The PhD in Design at Heriot-Watt University Dubai is for ambitious creative professionals looking to develop original, rigorous design research with relevance to the UAE, MENASA* and beyond.
The PhD in Design offers flexible, multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary pathways for researchers who want to explore design at the intersection of business, technology, culture, science and society. Students may pursue an independent research question or connect their work to Heriot-Watt’s wider research ecosystem, including Global Research Institutes, labs, centres and projects. For some candidates, creative design practice may be central to the research; for others, the PhD may be theoretical, strategic, technological, cultural, industry-focused or industry-based.
Research topics are shaped during the admissions process and confirmed on entry to the programme. Each project should align with the expertise of our academic staff, creating opportunities for students to connect with faculty research, specialist networks and, where appropriate, Heriot-Watt’s Global Research Institutes.
Accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in the UAE.
Admissions are OPEN.
If you are looking to shape what comes next across MENASA industries, societies, and communities, you can APPLY NOW – https://www.hw.ac.uk/dubai/study/september-starts
For further information: https://www.hw.ac.uk/dubai/study/research/design
*MENASA: Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia.
