PhD Programmes in Collaboration with Abertay University

Tuition fees: UK, £4,786 | International, £15,000
Programme level: PhD
Start date: June / October
Study mode: Full-time
Duration: 3 - 5 Years

These are unique PhD programmes delivered by two innovative institutions.

Al-Maktoum College of Higher Education is a place where potential and ability are valued over background or ethnicity. It is an establishment where further and higher education is available and welcome to all. Our vision for high-quality teaching and learning, enriched by a multicultural perspective, makes for a rewarding educational experience.

Abertay University is a compact and focused university with a reputation for working effectively across traditional research boundaries. The university is committed to research that delivers a real impact on society. Researchers are solving complex real-world problems, looking at many areas that have significant societal impact.

Work alongside experts from a range of disciplines

Postgraduate Research students at Al-Maktoum College and Abertay University work alongside experts from a range of discipline areas, posing new questions and finding creative solutions to society’s problems. Our research students are central to our research community.

Both institutions pride themselves on:

Excellent research environments and researcher training opportunities
Close links with industry, the public and third sectors
Welcoming student support
Pan-University Graduate School, which encourages interdisciplinary working in our next generation of researchers.

If a student is full time there is a regulation PhD students require to live within 100 miles of Abertay University to ensure they can attend meetings.

Topics:

The following are the key focus areas; however, it is not an exhaustive list:

Organisational learning, workplace learning and lifelong learning.
Business excellence and quality management
Future foresight and innovation management
Performance management and improvement
Leadership and corporate culture
Moral economy and sustainability, sustainable development
Environmental law and regulations, net-zero and green industry
Climate change governance policies
Digital transformation
Management and business consulting
Public administration, corporate governance
Corporate social responsibility and corporate environmental liability
Sustainability and the law of corporate bankruptcy

Tuition Fees & Entry Requirements

Tuition Fees

The following fees are per year of study:

UK Students – £4,786

International Students – £15,000

You must hold a minimum qualification of:

MSc, MA, MBA or other relevant Master’s degree (or equivalent).

For candidates whose first language is not English or undergraduate / Master’s degree was not awarded from a University from a UKVI designated English speaking country, applicants are required to show evidence of one of the following qualifications:

IELTS for UKVI or IELTS Life Skills
TOEFL-iBT (including home edition): Total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL (‘my best score’) to meet our English language requirements.
CAE and CPE: Total 176 with at least 169 in each component.
Trinity ISE: ISE ii with distinctions in all four components.
PTE Academic: 62 overall with at least 59 in each component.
NECO English at B (4)
WAEC English at B (4)

Applicants who are not a national of a majority English speaking country, must hold a Degree no more than three and a half years old at the beginning of their programme of study, unless they are using IELTs, TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.

SELT’s can only be sat at approved test centres. A list of all the approved test centres is available on GOV.UK

The list of approved English language tests has been assessed as meeting Home Office requirements under the secure English language testing arrangements. Only those tests and test levels specified are approved. If you intend to use an English language test in your immigration or nationality application you must take one of the tests on the list.

You should make sure the test that you book is the one approved for the SELT.

Full details of the qualifications we accept can be found here.

The UK Government approves certain English language qualifications as being Secure English Language Tests (SELT). These meet the government’s requirements for visa applications.

Al-Maktoum College will accept the following:

IELTS for UKVI or IELTS Life Skills
LanguageCert – B2 or equivalent

SELT’s can only be sat at approved test centres. A list of all the approved test centres is available on GOV.UK

You should make sure the test that you book is the one approved for the SELT.

When can students start?

A research degree can be started in February, June or October of each year. Candidates can apply to defer from one entry point to another on one occasion, however, subsequent requests must be supported by an additional full application.

Unless otherwise stated, the deadlines for submitting a full application are:

Applications for February entry by 08 December (if you need a Student Visa then the deadline is 23 November).
Applications for June entry by 23 April (if you need a Student Visa then the deadline is 24 March).
Applications for October entry by 24 August (if you need a Student Visa then the deadline is 24 July).

There is a 2-stage application process.

Stage 1:

Prepare your research proposal (6 – 8 pages minimum). Download Proposal Template
Send research proposal and CV to: PhD@almcollege.ac.uk

You will be contacted with a decision on your research proposal. If your research proposal is accepted, proceed to Stage 2.

Stage 2:

Apply through the Al-Maktoum College application portal
Contact Dr Alaa Garad if you have any questions: PhD@almcollege.ac.uk
You can directly contact a potential supervisor from Al-Maktoum College of Higher Education or Abertay University.

Full entry requirement information can be found here.

What our students say

To anyone who is considering studying at Al-Maktoum College, I would encourage you to go for it. You will be glad you did. Not only will you receive a high level of teaching but you will be supported and valued along the way. Alm College is very accommodating and strives to ensure the students have the best experience and receive the best education possible.
Jaber Business Student

My overall student experience with the College has been really educative and exciting. I can boldly say that joining Alm College has been the best decision I have made for my education so far. Alm College has become a second family to me.
Hamza Business Student

One of the many things I enjoyed during my experience at Al-Maktoum College was taking part in the regular group discussions and reactions to the lectures. These discussions were characterized by open-mindedness, critical thinking, and free expression, even about the most controversial issues.
Taib Islamic Studies

The delivery of the course and patience from our lecturer was very encouraging. I was impressed with the quality of education and the support that was available. In Al-Maktoum there is much encouragement for all to study and succeed.
Mumtaz Arabic Language

There was an amazing atmosphere in class, especially during my first year of study. Lecturers are extremely professional and push you to get the most out of the courses. I also formed a very close friendship with my peers.
Lena Arabic Language

There were a lot of positives to take from studying the course at this wonderful institution however my favourite thing was that it allowed me the opportunity to acquire critical knowledge and training in Islamic economics, banking and finance. Coming from a finance background, I opted for the Professional Diploma in Islamic Banking and Finance because I believed it would broaden my knowledge and understanding of finance and also give me an edge over core conventional finance professionals.
Emmanuel Islamic Banking & Finance

From the enjoyable lectures and historical day trips to the generous hospitality of College staff members, the whole experience was amazing. The programme was well-organised and balanced academic knowledge with cultural experience. I would jump at the chance to study or work at Al-Maktoum College again.
Dina Academic Training Programme

My advice to any students who are considering continuing their education journey is that, I believe, studying at Al-Maktoum College is a great opportunity. I would like to encourage you to go, no matter your age, background, or previous experience. You will find the support you need and it's a decision you won't regret.
Amira Management and Leadership Student

There are no limits at the Al-Maktoum College. If you are looking for a bespoke and outstanding learning experience, and a College that values your time, your commitment and supports you to achieve the very best of yourself, then, think or look no further.
Amina Business Student

I was very impressed at the resources provided throughout the course: the many booklets; the audio resources; the ‘film nights’; the Natakallum sessions which were great fun. I was impressed at the balance between the various disciplines of language learning: reading, writing (by hand and on keyboard); listening; speaking. And I thoroughly enjoyed the classes.
Alan Arabic Language