Program Overview

Introduction to Ajman University's Doctor of Philosophy in Law Program

Ajman University's College of Law introduced the Doctor of Philosophy in Law program in the second semester of the 2017/2018 academic year, following approval from the Ministry of Education in the United Arab Emirates. The program aims to achieve a tripartite system: knowledge, skills, and innovation, ensuring that graduates meet the requirements of the labor market in the local, regional, and international community, and keep pace with scientific and technological developments.

Program Objectives

The objectives of the Doctor of Philosophy in Law program are:

1. To deepen the student's knowledge of legal specialties and their connection to community issues.
2. To provide the community with qualified graduates capable of assuming responsibilities in teaching, planning, and developing institutions.
3. To enable the student to conduct specialized legal research and comparative studies that enrich legal knowledge.
4. To instill a spirit of innovation and continuous intellectual development in the student in the field of law.
5. To enable students to achieve high professional goals and occupy leadership roles in the Emirati community.
6. To qualify students to address legal problems and issues.
7. To enable students to develop critical thinking skills.
8. To contribute to the development of the Emirati community and other Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
9. To prepare a cadre of highly educated citizens in all legal specialties required by the labor market, contributing to the continuation of community development.
10. To encourage scientific talents to innovate, develop scientific research, and address community issues in the Emirati community and other Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

Program Administration

The Dean of the College supervises the Doctor of Philosophy in Law program in cooperation with a program coordinator chosen from among the college's faculty members. The program coordinator is responsible for overseeing the program, including the schedule of offered courses, and providing academic advice to all enrolled students.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the program, students must:

1. Hold a Master's degree in Law (Public or Private) or an equivalent degree from a university recognized by the Ministry of Education - Higher Education Affairs in the United Arab Emirates, with a grade of no less than "Very Good" (3 points out of 4) or its equivalent.
2. Pass the TOEFL test with a score of no less than 500 points or the IELTS Academic test with a score of no less than 5 points, or an equivalent standard test.
3. Provide two letters of recommendation from professors who have previously taught them at the Master's level.

Program Duration

The duration of the program is no less than three years and no more than five years, calculated from the date of the student's enrollment in the program until the date of the supervisor's report on the eligibility of the dissertation for discussion.

Comprehensive Examination

The comprehensive examination is designed to assess the student's broad and deep knowledge of their specialization, as well as their scientific capabilities. The examination consists of two parts: a written test (70 points) and an oral test (30 points). The written test is taken before the oral test.

Dissertation

The dissertation is an original research work that contributes to the field of law. The student must complete the dissertation within the specified timeframe, which is no more than three years from the date of enrollment in the dissertation phase. The dissertation is defended in front of a committee appointed by the college council.

Program Structure

The program consists of two phases:

1. The first phase (coursework phase) includes 21 credit hours of coursework, followed by a comprehensive examination.
2. The second phase (dissertation phase) includes the preparation and defense of the dissertation.

Course Descriptions

The program includes a range of courses that provide students with a deep understanding of legal specialties and their connection to community issues. The courses are designed to develop the student's knowledge, skills, and innovation in the field of law.

Graduation Requirements

To graduate from the program, students must:

1. Complete the coursework phase with a minimum grade of "Very Good" (3 points out of 4).
2. Pass the comprehensive examination with a minimum grade of 80%.
3. Complete the dissertation phase and defend the dissertation successfully.
4. Achieve a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 out of 4.0.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Doctor of Philosophy in Law program can pursue careers in:

• Academia: as professors or researchers in universities and research institutions.
• Law firms: as lawyers or legal consultants.
• Government agencies: as legal advisors or policy makers.
• International organizations: as legal experts or advisors.
• Private sector: as legal advisors or compliance officers.

Conclusion

The Doctor of Philosophy in Law program at Ajman University is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of legal specialties and their connection to community issues. The program aims to develop the student's knowledge, skills, and innovation in the field of law, preparing them for careers in academia, law firms, government agencies, international organizations, and the private sector.