PhD in Law

Introduction

About the Program

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 three tracks:

Public Law Track
Private Law Track
Criminal Law Track

Program at a glance

Total Credit Hours

60 Credit Hours

Duration

4 Years

Instruction Language

English

Tuition Fees

78,750 AED/Yearly

Quality assured

Accreditations

Accredited by CAA

Program Director

Credit breakdown

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	9	60 Credit Hours

A Cognitive Proficiency Exam is required before dissertation registration.

Curriculum

Courses & Descriptions

General Education Courses

Bridging Courses

Core Business Courses

Core IT Courses

Core Courses

LAW 704 Comparative Legal Systems 3 CH

LAW 703 Criminal Policy in Modern Systems 3 CH

LAW 701 General Theory of Law and Justice 3 CH

LAW 702 Law and Artificial Intelligence 3 CH

LAW 700 Scientific Research Methods in Law 3 CH

College Mathematics and Science Courses

Concentration Courses

Cybersecurity Engineering Core Courses

Mechatronics Engineering Core Courses

Engineering Core Courses

Thesis

Thesis 36 CH

Electives

LAW 705 Administrative Law 3 CH

LAW 712 Business Law 3 CH

LAW 711 Civil Law 3 CH

LAW 716 Code of Civil Procedure 3 CH

LAW 717 Comparative Criminal Law 3 CH

LAW 710 Constitutional Law 3 CH

LAW 706 Economic and Financial Legislation 3 CH

LAW 707 Environmental Crimes and Corporate Criminal Liability 3 CH

LAW 718 Human Rights in Criminal Proceedings 3 CH

LAW 714 Islamic Finance and Digital Banking Law 3 CH

LAW 709 Legal Governance and Anti-Corruption 3 CH

LAW 722 Legal Regulation to Combat Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances 3 CH

LAW 719 Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing 3 CH

LAW 720 New Crimes and Information Technology Crimes 3 CH

LAW 715 Philosophy and History of Law 3 CH

LAW 713 Private International Law 3 CH

LAW 708 Public International Law 3 CH

LAW 721 The Crime of Tax Evasion 3 CH

Comprehensive Exam

Dissertation

Research Seminar

Basic Health Science Courses

College Core Courses

Clinical Placement Courses

Semester by semester

Study Plan

What we aim for

Program Goals

Develop advanced legal knowledge and enhance the ability for legal and critical analysis.
Prepare researchers specialized in public and private law, capable of providing innovative solutions to legal challenges.
Support public and private law research that serves the UAE’s national agenda and contributes to legal justice and sustainability.
Promote academic and research cooperation with national and international institutions specialized in public and private law.
Provide advanced educational programs that meet the needs of the law and the judiciary and contribute to the development of public policies.

What you will learn

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, the graduate will be able to:

Analyze and interpret laws and legislations in accordance with national and international standards.
Develop effective legal policies that respond to modern legal challenges.
Conduct advanced scientific research in the field of public and private law and publish it in refereed scientific journals.
Provide legal advice based on critical analysis and scientific research.
Apply professional ethics in scientific research and legal practice.
Employ modern technologies in legal research and analysis.

Requirements

Program Requirements

Graduation Requirements

To achieve a PhD in Law, students must complete 60 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0, and pass the Cognitive Proficiency Exam before registering the dissertation.

Study Duration

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

Applicants to the Doctoral program must satisfy all of the following 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.

Career Opportunities

University professors and academic researchers
Legal consultants and advisors
Policy and legislative specialists
Senior governmental positions
Legal experts in regional and international organizations

When can I join?

Three intakes every year

Students can join at the beginning of any semester.

Intake 01

September

Fall Semester

Intake 02

January

Spring Semester

Intake 03

May

Summer Semester

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