Phd in

Learning and Developmental Disabilities

Our program preparing specialized cadres in learning and developmental disabilities aligned with global standards to serve Gulf societies

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How to apply

The doctoral program offers three specialized tracks: Learning Disabilities, Intellectual Disability, and Autism Spectrum Disorder, allowing students to pursue focused specialization based on their research interests and the needs of the educational field in the Gulf region.
The PhD program is committed to providing students with effective tools to actively engage in a range of theoretical, practical, and social activities to better understand and enhance the quality of life of individuals with disabilities. Graduates will be able to acquire advanced, up-to-date knowledge and conduct applied research in the field, addressing important issues regionally and globally.

distinguished by offering three specialized tracks: Learning Disabilities, Intellectual Disability, and Autism Spectrum Disorder

A Gulf-Focused Vision Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Balanced Integration of Theory and Practical Application.

Integration of Cognitive Sciences, Advanced Research, and Statistical Analysis.

Program

Specializations

The program offers three specialized tracks, allowing students to develop advanced expertise in their chosen field.

Learning Disablities

3-4 Years

preparing senior researchers and academic leaders in advanced diagnosis, intervention, and applied research in learning disabilities.

Only PhD specialisation in Learning Disabilities offered in the GCC region — built on a 52-credit-hour doctoral framework.
Advanced curriculum integrating biological-cognitive foundations of behaviour, statistics, and research methodology with specialised LD courses.
Embedded Response to Intervention (RTI) and diagnostic-remedial models reflecting current evidence-based practice.
Structured doctoral practicum in inclusive schools, connecting theory directly to applied field research.
Original doctoral dissertation contributing to regional and global scholarship in learning disabilities.

Intellectual disabilities

3-4 Years

preparing senior researchers and leaders in advanced rehabilitation, inclusion, and applied research in intellectual disability.

Only PhD specialisation in Intellectual Disability in the GCC region — built on a 52-credit-hour doctoral framework.
Integrated curriculum spanning rehabilitation, transitional services, pervasive developmental disorders, and inclusion.
Advanced assistive-technology component including Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) and cloud-computing applications.
Embedded doctoral practicum in specialised centres and inclusive schools across the Gulf region.
Original doctoral dissertation contributing to regional and global scholarship in intellectual and developmental disability.

AUTISM

3-4 Years

preparing senior researchers and clinical leaders in advanced assessment, intervention, and applied research in autism spectrum disorder.

Only PhD specialisation in Autism in the GCC region — built on a 52-credit-hour doctoral framework.
Integrated curriculum addressing developmental and behavioural characteristics of autism alongside inclusion and pervasive developmental disorders.
Strong emphasis on evidence-based intervention — including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and assistive technology.
Embedded doctoral practicum in autism-specialised centres and inclusive schools across the Gulf region.
Original doctoral dissertation contributing to regional and global scholarship in autism spectrum disorder.