of Sedimentary SystemsERTH 723
- Clastic Sedimentology and Depositional SystemsERTH 724
- Earth’s PaleoclimateERTH 750
- Geology of the Solar SystemERTH 751
- Plate Tectonics & GeodynamicsERTH 752
- Field Geology of the UAEERTH 753
- Environmental & Engineering GeophysicsERTH 754
- Remote Sensing for Earth and Planetary ScienceERTH 755
- Clastic Sedimentology & Depositional SystemsERTH 756
- Global Change, Natural Hazards & DisastersERTH 757
- Physics & Chemistry of the Solar SystemERTH 758
- AstrobiologyERTH 759
- Special Topics in Earth ScienceERTH 793
- Recent Developments in Inorganic ChemistryCHEM 711
- Recent Developments in Organic ChemistryCHEM 712
- Recent Developments in Analytical ChemistryCHEM 714
- Recent Developments in Environmental ChemistryCHEM 716
- Modern Statistical Prediction and Data MiningMATH 706
- Nonlinear OptimizationMATH 707
- Partial Differential EquationsMATH 708
- Advanced Solid State PhysicsPHYS 707
- Advanced Solid State PhysicsPHYS 708
- Dissertation
- PhD Research DissertationERTH 899
Careers
Graduates of the PhD in Earth Sciences program are prepared for advanced roles in research, industry, and government. The program's focus on cutting-edge research and industry alignment ensures graduates are well-equipped to tackle complex challenges and contribute to scientific and economic advancement.
- Research Scientist
- Senior Geoscientist
- Academic Researcher
- Industry Specialist
- Government Advisor
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the PhD in Earth Sciences program?
- You need a Master's degree in a relevant field with a minimum CGPA of 3.0. Specific requirements for applicants with only a Bachelor's degree are detailed separately. Official IELTS or TOEFL scores are also required, though specific score thresholds are not listed.
- How much does the PhD in Earth Sciences program cost?
- Tuition fees are AED 6,666 per credit hour for doctoral programs. Living cost estimates are not provided.
- How long does the PhD in Earth Sciences program take?
- The program requires a minimum of 60 credit hours, including 24 for coursework and 36 for the dissertation. The duration in years is not explicitly stated.
- What is the language of instruction for this program?
- The language of instruction is not explicitly stated in the provided data, but English language proficiency tests (IELTS/TOEFL) are required for admission.
- What are the career prospects after completing the PhD in Earth Sciences?
- Graduates can pursue roles such as Research Scientist, Senior Geoscientist, Academic Researcher, Industry Specialist, or Government Advisor.
- Are there any scholarships available for this program?
- Khalifa University offers Postgraduate Scholarships, but specific details on amounts, eligibility, and how to obtain them are not provided here.
Entry requirements
Master's DegreeA Master's degree in a relevant field is required. The program also outlines requirements for candidates with only a Bachelor's degree, implying a potentially longer study path or additional requirements.
Bachelor's DegreeSpecific requirements for applicants with only a Bachelor's degree are detailed separately and may differ from those with a Master's.
IELTS/TOEFLOfficial score reports from TOEFL or IELTS are required. Specific score requirements are not listed on this page but are typically part of the general admissions criteria.
Applicants must achieve a minimum CGPA of 3.0. Course selection must be done in consultation with the Main Advisor. Students cannot repeat PhD-level courses taken during their MSc at KU.
Fees
Tuition (international)Doctoral programs cost AED 6,666 per credit hour.
Tuition (home)Doctoral programs cost AED 6,666 per credit hour.
LivingLiving cost estimates are not provided.
Tuition fees are subject to change by the university. All fees are in UAE Dirhams (AED).
How to apply
1. Review Admissions RequirementsFamiliarize yourself with the general admission criteria for postgraduate programs, including academic qualifications and English language proficiency.
2. Prepare Application DocumentsGather all necessary documents, including transcripts, degree certificates, letters of recommendation, and proof of English language proficiency.
3. Complete Online ApplicationSubmit your application through the Khalifa University online admissions portal. Ensure all fields are completed accurately.
4. Undergo ExaminationsAs part of the program requirements, you will need to pass a PhD Written Qualifying Examination and a PhD Research Proposal Examination.
5. Consult with AdvisorUpon admission or during the early stages, consult with your Main Advisor for course selection and research guidance.
Scholarships
Postgraduate ScholarshipsNot specified
Accreditation
All Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD programs at Khalifa University are accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the Ministry of Education in the United Arab Emirates. Engineering programs also hold Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accreditation.
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the PhD in Earth Sciences program?
+
You need a Master's degree in a relevant field with a minimum CGPA of 3.0. Specific requirements for applicants with only a Bachelor's degree are detailed separately. Official IELTS or TOEFL scores are also required, though specific score thresholds are not listed.
How much does the PhD in Earth Sciences program cost?
+
Tuition fees are AED 6,666 per credit hour for doctoral programs. Living cost estimates are not provided.
How long does the PhD in Earth Sciences program take?
+
The program requires a minimum of 60 credit hours, including 24 for coursework and 36 for the dissertation. The duration in years is not explicitly stated.
What is the language of instruction for this program?
+
The language of instruction is not explicitly stated in the provided data, but English language proficiency tests (IELTS/TOEFL) are required for admission.
What are the career prospects after completing the PhD in Earth Sciences?
+
Graduates can pursue roles such as Research Scientist, Senior Geoscientist, Academic Researcher, Industry Specialist, or Government Advisor.
Are there any scholarships available for this program?
+
Khalifa University offers Postgraduate Scholarships, but specific details on amounts, eligibility, and how to obtain them are not provided here.