PhD In Pharmaceutical Sciences
PhD in Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences
Advance to the highest level of pharmaceutical scholarship. The PhD in Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences is a 58 credit-hour doctorate — 22 CH of course work and a 36 CH research thesis — completed over 3–5 years, with Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacy Practice concentration streams. Admissions are open to students of all nationalities.
Program Overview
The PhD in Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences at RAK College of Pharmacy (RAKCOP) develops independent researchers and scholarly leaders for academia, industry and the healthcare sector. The program combines 22 credit hours of advanced course work with a 36 credit-hour research thesis, for a total of 58 credit hours, completed over 3 to 5 years.
Candidates pursue one of two concentration streams — Pharmaceutical Sciences or Pharmacy Practice — selecting concentration courses that align with the research area of their prospective thesis to ensure coherence between coursework and thesis objectives.
Degree Structure
Concentration Streams
Advanced nanotechnology, pharmaceutical technology & biotechnology, drug design, analytical techniques, natural products, molecular and experimental pharmacology, and regulatory toxicology.
Drug information and health systems, medication safety and pharmacoepidemiology, AI in clinical practice, personalized medicine, evidence-based chronic-disease strategies, and global health.
Program Goals
This research-intensive PhD program is designed to achieve the following goals:
- To develop innovative researchers addressing global healthcare challenges through advanced pharmaceutical sciences and interdisciplinary research methodologies.
- To bridge discovery with clinical practice by translating pharmaceutical sciences applications into therapeutic solutions.
- To shape policy leaders skilled in pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences frameworks.
- To champion ethical healthcare stewardship through sustainable practice, health equity advocacy, and culturally-responsive medication safety strategies.
Available PhD Supervisors
| S.No. | Name of the Faculty | Designation & Department | Areas of Research Interest |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Prof. Mohamed El-Tanani | Vice President for Research & Postgraduate Studies and Acting Dean – RAK COP |
|
| 2 | Dr. Syed Arman Rabbani | Professor & Chairperson, Department of Clinical Pharmacy & Pharmacology |
|
| 3 | Dr. Bhoomendra Bhongade | Professor & Chairperson, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry |
|
| 4 | Dr. Ikramy Abdelraheem Khalil Ibraheem | Professor & Chairperson, Department of Pharmaceutics |
|
| 5 | Dr. Sathvik Belagodu Sridhar | Professor, Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology |
|
| 6 | Dr. Areeg Anwer Ali Shamshier | Professor, Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology |
|
| 7 | Dr. Sirajunisa Talath | Professor, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry |
|
| 8 | Dr. Ahmed Moustafa Aly Mohamed Faheem | Professor, Department of Pharmaceutics |
|
| 9 | Dr. Mohammad Ali Radi Obeid | Associate Professor, Department of Pharmaceutics |
|
| 10 | Dr. Adil Farooq Wali | Associate Professor |
|
Use the tabs above to explore the full program outcomes, study plan and admission criteria.
Program Outcomes
On successful completion of this program, the graduate will be able to:
| A. Knowledge | |
| 1 | Synthesize advanced theoretical and applied knowledge in pharmacy & pharmaceutical sciences to address complex challenges in global and regional healthcare contexts. |
| 2 | Critique emerging research paradigms, methodologies, and interdisciplinary approaches redefining strategies for pharmaceutical innovation and patient outcomes. |
| 3 | Construct novel hypotheses and frameworks that address gaps in pharmaceutical research, policy, or practice, aligning with UAE healthcare priorities. |
| B. Skills | |
| 5 | Execute original, systematic research using advanced analytical, computational, experimental & clinical techniques contributing new knowledge to pharmacy & pharmaceutical sciences. |
| 6 | Analyze scientific literature and datasets identifying research gaps in the field of pharmacy & pharmaceutical sciences. |
| 7 | Disseminate complex research findings effectively to academic, professional, and public audiences through high-impact publications, conferences, and collaborative research platforms. |
| C. Responsibility | |
| 8 | Uphold scientific integrity and ethical principles in research and professional practice, ensuring compliance with international guidelines and UAE regulatory frameworks. |
| 9 | Lead initiatives promoting evidence-based, patient-centric care by integrating societal, cultural, and environmental considerations into pharmaceutical research and policy advocacy. |
| 10 | Champion lifelong learning and mentorship by engaging in continuous professional development and mentoring future pharmacy leaders. |
| 11 | Advocate for ethical, equitable, and sustainable healthcare solutions addressing regional and global health disparities. |
Study Plan
| Components | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Course Work | 22 |
| • Core Courses | 10 |
| • Concentration Courses | 12 |
| Thesis | 36 |
| Total Credit Hours | 58 |
Concentration Streams
| S.No. | Streams |
|---|---|
| 1 | Pharmaceutical Sciences |
| 2 | Pharmacy Practice |
Course Structure by Semester
Core Courses*
Credit Hours : 10
| Course Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PHD-ARB 811 | Advanced Research Methodology & Biostatistics | 2 |
| PHD-SWR 812 | Scientific Writing & Ethics in Research | 2 |
| PHD-LPP 813 | Leadership and Professionalism in Pharmacy | 2 |
| PHD-RSS 814 | Research Seminars | 2 |
| PHD-PJC 815 | Journal Club | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours | 10 | |
*Note: Core courses are mandatory for all students.
Concentration Courses*
Credit Hours : 12
PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES STREAM#
| Course Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PHD-PCS 821 | Advanced Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology | 3 |
| PHD-PCS 822 | Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology | 3 |
| PHD-PCS 823 | Advanced Pharmaceutical Biotechnology | 3 |
| PHD-PCS 824 | Current Approaches in Drug Design | 3 |
| PHD-PCS 825 | Advanced Analytical Techniques | 3 |
| PHD-PCS 826 | Natural Products in Drug Discovery | 3 |
| PHD-PCS 827 | Advanced Molecular Pharmacology | 3 |
| PHD-PCS 828 | Experimental Pharmacology & Drug Screening | 3 |
| PHD-PCS 829 | Regulatory Toxicology and Drug Safety | 3 |
#Note: PhD candidates in the Pharmaceutical Sciences stream must select 4 courses ( 3 CH each) from the 9 concentration courses listed above. The selection should align with the research area of their prospective thesis, ensuring coherence between coursework and the thesis objectives.
Pharmacy Practice Stream#
| Course Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PHD-CLP 821 | Drug Information and Health Systems | 3 |
| PHD-CLP 822 | Medication Safety and Pharmacoepidemiology | 3 |
| PHD-CLP 823 | AI in Clinical Pharmacy Practice | 3 |
| PHD-CLP 824 | Personalized Medicine in Chronic Diseases | 3 |
| PHD-CLP 825 | Evidence-Based Strategies in Chronic Disease | 3 |
| PHD-CLP 826 | Pharmacotherapy in Specialized Populations | 3 |
| PHD-CLP 827 | Global Health and Pharmacy Practice | 3 |
#Note: PhD candidates in the Pharmacy Practice stream must select 4 courses ( 3 CH each) from the 7 concentration courses listed above. The selection should align with the research area of their prospective thesis, ensuring coherence between coursework and the thesis objectives
| Course Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PHD-PHS 831 | Thesis | 9 |
| Course Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PHD-PHS 841 | Thesis | 9 |
| Course Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PHD-PHS 851 | Thesis | 9 |
| Course Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PHD-PHS 861 | Thesis | 9 |
Note:
• PhD candidates can select their research thesis topic according to their individual research interests, contingent upon faculty supervisor approval.
• Students may serve as Teaching or Research Assistants during the program.
Admission Criteria
Admissions are open to students of all nationalities based on the established admission criteria.
PhD in Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (3–5 Years program)
Admission Requirements
The applicant must:
- Hold a bachelor's degree in Pharmacy (BPharm/BSc/PharmD).
- Hold a master's degree in Pharmacy or related fields with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8 out of 4.0 or its equivalent.
Both degrees must be from universities recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education in the UAE.
Fee Structure
For detailed, up-to-date tuition and fee information for this program, please refer to the Fee Structure page.
Ready to start your PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences?
Speak to a named admissions counsellor, or apply before the next intake closes.