The British University in Dubai
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Project Management
Why a ‘named’ PhD at BUiD
• UAE Ministry require this
• Other PhD programmes include:
– Doctor of Education
– Architecture and Sustainable Built Environment
– Computer Science
– Business (awaiting final ministry approval)
Why choose BUiD?
1. Accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education
and Scientific Research
2. Achieve the highest academic qualification while
continuing to live and work in the UAE
3. Exposed to world-class academics and research
facilities at the University of Manchester.
4. Excellent career prospects
– Attractive to top talent seekers
– Higher-level management positions
– Academia as a parallel or alternative career
Learning Objectives
• Upon completion you will be able to
demonstrate …
1. a detailed understanding of how to do research
in project management
2. the ability to conceptualise, design and
implement new knowledge
3. the acquisition and understanding of a
substantial body of knowledge
4. the creation and interpretation of new
knowledge through original research
Completion Requirements
540 D-level credits
• Successfully complete the taught elements of
the 7 modules (180 credits)
• Successfully complete the independent
research element (360 credits, about 80,000
words)
Core research modules (all taken)
• Research Paradigms and Advanced Qualitative
Methods (30 credits)
– provides the underlying theory and forms of qualitative
research approaches, methods and ethics.
• Advanced Quantitative Methods and Analysis (30
credits)
– introduces students to, and familiarises them with, a wide
range of methods of data collection, analysis and
interpretation.
• Research Design and Plan Development (40 credits)
– concentrates on the development and design of the
students’ own research proposals.
Elective PM modules (4 taken)
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Management of Knowledge in Projects (all are 20 credits) - aims to teach the
principles and technologies of knowledge management in the context of
projectised organisations.
Managing Large Programmes – addresses the special requirements of large
programmes and mega-projects.
Managing Projects for Innovation - addresses the need to manage projects to
deliver innovations as well as provide the knowledge that would help students
understand the purpose of projects and their relationship to corporate strategic
objectives.
Organisations, Projects and Sustainability – provides advanced knowledge and
higher level understanding of concepts of organisation in relation to the public,
private and not-for-profit sectors.
Project Dynamics and Complexity – provides advanced knowledge and higher level
of understanding of the use of systems thinking and dynamic modelling to address
complexity in project management.
Project Portfolio Management – provide advanced knowledge on the selection
and prioritisation of projects and the measurement of project and programme
outcomes to maximise portfolio value contribution to organisations.
Study Plan
Supervision and Support
• At the first meeting, a plan of study is
negotiated
– A supervisory team will be established
• Director of Studies (usually from Faculty of Business)
• Second Supervisor
– Academic Advisor from the University of
Manchester
• appointed towards the end of Year 1
University of Manchester Support
• Academic Advisor
– Provides general guidance and support
– Offers specialist advice
– Not a supervisor
• Visitor Status
– The BUiD student will be appointed as a Visitor to the
School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering
– This provides the student with access to the John
Rylands University Library
• all electronic learning resources
• University of Manchester email address
The Litmus Test – ‘Are you ready?’
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Motivation
Eligibility
Support network
Selection criteria
Motivation
• Why do you want to do a PhD?
• What other people have told us
Eligibility requirements
1. A recognised master’s degree (or equivalent or
higher qualification)
– in a project management or PM related subject
– GPA greater than 3.0 out of 4.0
2. Evidence of English language ability (few
exceptions)
– TOEFL score of 580 (237 CBT)
– IELTS 6.5
3. Supervision capacity within the University for
research area of interest
Support network
• Family – are they behind you and giving moral
support
• Employer – are they sympathetic to your
educational aspirations?
• Friends – have you friends to share the joys
and frustrations with (there will be many)
• Can you spare the time?!!!
Selection criteria
1. Interview: Satisfactory admissions interview by a
panel of at least two academics will be mandatory
2. Motivation: the right reasons or the wrong reasons?
3. Work experience: Relevant work experience will be
considered. Considerable experience (3 years or
more) in a project management or related
environment is desirable
4. Research experience: Evidence of training in research
and research work will be considered.
5. An initial proposal for research, including motivation
to study for a PhD will be considered
6. References: Supporting references will be required
Fees and Scholarships
• Scholarships
– There are no University scholarships currently
available for the PhD Programme.
– This year two students applied for and received
scholarships from Emirates Foundation
• Fees
Registration Fee Year 1
Tuition Fee Year 1
Tuition Fee Year 2
Tuition Fee Year 3
Tuition Fee Year 4
Total PhD Fees
Part-time
10,000
60,000
60,000
60,000
60,000
250,000
Full-Time
10,000
80,000
80,000
80,000
250,000
Apply Online
• From the BUiD website: www.buid.ac.ae
• Can apply while still awaiting your Masters
results
• Can apply before meeting English Language
requirements
• For help contact: [email protected]