Doctor of Philosophy in Architecture

Program Overview

The PhD in Architecture program at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University prepares doctoral-level academics and professionals to conduct original research in architecture. The 3-year program includes 12 credit hours of coursework, a comprehensive exam, a PhD thesis, and a qualifying paper that contributes to knowledge. Graduates are expected to make significant contributions in the design and maintenance of sustainable, healthy, and socio-culturally relevant built environments.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Doctor of Philosophy in Architecture program at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University aims to prepare doctoral-level academics and professionals in architectural studies. The program focuses on providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct original research in a specialized area of architecture, leading to a deeper understanding of issues related to the built environment, including its theoretical and methodical basis. The program is designed to serve students from Saudi Arabia, the region, and internationally. Graduates are expected to be knowledgeable and skilled in their area of expertise, aware of the needs of the academic and professional environment, and committed to the creative application of current technologies.

Outline:

The program is structured as follows:

• Duration: 3 years (six semesters)
• Credit Hours: 24 (12 study units + 12 Thesis)
• Program System: Conducted through courses and a thesis.
• Course Schedule:
• First Year:
• Semester One:
• Architectural Research Seminar (3 credit hours)
• Contemporary Architecture and Urbanism (3 credit hours)
• Semester Two:
• Directed Studies (3 credit hours)
• Elective in area of emphasis (3 credit hours)
• Second Year:
• Semester One:
• Thesis (12 credit hours)
• Semester Two:
• Thesis (12 credit hours)
• Third Year:
• Semester One:
• Thesis (12 credit hours)
• Semester Two:
• Thesis (12 credit hours)
• Electives (3 credit hours) - Choose one area of emphasis:
• Architectural History and Theory
• Architectural Conservation
• Housing
• Urban Design
• Architectural Management
• Sustainable Architecture

Assessment:

• Graduation Requirements:
• 12 credit hours of coursework
• Comprehensive exam
• PhD thesis
• Qualifying paper of publishable standard that makes a contribution to knowledge, submitted for publication in an acceptable journal by the department council.

Teaching:

• Faculty: The program's strength lies in the specialized and diverse knowledge and accomplishments of the committed faculty members.
• Interdisciplinary Studies: The program capitalizes on the University of Dammam's commitment to interdisciplinary studies, such as environmental health and the built environment.

Other:

• The program is designed to prepare architectural academicians and professionals who will make useful contributions in the design, execution, and maintenance of the built environment, which is sustainable, healthy, and addresses the socio-cultural characteristics of the community.
• The Department of Architecture at the University of Dammam was established in 1975 and has offered undergraduate and graduate programs since 1988.