Key information
- Funding
- Self-funded
- School
- Textiles and Design
- Location
- Dubai
- Award
- PhD
- Delivery type
- Full-time, Part-time
- Start date
- September, January, May
- Duration
- Up to 4 years (full time)
The PhD Design programme offers unique opportunities for students to research relevant design issues worldwide, both disciplinary and interdisciplinary. The vibrant community focuses on industrial, social, smart sustainable cities, and systemic design.
Accreditation
This programme is accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in the UAE.
Research Topics for PhD supervision
- biophilic design
- co-creation
- circular economy for sustainability
- communication design
- design management and leadership
- design-led entrepreneurship
- design process and methods
- design innovation management - process and methods.
- fashion and fashion management,
- future mobility
- heritage and culture
- interior architecture
- Interior design
- product and service design
- interactive design
- user-centred design
- sustainability
Key milestones during a PhD
PhD Design students typically experience several important milestones, including:
- Completing coursework (if required)
- Submitting a thesis proposal (application process)
- Defending a thesis proposal – at key milestone points throughout the PhD journey
- Conducting data collection
- Writing and producing the thesis
- Defending the thesis before a panel
Your thesis
A thesis is a substantial research project that contributes original knowledge to your field of study and is the critical component of a PhD. It reflects specialised, original, advanced knowledge, understanding, and practice at the frontiers of the subject or professional area. It is typically the final requirement of the programme. In interior architecture, design, design management, fashion and fashion management, a substantial body of investigative visual output in an appropriate medium, supported by written evidence, which articulates and identifies the innovative nature of the research work undertaken, may be substituted for a purely written thesis. In both circumstances, the written thesis is a standalone document that fully communicates the rigorous processes undertaken, the significance and originality of the contribution. It is a permanent record of all these elements.
Project supervisor
Selecting a PhD supervisor is a key step in your research journey. Our specialised faculty are experienced academics and respected industry professionals who provide expert guidance and mentorship throughout your programme. To learn more about our supervisors and their areas of expertise, explore their profiles below.
Entry requirements
Candidate criteria
- Candidates typically need a relevant undergraduate degree and a master’s degree. The subject and academic qualifications required vary depending on the doctoral inquiry.
- Interested applicants should complete the online application form, making clear on the form that you are applying to study at the Dubai Campus.
Applications and enquiries
If you have any questions about the application process, contact Professor Lynne Jack - l.jack@hw.ac.uk
English language requirements
If your first language is not English, we'll need to see evidence of your English language ability.
The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 6.0.
If you do not have IELTS 6.5, we offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement for this programme prior to commencing your studies.
For more information about your application and our English Language requirements, please see Section 10 of our page on English Language Requirements as part of your application.
Funding information
| Full Time | Part Time | |
|---|---|---|
| Local and International | AED 99,500 per year | AED 49,750 per year |
- All tuition fees inclusive of VAT.
Additional information
*All tuition fees inclusive of VAT
Scholarships and bursaries
See our range of degree entry, undergraduate, postgraduate taught and PhD scholarships and discounts.
We offer a number of competitive funded scholarships for research degrees. Full or partial support may be available for well-qualified candidates from UK research councils, research pools, charities or industry.
View our full range of scholarships.
Why Heriot-Watt
As the first British university to set up a campus in Dubai in 2005, we have established ourselves as a pioneer in the higher education market in the UAE. The three consecutive five-star ratings by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) is a testament to our reputation for world-class teaching.
The futuristic Dubai campus is designed to offer interactive and collaborative learning experiences with innovative classroom styles fostering group work and engagement like Collaborative lecture theatres, Digitally Classrooms and Seminar rooms. The campus also has dedicated cutting-edge laboratories and workshops that span various engineering disciplines along with Psychology, IT, Photography, Design and Architecture.
Our practical, leading-edge research combined with strong links to business and industry, have made our graduates highly employable and sought after by the best organisations worldwide, with over 90% in graduate-level jobs or further study within six months of graduation. On top of that, we have beautiful campuses, across the globe, so you'll get a truly international education through our Go Global programme.