PhD in Earth Sciences

The PhD in Earth Sciences is a research doctorate at Sultan Qaboos University (College of Science). The degree centres on a thesis that reports original work of suitable merit and shows that the candidate has mastered the relevant research methodology and can carry out independent research. The research problem is normally settled with a supervisor when the candidate applies. The thesis is expected to add meaningfully to knowledge in earth sciences, and the programme looks for evidence of that in at least one paper that has been published, or accepted, by a specialised international refereed journal. Material already submitted for another degree, at the university or elsewhere, cannot be reused for assessment. The programme sets no minimum amount of coursework. Even so, the thesis committee may require particular courses where it judges them useful for the candidate, and these must be finished during the first year.