KHALIFA UNIVERSITY · UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
PhD in Engineering Systems and Management
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
48 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
€2k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- 202nd in QS 2025 World University RankingGlobal Ranking
- Top in UAE for Stanford University's Top 2% Most Influential ScientistsFaculty Excellence
- Over 300 issued patents – highest in the UAEInnovation
- Accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) and ABETAcademic Accreditation
- Ranked #1 in the UAENational Ranking
Khalifa University offers a PhD in Engineering Systems and Management (ESMA) designed to produce graduates capable of advancing knowledge in the field. The program aims to equip students with the ability to synthesize complex engineering and management concepts to solve research challenges, work effectively across disciplines, and stay current with advancements in the field. Graduates will be prepared to contribute significantly to the body of knowledge through original research and effective communication of their findings.
Curriculum
The PhD program structure varies depending on whether students are admitted with a Master's or Bachelor's degree. For Master's holders, the program requires a minimum of 60 credit hours, including coursework, research seminars, and dissertation. For Bachelor's holders, the program requires a minimum of 72 credit hours. All courses, except research seminars, are typically 3 credit hours each.
- Year 1 (Full-time with MSc)
- Research Methods in EngineeringENGR 701
- Technical Elective 1
- Technical Elective 2
- Technical Elective 3
- PhD Research DissertationESMA 799
- Written Qualifying ExamESMA 795
- Year 2 (Full-time with MSc)
- Technical Elective 4
- Technical Elective 5
- PhD Research DissertationESMA 799
- Technical Elective 6
- PhD Research Proposal ExaminationESMA 796
- Year 3 (Full-time with MSc)
- Technical Elective 7
- PhD Research Seminar IESMA 703
- PhD Research DissertationESMA 799
- PhD Research Seminar IIESMA 704
- Year 4 (Full-time with MSc)
- PhD Research DissertationESMA 799
- PhD Research Dissertation Examination
- Year 1 (Full-time with BSc)
- Research Methods in EngineeringENGR 701
- Core Course 1
- Core Course 2
- Core Course 3
- Technical Elective 1
- Technical Elective 2
- Technical Elective 3
- PhD Research DissertationESMA 799
- Year 2 (Full-time with BSc)
- Technical Elective 4
- Technical Elective 5
- PhD Research DissertationESMA 799
- Written Qualifying ExamESMA 795
- Year 3 (Full-time with BSc)
- Technical Elective 6
- PhD Research Seminar IESMA 703
- PhD Research DissertationESMA 799
- Technical Elective 7
- PhD Research Proposal ExamESMA 796
- Year 4 (Full-time with BSc)
- Technical Elective 8
- PhD Research DissertationESMA 799
- PhD Research Seminar IIESMA 704
- Year 5 (Full-time with BSc)
- PhD Research DissertationESMA 799
- Final Doctoral Dissertation Exam
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the PhD in Engineering Systems and Management program?
- To be eligible, applicants must hold a Master's degree in a relevant field with at least 24 coursework credits, or a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field with at least 36 coursework credits for direct entry. All applicants must also meet Khalifa University's general graduate admission requirements.
- What is the duration of the PhD program?
- For students entering with a Master's degree, the program requires a minimum of 60 credit hours, typically completed over 4 years of full-time study. For students entering with a Bachelor's degree, the program requires a minimum of 72 credit hours, typically completed over 5 years of full-time study.
- How much are the tuition fees?
- Tuition fees are charged per credit hour at AED 6,666 for Doctoral programs. The university reserves the right to change these fees.
- What are the career prospects after graduating from this program?
- Graduates are prepared for advanced roles in research, academia, and industry, developing into leaders who can address complex engineering and management challenges and contribute to innovation.
- Are there any scholarships available for PhD students?
- Information regarding Postgraduate Scholarships is available on the Khalifa University Scholarships page.
Entry requirements
Master's DegreeCompletion of a Master's degree in a relevant field. Minimum 24 credits of coursework (8 courses) required.
Bachelor's DegreeCompletion of a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Minimum 36 credits of coursework (12 courses) required for direct entry to PhD.
Applicants must meet Khalifa University's general graduate admission requirements, which can be found on the KU admissions webpage.
Fees
Tuition (international)AED 6,666 per credit hour for Doctoral programs.
Tuition (home)AED 6,666 per credit hour for Doctoral programs.
Living—
Tuition fees are charged per credit hour. The university reserves the right to change these fees.
How to apply
1. Review Admission RequirementsVisit the Khalifa University postgraduate admissions page for detailed information on general and program-specific entry criteria.
2. Prepare Application DocumentsGather all necessary documents, including academic transcripts, degree certificates, identification, and any other required materials as outlined by the admissions office.
3. Submit Online ApplicationComplete and submit the online application form through the Khalifa University admissions portal.
4. Attend Interviews/Exams (if required)Applicants may be required to attend interviews or take entrance examinations, such as the Written Qualifying Exam (WQE) or Research Proposal Examination (RPE), as part of the admission and program progression process.
Scholarships
Postgraduate Scholarships—
Accreditation
All KU programs are accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the Ministry of Education in the United Arab Emirates. Engineering programs also hold accreditation from ABET.
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the PhD in Engineering Systems and Management program?
+
To be eligible, applicants must hold a Master's degree in a relevant field with at least 24 coursework credits, or a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field with at least 36 coursework credits for direct entry. All applicants must also meet Khalifa University's general graduate admission requirements.
What is the duration of the PhD program?
+
For students entering with a Master's degree, the program requires a minimum of 60 credit hours, typically completed over 4 years of full-time study. For students entering with a Bachelor's degree, the program requires a minimum of 72 credit hours, typically completed over 5 years of full-time study.
How much are the tuition fees?
+
Tuition fees are charged per credit hour at AED 6,666 for Doctoral programs. The university reserves the right to change these fees.
What are the career prospects after graduating from this program?
+
Graduates are prepared for advanced roles in research, academia, and industry, developing into leaders who can address complex engineering and management challenges and contribute to innovation.
Are there any scholarships available for PhD students?
+
Information regarding Postgraduate Scholarships is available on the Khalifa University Scholarships page.