PhD in Law
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Program Overview
The PhD in Law at the College of Law, American University in the Emirates, prepares highly qualified legal researchers and academic leaders through advanced coursework, innovative legal research, and critical analysis of contemporary domestic and international legal issues.
Specialization Tracks Students choose one of two tracks:
· Public Law Track
· Private Law Track
· Criminal Law Track
The Ph.D. program in law aims to:
1. Develop advanced legal knowledge and enhance the ability for legal and critical analysis.
2. Preparing researchers specialized in public and private law, capable of providing innovative solutions to legal challenges.
3. Supporting public and private law research that serves the UAE’s national agenda and contributes to legal justice and sustainability.
4. Promote academic and research cooperation with national and international institutions specialized in public and private law.
5. Providing advanced educational programs that meet the needs of the law and the judiciary and contribute to the development of public policies.
Upon completion of the program, the graduate will be able to:
1. Analyze and interpret laws and legislations in accordance with national and international standards.
2. Develop effective legal policies that respond to modern legal challenges.
3. Conducting advanced scientific research in the field of public and private law and publishing it in refereed scientific journals.
4. Providing legal advice based on critical analysis and scientific research.
5. Apply professional ethics in scientific research and legal practice.
6. Employing modern technologies in legal research and analysis.
The number of semesters spent by the student in the program shall not be less than six semesters and not more than ten semesters. By a decision of the College Council based on the supervisor’s report, the registration period may be extended for a period not exceeding two semesters.
The student is obligated to complete his thesis within a period of not less than three semesters and not more than six semesters from the date of approval of the thesis registration by the College Council. Taking into account the possibility of extension in accordance with the previous item .
In the event that the student does not finish writing and submitting his thesis within the period referred to, and the College Council does not grant him an exception, the doctorate registration is canceled and the student is granted a postgraduate diploma in the specialization he passed from the courses .
If the student submits his thesis to the supervisor shortly before the end of the maximum period prescribed for its completion, and the supervisor requests substantial amendments as a condition for determining its validity for discussion, the student is granted an additional period of three months, which can be extended once by a decision of the College Council based on the proposal of the supervisor and the recommendation of the Department Council to submit the thesis according to the recommended amendments.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- Hold a master's degree in law or its equivalent with a grade of at least very good (3 out of 4 points or equivalent). By a decision of the College Council, the student may be granted conditional admission to the doctoral program if his master's grade is less than "very good" (3 points out of 4), provided that he passes the admission test organized by the college.
- Pass the TOEFL test with a minimum score of (500) or an IELTS test with a level of (5.0) at least or its equivalent.
- In the event that the number of applicants to join the program who meet the admission requirements exceeds the number specified for admission, the comparison between them is made in descending order according to the cumulative average of graduation at the master's level, and in the event of equality, the cumulative average of graduation at the bachelor's level is calculated.
- Submit a certificate of recommendation from two people who have previously taught him at the master's level.
- Pass the personal interview.
ACCREDITATION
The PhD in Law program is accredited by:
- The Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) – UAE’s national regulatory body.
These accreditations ensure that your PhD from AUE is recognized globally—whether you pursue a career in academia, international organizations, or high-level policy environments.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
Course Category
Total Number of Courses
Total Number of Credit Hours
Compulsory Courses
5
15
Elective Courses
3
9
Thesis
1
36
Total
09
60 Credit Hours
PROGRAM courses
ELECTIVE COURSES
3 COURSES | 9 CREDIT HOURS
The student chooses (9) credit hours from any of the following three disciplines according to hi/her specialization in the masters as follows:
Public Law:
Private Law:
Criminal Law:
RECOMMENDED STUDY PLAN
Program Director
Prof. Dusko Tomic
Professor / Program Director of the Ph.D. in Security and Global Studies