PhD in Urban and Regional Planning

History of the Program

The academic field of Urban and Regional Planning has a significant impact and plays a vital role in the implementation of national development plans worldwide.   Saudi Arabia realized the importance of this discipline early on and since 1970s has supported the advancement and growth of this crucial field in the Kingdom.   Urban and regional planners are intricately involved in the development of the social, economic, architectural assets as well as in the planning and construction of the Kingdom’s cities and villages. 

The Ph.D. program in Urban and Regional Planning began in 1426 AH/2005 CE.

Vision

To maintain a leading position in preparing the graduates of the Urban and Regional Planning PhD Program to effectively contribute to the process of sustainable and balanced spatial development.

Mission

To provide state-of-the-art knowledge, research, and professional skills to urban and regional planning doctoral students to augment their potential to enhance the life and environmental qualities of Saudi communities.

Values

Excellence, Professionalism, Creativity, Diversity, Team Spirit, Islamic and Local Culture, Social Responsibility.

Goals

1. Enhance and advance knowledge and skills.
2. Carry out meaningful research.
3. Offer high-quality community services.
4. Enhance human and professional competencies of all program affiliates.
5. Maintain a sustainable working environment for students and staff.
6. Promote an efficient administrative structure for the program.
7. Ensure economic competences in running the program.
8. Optimize the use of technological advancement in all program activities.

College

College of Architecture and Planning

Campus

Dammam

Track

Engineering

Level

Postgraduate

Degree

PhD

Years of study

3 (Not less than six semesters and not more than ten semesters.)

Program System:

Coursework and a dissertation.

Graduation Requirements:

• Compulsory courses credits: 12 Hours.
• Dissertation: 9 Hours

PhD in Urban and Regional Planning Guidebook

PhD in Urban and Regional Planning Student Prospectus

Terms of Admission:

• Applicants should either be citizens of Saudi Arabia or if they are not citizens, they must have been awarded an official postgraduate scholarship.
• Applicants should have a degree from a Saudi university or from an accredited university from outside the Kingdom. 
• Students must exhibit proper conduct, behavior and be medically fit.
• Applicants must provide two letters of recommendation from professors who have taught them.
• Master’s degree in the same field.
• Pass the English test IELTS (5) degree or its equivalent.