Gulf University Opens Admission to PhD Programs in Business Management and Mass Communication

Gulf University is now accepting applications for two new PhD programs starting Fall 2026–2027: the PhD in Business Management (Arabic & English) and the PhD in Mass Communication (Arabic).

Approved by Bahrain’s Higher Education Council, both programs follow a fully research-based model — no coursework. From day one, researchers develop an original thesis project under specialised academic supervision, moving through structured research stages toward defence.

Prof. Mohanad Ismail Al-Firas, President of Gulf University, affirmed the University’s pride in the Higher Education Council’s approval to offer the two programs, noting that their launch forms part of the University’s commitment to advancing scientific research and producing knowledge that serves economic and media institutions and supports the knowledge-based economy.

We have chosen an integrated research model that enables the researcher to engage, from the very beginning of the journey, in an authentic scholarly project that serves both discipline and sector, and delivers tangible academic and professional impact.

The duration of study in both the PhD in Business Management and the PhD in Mass Communication is three years, with the possibility of extension in accordance with the approved regulations. The PhD in Business Management is delivered in Arabic and English and comprises six structured research stages, with a requirement to publish two scholarly papers, while the PhD in Mass Communication is delivered in Arabic. Both programs admit students in the Fall and Spring semesters.

The two programs aim to prepare researchers and leaders capable of producing original knowledge and developing innovative solutions and practices in the fields of management and media, opening horizons for graduates in academia, scientific research, leadership and specialised consultancy.

The University President invited academics, professionals and leaders across the public and private sectors who meet the approved admission requirements to apply to the two programs, affirming that the University provides a research environment and specialised academic supervision that support the researcher throughout the scholarly journey.

Applications for enrolment are subject to the approved admission requirements and criteria of the two programs and are assessed in accordance with the academic procedures in force at the University.

It is worth noting that Gulf University is an educational institution in the Kingdom of Bahrain, accredited by the Higher Education Council in accordance with Higher Education Law No. (3) of 2005, comprising four colleges: the College of Engineering, the College of Administrative and Financial Science, the College of Communication and Media Technologies, and the College of Law. Its programs hold professional recognitions from several international bodies. The University was recently shortlisted in two categories at the Times Higher Education Awards Arab World 2026 and received the Best Website Award in the private sector category at the 2025 eGovernment Excellence Awards.

Registration Is Now Open

Registration is now open for enrolment in the two doctoral programs for the Fall and Spring semesters.

The University welcomes interested applicants to visit its campus in Sanad to learn about the programs and facilities.