PhD Program in Diplomacy and International Relations
Political and Strategic Studies Center (PSSC)
Program Introduction
The Center for Political and Strategic Studies seeks to be a leader in graduating qualified scientific and professional competencies capable of practicing work in the field of diplomacy and international relations with a high level of transparency, quality and proficiency, in a way that contributes to partnership in the development of society.
Vision
Aspire for the Master’s Program in Diplomacy and International Relations to be a leading academic beacon in the Middle East, contributing to the preparation of qualified leaders and high competencies in the field of international politics. We believe that integrated education and effective research can make a difference in promoting global peace and justice.
Mission
The program aims to:
Develop specialized expertise in the field of diplomacy and international relations, capable of meeting societal needs and keeping pace with emerging political phenomena.
Encourage innovation in research and specialized studies in diplomacy and international relations, and keep abreast of continuous developments.
Provide research, consulting, and training services in the field of diplomacy and international relations.
Foster communication with relevant institutions and centers, both domestically and internationally, to exchange expertise and enhance performance in the field of diplomacy and international relations.
Create opportunities for academic and research growth for those wishing to pursue postgraduate studies in diplomacy and international relations to obtain a doctorate.
Goals
The program aims to:
Develop specialized personnel in various scientific and research fields within diplomacy and international relations.
Equip students with the technical and cognitive skills necessary to meet the needs of diplomatic and consular missions.
Strengthen community partnerships and exchange academic expertise with similar programs locally and regionally.
Achieve academic quality and apply its standards in the inputs, processes, and outputs of the diplomacy and international relations program.
Program curriculum
Course Name | Course code | Credit Hours | Notes |
Seminar | ـــــــ | 4 | |
Research Plan | ـــــــ | 5 | |
Publication of Two Research Papers | ـــــــ | 12 | |
Doctoral Dissertation | ـــــــ | 21 | |
Total | ـــــــ | 42 |
Graduate specifications
A graduate of the PhD program in Diplomacy and International Relations should be able to:
Analyze political and diplomatic issues arising from practical realities.
Master the fundamentals and methodologies of scientific research.
Use modern technological tools and techniques in the fields of politics, diplomacy, and international relations.
Empower themselves to evaluate, compare, and differentiate between topics relevant to the work of politicians and diplomats.
Understand the challenges and threats facing the national, Arab, and Islamic worlds.
Develop solutions to political problems presented to them.
Accomplish professional ethical values relevant to work in the field of politics and international relations.
Have the skills to communicate effectively with relevant stakeholders and make informed decisions based on available information.
Program graduation requirements
The total number of credit hours required for graduation is 42.
The doctoral dissertation proposal preparation phase for students without any prerequisite courses begins immediately upon acceptance into the program, provided they attend a minimum of four (4) seminars held by the department for Master’s and Doctoral students.
The student must publish two research papers in two peer-reviewed scientific journals, in accordance with the criteria set by the Council of Graduate Studies and Scientific Research at Sana’a University. One of these journals must be internal, and the other external.
The student is required to attend 75% of the seminar sessions held by the department for Master’s and Doctoral students during the period from the registration of their dissertation proposal until the department council approves the formation of the dissertation examination committee.
The minimum timeframe for the doctoral dissertation defense is six semesters (3 years). This period is calculated from the date of the department’s minutes registering the dissertation proposal to the date of the department’s minutes forming the examination committee. The doctoral dissertation must be written in the student’s specialization and approved by the examining committee appointed by the relevant department, in accordance with university regulations.
The student’s registration will be cancelled if five academic years have passed since the date of the department council’s approval of their dissertation plan without obtaining a PhD in Diplomacy and International Relations, or if the dissertation supervisors submit three consecutive quarterly reports stating the student’s inability to complete their dissertation, and this is approved by both the department and center councils.
Program Admission Requirements
The program’s admission requirements are as follows, noting only those conditions not stipulated in the university’s Unified Regulations for Graduate Studies and their Implementing Rules:
Applicants to the PhD program in Diplomacy and International Relations must hold a Master’s degree in the same specialization from a recognized university with a minimum overall grade of “Very Good,” and must meet the admission criteria according to the university’s regulations.
Applicants must successfully pass written competitive examinations in their field of specialization and in other areas determined by the department and center, in cases where the number of applicants exceeds the program’s capacity, and in accordance with the regulations and guidelines for graduate studies at Sana’a University.
Applicants must pass a personal interview for the program conducted by a committee of three faculty members nominated by the department head and approved by the center’s director.
Applicants must not have been dismissed from any other university for disciplinary reasons.
Applicants must fulfill the financial obligations stipulated by the center and the university.
Any other conditions determined by the department and center.
Other conditions
Passing the Diplomacy and International Relations Aptitude Test – Personal Interview
Original educational qualification certificate with a certified copy, or its equivalent from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
Original academic transcript (original grade report), with a certified copy from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
Copy of national ID card (for Yemenis), and copy of passport and most recent residency permit (for non-Yemenis).
Recent passport-size photos (64p) with a white background.
Completion of the postgraduate application form.
Original certificate of good conduct with a certified copy.
Two academic letters of recommendation from those who have previously taught the applicant (original).
Approval from the employer to pursue studies (for employees).
Any other requirements specific to the specialization, as determined by the academic department.