Doctoral Programs
Pioneering Research and Innovation for Global Impact
United Nations University (UNU) offers advanced doctoral programs designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders, researchers, and innovators. Our doctoral programs emphasize rigorous academic research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and real-world applications. By providing a supportive and stimulating environment, UNU enables doctoral candidates to contribute to global knowledge and address critical challenges facing humanity. We offer five diverse doctoral programs in fields that are critical to sustainable development and global progress.
Programs Offered
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Overview: The EdD is for those who are eager to make substantial and original contributions to the development of educational knowledge in a broad range of educational settings including K-12 schools, colleges, universities and governmental organisations.
Programme features:
- A high-level academic study of a range of educational and professional issues
- Four tutored units and a supervised research component
- Will enable you to make a contribution to knowledge through unit assignments, and through your dissertation
- Focus on the interplay and relationship between professional practice and scholarship.
Requirements:
- An accredited Master’s degree in a relevant subject area. Students may be considered for doctorate study if their degree is in an unrelated field provided, they have relevant professional experience and can prove their ability to work at doctorate level. A wide range of international qualifications may also be considered. Students are advised to contact the Office of Admissions to find out more about the range of international academic qualifications accepted.
- Official Master’s degree transcripts
- Recognized proof of English proficiency if previous studies were not taught in the English language. Otherwise, an IELTS score 6.5 (with a minimum of 6.5 in the writing component and no individual component lower than 6.0) is required; or an English Placement Test result with a 6.5 equivalence (provided no score in each individual component is less than 6.0).
- Personal Statement of Statement of Purpose (minimum 500 words)
- Current CV
- Two official letters of recommendation (one of which must be academic)
- Research proposal or project outline
- Evidence of ability to undertake independent research
All applicants who satisfy the above-listed requirements are invited to an interview where a final admission decision will be made.
Curriculum:
Foundation Courses
- Induction Module
Core Units
- Educational Research: Philosophy and Practice
- Managing Teaching and Learning Methods
- Educational Policy: Theory and Practice
- Educational Management, Leadership and Administration
- EdD Comprehensive Examination
- EdD Dissertation (Part 1)
- EdD Dissertation (Part 2)
- EdD Dissertation (Part 3)
- EdD Dissertation (Part 4)
- EdD Doctoral Dissertation Examination
Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA)
Overview: This programme aimed at outstanding managers, who hold a master’s degree or equivalent, or have many years of managerial experience and want to enhance their professional practice by combining academic rigour and managerial relevance. The goal is to contribute to the state of the art knowledge in their chosen area of study through management research within current and future work settings.
Core Courses:
- Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods
- Current Issues in Management
- Leadership
- Strategic Management
- DBA Dissertation (Part 1)
- DBA Dissertation (Part 2)
- DBA Dissertation (Part 3)
- DBA Dissertation (Part 4)
Program Outcome:
- Develop a sound understanding of the relevant conceptual and theoretical underpinnings of your chosen area of research into business and management
- Have a detailed understanding of applicable techniques for research and advanced academic and management enquiry
- Create and interpret knowledge through original research. Enhance both your performance as a reflective practitioner and your professional practice
- Develop personal, consultancy and research competencies to undertake rigorous research at an advanced level that contributes to theory and practice in business and management
Doctor of Philosophy
Overview: This rigorous and research-intensive program offers students the opportunity to engage in original research, develop expertise in their chosen field, and prepare for leadership roles in academia, industry, and public service. UNU’s PhD program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches and global perspectives, fostering innovation and addressing complex global challenges.
Requirements:
- Master’s degree in Public Health or a related field
- Minimum GPA of 3.5
- Research proposal
- Three letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
Requirements for International Applicants:
- Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS)
- Translated and certified academic transcripts
Core Courses:
- Advanced Research Methods (4 credits)
- Theoretical Foundations (4 credits)
- Ethics in Research (4 credits)
- Global Perspectives in Research (4 credits)
- Interdisciplinary Approaches (4 credits)
Elective Courses :
- Climate Change and Sustainability (4 credits)
- Health Policy and Management (4 credits)
- Economic Development and Policy (4 credits)
- Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding (4 credits)
- Advanced Data Analytics (4 credits)
Dissertation Research :
- Dissertation Proposal (4 credits)
- Dissertation Research (16 credits)
Ed.D. in Instructional Leadership
Overview: This program equips students with advanced skills in instructional leadership, curriculum development, and educational policy. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, graduates will be prepared to lead and transform educational institutions, influence policy, and improve teaching and learning outcomes at local, national, and international levels.
Requirements:
- Master’s degree in International Relations or a related field
- Minimum GPA of 3.5
- Research proposal
- Three letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
Requirements for International Applicants:
- Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS)
- Translated and certified academic transcripts
Core Courses:
- Foundations of Instructional Leadership (4 credits)
- Advanced Curriculum Design (4 credits)
- Educational Research Methods (4 credits)
- Leadership and Organizational Change (4 credits)
- Instructional Supervision and Coaching (4 credits)
- Educational Policy and Reform (4 credits)
- Diverse Learning Environments (4 credits)
- Ethics and Leadership in Education (2 credits)
Elective Courses:
- Technology Integration in Education (4 credits)
- Leadership in Early Childhood Education (4 credits)
- Assessment and Accountability (4 credits)
- Global Perspectives in Education (4 credits)
- Special Education Leadership (4 credits)
Capstone Project:
- Capstone Project Proposal (4 credits)
- Capstone Project Implementation and Evaluation (14 credits)
At UNU, our doctoral programs are designed to foster intellectual growth, promote innovative research, and prepare candidates for impactful careers. Join us to contribute to meaningful change and advance knowledge in your field of study.