PhD in Security and Global Studies
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Your Global Journey Starts Here: A Transformative PhD Program for Future Security Leaders
In a world marked by uncertainty, disruption, and rapid transformation, the ability to understand, anticipate, and respond to global and regional security challenges has never been more crucial. The PhD in Security and Global Studies (PhDSGS) at the American University in the Emirates (AUE) stands as a pioneering academic and professional milestone—designed to shape the next generation of thought leaders, policy influencers, and security experts.
Positioned in the heart of Dubai—a global nexus for diplomacy, innovation, and international engagement—the PhDSGS offers an intellectually rigorous and practically relevant terminal degree, combining interdisciplinary research, policy application, and strategic foresight.
Whether you are a mid-career professional, academic researcher, government official, or international development practitioner, this program will empower you with the knowledge, tools, and competencies needed to analyze complex global phenomena, develop sustainable solutions, and lead with impact in high-stakes environments.
Aligned with UAE National Priorities
The PhDSGS is fully aligned with:
- UAE Vision 2031 – advancing national resilience, regional diplomacy, and global leadership.
- National Strategy for Higher Education 2030 – prioritizing innovation, research, and international collaboration.
- The UAE’s security doctrine – which increasingly emphasizes non-traditional threats, multilateral diplomacy, and technology-based solutions.
By enrolling in this program, students directly contribute to the country’s efforts to build knowledge-based security and position the UAE as a global hub for peace and innovation.
A Transformational Journey into Security Studies
The PhDSGS is not just a degree; it’s a transformational journey. At its core lies a firm commitment to addressing the multidimensional nature of security in today’s world. The program explores traditional defense and military strategy while also emphasizing non-traditional threats such as:
- Cybersecurity and digital warfare
- Energy and resource insecurity
- Food and water scarcity
- Climate-induced displacement
- Transnational terrorism and organized crime
- Artificial intelligence and surveillance ethics
Students are equipped to navigate the complexities of an interconnected world, where regional crises have global implications, and where policy decisions in one domain—be it defense, diplomacy, or development—ripple across borders and sectors.
A Global Program for Global Thinkers
The PhDSGS program is ideal for candidates seeking to build careers in:
- Government ministries (e.g., defense, foreign affairs, interior)
- Multilateral organizations (e.g., United Nations, Arab League, African Union)
- Regional security alliances (e.g., GCC, NATO)
- International think tanks and policy institutes
- Humanitarian and development agencies
- Academia and higher education institutions
Graduates of the program become expert researchers, strategic advisors, and visionary leaders, equipped to handle challenges ranging from Homeland security, geopolitical instability to AI-driven warfare to climate-induced migration.
Learn from Global Experts
Our faculty includes renowned researchers, former diplomats, intelligence experts, and practitioners from leading security institutions. Their combined expertise covers:
- Strategic studies
- Intelligence and national security
- Peace operations
- International humanitarian law
- Technology and cyber defense
- Regional affairs (Middle East, Africa, Asia)
They bring to the classroom real-world experience from NATO, the UN, foreign ministries, and defense sectors—ensuring your education remains grounded in practical realities.
Why Choose AUE?
- Strategic Location in Dubai’s International Academic City—hub for innovation, diplomacy, and global engagement.
- Research Infrastructure including access to global databases, policy repositories, and simulation labs.
- Interdisciplinary Approach that combines security, politics, economics, law, technology, and development.
- Tailored Support from admission to graduation, including personalized supervision and career guidance.
- Diverse Student Body with peers from across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and beyond.
Take the Next Step: Join a Community of Future Shapers
The PhD in Security and Global Studies is more than an academic pursuit—it’s a commitment to change, a call to leadership, and a path to influence.
As global systems face increasing uncertainty, the need for resilient thinkers, strategic actors, and visionary researchers has never been greater.
At the American University in the Emirates, you are not just preparing for a degree—you are preparing for a lifetime of impact.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
-
- Academic Qualification Hold a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline from an accredited higher education institution, with a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or its equivalent.
- English Language ProficiencyDemonstrate proficiency in English by submitting a valid test score meeting one of the following minimum requirements:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 91
Exceptions to English Language Proficiency- A native speaker of English who has completed his/her Master's degree in an English-medium institution and in a country where English is the official or de facto national language; or
- An applicant with a Master's degree in an English-medium program who can provide evidence of acquiring a minimum IELTS Academic score of 6.0 or its equivalent, at the time of admission to his/her Master's program.
- Research Proposal Submission Submit a research proposal of 1,500–2,000 words clearly outlining the proposed research topic, objectives, preliminary literature context, and intended methodology.
- Letters of Recommendation Provide two letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional referees who can attest to the applicant’s academic ability and research potential.
- Admissions Interview Successfully complete an admissions interview conducted by the Doctoral Admissions Committee. Final recommendation must include a written justification from the Dean for final approval from the Graduate Studies Steering Committee.
- Professional Experience Relevant professional experience in the field shall be considered an added merit during the admissions assessment process.
ACCREDITATION
The PhDSGS 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
Core Courses
9
30
Elective Courses
2
6
Comprehensive Exam
0
Research Seminar
3
Dissertation
27
Total
66 Credit Hours
PROGRAM courses
CORE COURSES
9 COURSES | 30 CREDIT HOURS
Exploration of the key theories and frameworks in international relations and their application to security studies.
Examination of the geopolitical dynamics shaping the Middle East, including resource politics, conflicts, and alliances.
Analysis of contemporary security issues such as cyber threats, terrorism, and nuclear proliferation.
Study of ethical considerations and governance structures in security decision-making.
Examination of the intersection of security and human development in the context of migration, poverty, and education. It also explores the intersection of human security and sustainable development, focusing on issues such as poverty, healthcare, and education.
Study of strategies and frameworks for resolving conflicts and building sustainable peace. It explores the pivotal role of leadership in peacebuilding and conflict resolution, focusing on advanced theories, strategies, and practices for resolving disputes. It emphasizes the development of critical leadership skills, such as negotiation, mediation, and diplomacy, with practical applications in regional and global contexts
Analysis of terrorist networks and strategies to counter extremism. It also examines maritime security challenges, including piracy and smuggling, with a focus on the Gulf region.
Examines the role of AI and emerging technologies in global and regional security.
Develops expertise in designing and conducting business research using advanced qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches. Quantitative Analysis for Business Research – Focuses on statistical techniques, econometrics, and data-driven decision-making in business research. Qualitative Analysis and Mixed Methods Research – Explores case study research, ethnography, and integrating qualitative insights with quantitative analysis.
ELECTIVE COURSES
2 COURSES | 6 CREDIT HOURS
Exploration of digital threats and strategies to ensure cybersecurity. It covers the growing threat of cyberattacks in the Middle East, including the role of state and non-state actors in cyber conflicts. Topics include information warfare, critical infrastructure protection, and data sovereignty.
Examine advanced theories and practices in resolving conflicts, with emphasis on mediation strategies in the Middle East. Case studies include the Gulf Cooperation Council’s role and the UAE’s peacemaking efforts.
Explores the critical challenges and opportunities surrounding food security in the Middle East, emphasizing sustainable agricultural practices, water resource management, and climate change adaptation.
Comprehensive Exam
0 CREDIT HOURS
Students will complete written and oral examinations to demonstrate their mastery of core and elective coursework, as well as their readiness for dissertation research. Students must pass the comprehensive exam before starting their thesis. If students fail the comprehensive exam, they will have one opportunity to retake it after one month.
RECOMMENDED STUDY PLAN
Program Director
Prof. Dusko Tomic
Professor / Program Director of the Ph.D. in Security and Global Studies