Home
Programs
Doctor of Philosophy in Social Sciences
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social Sciences
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social Sciences is a three-year, research-intensive doctoral programme designed to produce globally competitive scholars, policy analysts, and practitioners able to address complex governance, political, diplomatic, and security challenges in Somalia, the Horn of Africa, and internationally.
Introduction
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social Sciences is a three-year, research-intensive doctoral programme designed to produce globally competitive scholars, policy analysts, and practitioners able to address complex governance, political, diplomatic, and security challenges in Somalia, the Horn of Africa, and internationally. The programme offers two specializations while sharing a common doctoral core that strengthens interdisciplinary depth, research capacity, and policy relevance.
The programme emphasizes original research, academic publishing, and policy engagement, and prepares graduates for academic careers, public leadership, diplomacy, and roles in multilateral and development organizations.
This PhD responds to the pressing need for high-level expertise in international relations and diplomacy in Somalia, the Horn of Africa, and beyond. It positions graduates to contribute meaningfully to academia, foreign policy, peacebuilding, and international cooperation. In line with leading global standards from institutions such as Makerere University, the University of Nairobi, the University of the Witwatersrand, and Harvard University, the program emphasizes original research, academic publishing, and policy relevance.
In Somalia and across the region, demand for highly skilled IT professionals continues to grow as governments, businesses, and development organizations increasingly rely on digital infrastructure. The MIT program responds to this need by producing graduates equipped to design, implement, and manage innovative IT solutions that support socio-economic growth and competitiveness.
Doctoral Timeline and Graduation Requirements
2.1 Program Timeline (Structured Progression)
Coursework: Students complete all core and elective courses within the first two semesters of enrollment (minimum 29 credit units).
Comprehensive/Qualifying Examination: Ideally completed by the end of Semester Three (or Semester Four where necessary). The examination assesses mastery of social science theory, research methodologies, and the student’s specialization.
Research Proposal: By the end of Semester Four, students present and defend their proposal before the Doctoral Committee. Upon approval, candidates proceed to full dissertation research.
Progress Monitoring: Candidates submit an end-of-semester progress report and participate in doctoral committee progress meetings chaired by the supervisor. Candidates must successfully participate in at least three (3) out of five (5) progress meetings during candidature.
Dissertation and Defense: The dissertation is examined by internal and external examiners, followed by a public oral defense (viva voce) before the SIMAD Doctoral Jury.
2.2 Graduation Requirements
Coursework: Successful completion of all prescribed courses (minimum 29 CU) and maintenance of a minimum CGPA of 3.0/4.0.
Examinations and Colloquia: Successful completion of the Comprehensive Examination and active participation in doctoral colloquia, seminars, and progress jury meetings.
Dissertation: Approval of the proposal by the Doctoral Committee; completion of original, independent research that makes a significant scholarly contribution; and successful public defense.
Language Proficiency: Adequate English proficiency (language of instruction). Accepted tests and minimum scores: Cambridge Linguaskill B2; IELTS Academic 6.0; TOEFL iBT 72.
Publications and Dissemination: Publication of at least two (2) scholarly articles in peer-reviewed journals indexed in Scopus, Web of Science, or equivalent databases, and presentation of findings at least once at a regional or international academic conference.
Ethical and Professional Standards: Compliance with SIMAD Research Ethics Committee protocols and maintenance of high academic integrity and professional conduct.
Clearance and Certification: Financial and School clearance; recommendation by the Doctoral Committee and approval by the University Senate.
Curriculum Structure
To ensure a coherent PhD in Social Sciences with shared foundations and clear specialization depth, the curriculum is organized into:
- Common Core Courses (shared by both specializations), including the research and academic writing core.
- Specialization Track Requirements (one required track course).
- Specialization Electives (students select two electives from their chosen track).
Total coursework: 29 credit units (CU), completed within Semesters 1 and 2.
3.1 Credit Unit Composition
Component | Credit Units (CU) | Notes |
Common Core (shared) | 23 | Includes research and academic writing core (DOC courses) |
Track required course | 3 | One required course per specialization |
Track electives | 6 | Choose 2 electives (3 CU each) from the selected specialization |
Total | 29 | Completed in the first two semesters |
4. Common Core Courses (Shared by Both Specializations) – 23 CU
4.1 Research and Academic Writing Core
Code | Course | CU |
DOC 9101 | Philosophy Methods | 4 |
DOC 9102 | Advanced Research Methods | 4 |
DOC 9103 | Academic Writing and Critique | 3 |
4.2 Social Sciences Doctoral Core
Code | Course | CU |
DSS 9101 | Advanced Social Science Theory | 3 |
DSS 9102 | Contemporary Issues in Global Politics and Governance | 3 |
DSS 9103 | Politics and Society in the Horn of Africa | 3 |
DSS 9104 | Global Governance and International Organizations | 3 |
5. Specialization: International Relations and Diplomacy (IRD)
5.1 Track Required Course – 3 CU
Code | Course | CU |
IRD 9101 | Theories of International Relations | 3 |
5.2 IRD Elective Pool (Choose 2 electives – 6 CU)
Code | Course | CU |
IRD 9201 | Somali Foreign Policy | 3 |
IRD 9202 | International Security and Strategic Studies | 3 |
IRD 9203 | Diplomacy, Negotiation and Mediation | 3 |
IRD 9204 | Regional Integration and International Cooperation | 3 |
IRD 9205 | International Political Economy | 3 |
6. Specialization: Political Science (POL)
6.1 Track Required Course – 3 CU
Code | Course | CU |
POL 9101 | Advanced Political Theory and Analysis | 3 |
6.2 Political Science Elective Pool (Choose 2 electives – 6 CU)
Code | Course | CU |
POL 9201 | Comparative Politics and Political Institutions | 3 |
POL 9202 | Governance, Public Policy and State-Building | 3 |
POL 9203 | Federalism, Decentralization and Intergovernmental Relations | 3 |
POL 9204 | Elections, Parties and Democratic Processes | 3 |
POL 9205 | Political Economy of Development | 3 |
- Building a cadre of well-trained academics and professionals capable of contributing to peace, governance, and development.
- Bridging academia and practice by producing research that informs both scholarly debate and real-world policymaking.
- Enhancing Somalia’s engagement in regional and global diplomacy, contributing to the African Union, East African Community, United Nations, and other international organizations.
- Aligning with Somalia’s National Development Plan (NDP-9) and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and SDG 4 (Quality Education).
Suggested Semester Layout
The layout below is a recommended distribution. The programme may adjust sequencing based on delivery capacity, while maintaining the 29 CU requirement in the first two semesters and keeping DOC courses unchanged.
Semester 1
- DOC 9101 Philosophy Methods (4 CU)
- DOC 9102 Advanced Research Methods (4 CU)
- DOC 9103 Academic Writing and Critique (3 CU)
- DSS 9101 Advanced Social Science Theory (3 CU)
- Track Required Course: IRD 9101 or POL 9101 (3 CU)
Semester 2 (Suggested)
- DSS 9102 Contemporary Issues in Global Politics and Governance (3 CU)
- DSS 9103 Politics and Society in the Horn of Africa (3 CU)
- DSS 9104 Global Governance and International Organizations (3 CU)
- Two Track Electives (6 CU)
Admission Requirements
- A master’s degree in International Relations, Political Science, Diplomacy, Peace and Conflict Studies, Development Studies, Public Policy, Governance, or a closely related field from a recognized university.
- A strong academic record with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 (or equivalent). Exceptional applicants with strong professional achievements may be considered.
- Submission of a concept note (approximately 2,500 words) outlining the research problem, objectives, theoretical framework, and methodology.
- Certified copies of academic transcripts and degree certificates.
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) outlining academic, professional, and research experience.