PhD
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Relations
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Relations at the College of International Justice (CI Justice) stands at the pinnacle of academic and research postgraduate education in strategic communication, corporate reputation management, and advanced persuasion...
Duration3 Years
Credit hours60
DegreePhD
Language of studyArabic
Terms6
About the program
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Relations at the College of International Justice (CI Justice) stands at the pinnacle of academic and research postgraduate education in strategic communication, corporate reputation management, and advanced persuasion science. It is engineered to prepare an elite cadre of jurists, scholars, senior communication advisors, and strategic public opinion analysts capable of producing original, groundbreaking scientific and communication research that advances mass communication theories, complex digital crisis management, and cross-border public diplomacy.Spanning three academic years (6 semesters), the programme follows a rigorous, structured progression. Candidates complete 9 advanced doctoral courses (36 credit hours) across the first three semesters: 4 compulsory courses in the First Semester (commencing strictly with Advanced Philosophical Research Methodology & Advanced Communicative Discourse Analysis), 4 specialized courses in the Second Semester, and 1 culminating course in the Third Semester accompanied by the Comprehensive Doctoral Examination. Upon passing the Comprehensive Exam, candidates transition in Semesters 4, 5, and 6 to concurrent completion of Practical & Academic Application (1, 2, 3) and Doctoral Dissertation (1, 2, 3), concluding with a public Viva Voce defense before an expert Jury Committee.
Vision
To stand as the premier global academic and research benchmark in graduating public relations and strategic communication scholars and jurists who drive innovation in communication thought and sustainable corporate reputation building, and uphold trust and global transparency through pioneering scientific research.
Mission
To provide a world-class research and academic ecosystem that integrates comparative philosophical and communicative depth, methodological rigor, and intelligent educational flexibility (Open, Virtual, and Blended Learning), empowering scholars to formulate original strategic theories and solutions bridging gaps in the structure of global corporate communication, while supplying universities, major multinational corporations, international agencies, and sovereign bodies with exceptional intellectual and communication leadership.
Objectives
- Original Knowledge Production & Innovation: Empower candidates to critique existing communication and PR paradigms and formulate novel strategic and specialized frameworks addressing gaps in corporate communication.
- Mastery of Philosophical & Comparative Methodology: Deepen scholars' command of advanced quantitative and qualitative research methodologies and communication philosophy to deconstruct complex public phenomena.
- Leadership in Strategic Communication & Crisis Management: Qualify senior experts capable of leading major communication campaigns, managing media crises and risks, and formulating communication policies for major entities.
- University Professorial Preparation: Prepare university professors and international lecturers skilled in academic delivery, curriculum design, and communication knowledge transfer through three dedicated Practical Application semesters.
- Foresight in Emerging Digital Communication Frontiers: Build scholarly capacity to regulate artificial intelligence in communication (PR Analytics), big data analytics, and digital influence diplomacy.
Educational philosophy
The College of International Justice adopts the philosophy of "Directed Research Autonomy and Data-Driven Critical Analysis of Corporate Reputation" at the doctoral level, resting on the following pillars:Three Flexible Learning Modalities: Candidates select the learning method best suited to their commitments among Open Learning, Virtual Learning, and Blended Learning, with options to accelerate studies after the first semester based on cumulative GPA or utilize summer semesters.Sequential Research Seminars: Each of the 9 courses carries 4 credit hours and is studied sequentially for a minimum of four weeks via intensive research seminars relying on authoritative treatises, empirical working papers, and global case studies, followed by a competency test before progressing to the next module.The Comprehensive Examination Milestone: Held in the third semester to verify holistic mastery of public relations, communication, and research methodology prior to dissertation candidacy.Integration of Dissertation & Academic Practice: Across Semesters 4, 5, and 6, candidates simultaneously write their doctoral dissertation under close supervision and complete virtual university teaching and workplace practice portfolios.
Learning outcomes
- Exhibit encyclopedic and profound mastery of the philosophy of strategic communication, advanced persuasion theories, and global public opinion architecture.
- Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of big data analytics tools in communication (PR Analytics), corporate reputation management, and international professional ethics.
- Exercise original intellectual and communication critique, deconstruct media discourses and targeted campaigns using rigorous scientific methodology.
- Deduce innovative communication theories, frameworks, and models to address complex crises and emerging digital challenges.
- Lead major advisory and communication teams, draft high-level strategic communication policy papers (Policy Papers), and manage international reputation campaigns.
- Master advanced university-level teaching and curriculum design, and author an original doctoral dissertation meeting the highest standards of peer-reviewed international scholarly publishing.
- Command authoritative persuasive argumentative proof, intellectual and academic leadership, complex media negotiation, and rigorous cross-cultural scholarly communication.
Career prospects
- Academia and Higher Education: Serving as University Professors, Chairs of Public Relations and Media Departments, and Deans of Faculties of Communication and Media at prestigious universities worldwide.
- Senior Corporate Communication Management: Assuming roles as Chief Communications Officer (CCO) and Senior Strategic Reputation Advisor in major multinational corporations.
- International PR & Advisory Agencies: Founding or managing major global public relations agencies, providing strategic consultancy in crises and major influence campaigns.
- International Organizations & Public Diplomacy: Directing communication and public diplomacy departments within the United Nations, international agencies, and regional unions.
- Think Tanks & Communication Policymaking: Directing media and public opinion research centers (Think Tanks), and chairing media and digital publishing legislative drafting committees.
Curriculum
Advanced Philosophical Research Methodology & Advanced Communicative Discourse Analysis 3 credit hours · DPR701Philosophy of Strategic Communication & Critique of Contemporary Persuasion Theories 4 credit hours · DPR702Advanced Strategic Management of Organizational Reputation & Image Building 4 credit hours · DPR703Governance of Sovereign and Strategic Crisis & Risk Communication 4 credit hours · DPR704
Advanced Big Data Analytics in Communication (PR Analytics) & Predictive Modeling 4 credit hours · DPR705International Public Diplomacy & the Philosophy of Digital Soft Power 4 credit hours · DPR706Strategic Government Communication, Public Affairs & Stakeholder Management 4 credit hours · DPR707Sustainable Social Responsibility & ESG Standards in Corporate Communication 4 credit hours · DPR708
Frequently asked questions
Is the College of International Justice officially licensed and accredited to award the PhD in Public Relations?
Without a doubt. CI Justice is fully accredited and shares its institutional and academic accreditations with International Suleiman University. Furthermore, the College is officially licensed by the UK Government to operate under classifications: 85421 (First-degree level higher education), 85422 (Post-graduate level higher education), 85600 (Educational support services), and 69109 (Activities of patent and copyright agents; other legal activities not elsewhere classified), holding official authority to provide academic programmes under verified registration ID: 10093951.
How was the academic faculty supervising the programme selected, and how are candidates guided in choosing their track?
Our academic staff was carefully selected through reviews of the CVs of more than 10,000 academics from all countries of the world, ensuring excellence in the educational process and enhancing cultural diversity. Our Guidance and Academic Center communicates with prospective students to provide full details, and within our initial admission system, we provide an intelligent tool that helps candidates choose the most suitable programme by answering questionnaire questions designed with data-driven paths, complemented by future-ready tools designed by practicing market experts.
What forms of flexibility exist regarding learning methods, study duration, tuition fees, and scholarships?
Flexibility is embedded throughout the programme. Scholars can choose the learning method that suits them best among three options: (Open Learning, Virtual Learning, and Blended Learning). After the first semester, high-achieving students may accelerate their study duration by registering for additional credits or taking an extra summer semester. Regarding tuition fees, students achieving a high cumulative GPA can obtain partial scholarships of up to 90%, and selected students from war and crisis-affected countries may be awarded a 100% full scholarship.
How are coursework, the Comprehensive Exam, Practical Application, and the Dissertation defense conducted?
The programme spans 6 semesters (3 years):Candidates complete 9 courses (36 credits) in the first three semesters via sequential research seminars (4 credits and min. 4 weeks per course followed by a competency test), sitting for the Comprehensive Exam in Semester 3.In Semesters 4, 5, and 6, candidates concurrently undertake Practical Application (1, 2, 3) (structuring and recording 10–20 minute PowerPoint video lectures and Word summaries for an undergraduate course, alongside workplace practice reports through our partnerships with major PR agencies and communication departments internationally) and Doctoral Dissertation (1, 2, 3).The dissertation is governed by semi-annual supervisor reports, a final supervisor evaluation (out of 140 marks), and individual reports from a three-member Jury Committee (out of 100 marks each). A minimum score of 70% in both the supervisor's evaluation and individual Jury reports (plus a 15-day interval post-committee approval) is required to proceed to the public defense.
Can prior university studies or professional qualifications be transferred? What support ecosystem is provided?
Yes. Through our Transfer of Accreditation process, both previous postgraduate university studies and a wide range of recognized professional qualifications can be counted toward this qualification—saving you time and money by reducing the number of units you need to study. Throughout your studies, you are supported by:A Personal Tutor for each unit: Guiding you, evaluating assignments, and providing detailed feedback.Our e-Library & High-Quality Resources: Access to university libraries, course texts, podcasts, interactive media, and weekly study planners.Student Support Teams & Online Help Centre: Educational groups, community forums, free Microsoft Office 365, and full IT support from our Computing Help Center.
Admission requirements
- Academic Qualification: Hold a Master's degree in Public Relations, Media, Strategic Communication, Journalism, or a closely related discipline from a recognized university.
- Guidance & Initial Admission Tool: The Guidance and Academic Center communicates with prospective candidates and provides a data-driven questionnaire tool within the initial admission system to help scholars select their optimal specialization pathway.
- Transfer of Accreditation: Prior postgraduate studies or recognized high-level professional qualifications (in communication or media) may be evaluated and credited toward the programme, saving time and tuition costs.
- Language & Research Readiness: Advanced proficiency in the language of study (Arabic or English) and submission of an initial Doctoral Research Concept Note.
Tuition & fees
Application fee$145.00
Start your academic journey today
Submit your application now and our admissions team will contact you to complete the process.
Apply to this programAdvanced Philosophical Research Methodology & Advanced Communicative Discourse Analysis
DPR701 3 credit hours Advanced
•Academic Description: Serving as the mandatory foundational cornerstone and the very first course for doctoral candidates in Public Relations, this module elevates scholars from traditional communication analysis methods to communication epistemology and critical research philosophy. The course delves into complex doctoral-level strategic research methodologies, encompassing philosophical doctrinal analysis, critical deconstruction of media and mass discourse, and comparative methodology in cross-cultural influence pattern studies. Candidates receive rigorous training in identifying genuine scholarly and analytical gaps within corporate communication literature, formulating complex communication problems, and constructing testable hypotheses using advanced data analysis tools. Furthermore, the course emphasizes systematic deconstruction of texts and media campaigns, alongside objective scholarly critique of prevailing theories. The module culminates in intensive practical training on engineering a comprehensive Doctoral Dissertation Prospectus, managing bibliographic and communication databases, and adhering to the highest standards of academic integrity and peer-reviewed international publishing (Scopus / Web of Science), delivered through intensive research seminars.
Philosophy of Strategic Communication & Critique of Contemporary Persuasion Theories
DPR702 4 credit hours Advanced
•Academic Description: This compulsory doctoral course centers on a profound philosophical, critical, and analytical investigation of the philosophy of strategic communication and the evolution of persuasion and mass influence theories in the digital age. Doctoral researchers deeply analyze the jurisprudential and philosophical debate between traditional communication explanatory models and modern critical schools (such as Frankfurt School theories, political economy of media, and social construction of reality theories). Scholars critically analyze the structure of digital public opinion within the algorithm environment and the effects of Echo Chambers and content filtering on communication freedom and attitude formation. Furthermore, the curriculum delves into evaluating credibility crises in new media, deconstructing complex psychological, neurological, and behavioral persuasion mechanisms, and formulating original theoretical paradigms explaining contemporary mass influence phenomena through deep comparative research seminars.
Advanced Strategic Management of Organizational Reputation & Image Building
DPR703 4 credit hours Advanced
•Academic Description: This doctoral module provides an anatomical, in-depth examination of the strategic management of organizational reputation and the long-term image building of sovereign institutions and major corporations. The course critically analyzes measurement models of Goodwill and corporate brand protection in highly competitive and volatile environments. Scholars delve into strategies for aligning corporate identity with complex stakeholder expectations (Stakeholder Theory), managing discrepancies between actual performance and perceived image. Furthermore, the curriculum deconstructs public expectation management strategies, countering smear campaigns, and re-engineering corporate identity post-major crises, enabling candidates to possess elite strategic analytical tools for managing institutional intangible assets through advanced research seminars and strategic case studies.
Governance of Sovereign and Strategic Crisis & Risk Communication
DPR704 4 credit hours Advanced
•Academic Description: This compulsory doctoral course addresses the strategic and governance engineering of crisis, disaster, and major risk communication at both institutional and sovereign levels. Researchers delve into analyzing advanced crisis response theories, engineering strategic media operations rooms, and managing "institutional and national narratives" amidst geopolitical storms and sweeping major scandals. The curriculum rigorously studies proactive risk assessment mechanisms, complex coordination among senior management, legal teams, security apparatuses, and regulatory bodies. Furthermore, scholars discuss the delicate dilemmas of communication during national emergencies, systematic rumor wars, and rebuilding trust post-catastrophic events through deep comparative research seminars.
Advanced Big Data Analytics in Communication (PR Analytics) & Predictive Modeling
DPR705 4 credit hours Advanced
•Academic Description: This doctoral course delves into the digital and econometric philosophy of big data analytics in communication (PR Analytics) and the deployment of Predictive Modeling. Researchers deeply analyze advanced Natural Language Processing (NLP) algorithms, Deep Sentiment Analysis, and pattern/semantic extraction from millions of digital interactions. The curriculum deconstructs methodological challenges in measuring true PR Return on Investment (ROI) and evaluating impact with quantitative and objective precision. Furthermore, scholars delve into utilizing public opinion trend forecasting models, anticipating shifts in public moods, and evaluating communication campaign efficacy using advanced statistical and analytical software through intensive research seminars.
International Public Diplomacy & the Philosophy of Digital Soft Power
DPR706 4 credit hours Advanced
•Academic Description: This course delivers an elite critical and applied examination of the philosophy of public diplomacy, mechanisms of shaping and utilizing Soft Power, and digital diplomacy applications in contemporary global politics. Doctoral scholars investigate the structural crisis of state image abroad, Nation Branding engineering strategies, and how to deploy international PR networks and cultural institutions to win the hearts and minds of cross-border audiences. The course deeply analyzes the role of social platforms and algorithms in geopolitical struggles and strategic influence wars, alongside systematic disinformation campaigns and state propaganda. Furthermore, it discusses the legal and ethical frameworks governing public diplomacy networks in multipolar international systems through critical, comparative research seminars.
Strategic Government Communication, Public Affairs & Stakeholder Management
DPR707 4 credit hours Advanced
•Academic Description: This course examines deeply the practices of strategic government communication, Public Affairs management, and engineering sustainable relations with vital stakeholders in the modern state. Researchers analyze organizational and institutional structures of government communication, strategies for marketing public policies and major national reforms, and managing public engagement via smart government platforms. Scholars delve into studying regulated mechanisms of political and regulatory lobbying, advocating for institutional and sectoral interests before legislative and executive authorities under standards of transparency and accountability. Furthermore, the curriculum discusses strategies for managing popular expectations during periods of economic and social transformation through advanced comparative research seminars.
Sustainable Social Responsibility & ESG Standards in Corporate Communication
DPR708 4 credit hours Advanced
•Academic Description: This course addresses the radical transformation in the philosophy of corporate communication toward integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes into the strategic narrative of organizations. Researchers deeply study how to formulate and communicate sustainability messages with credibility and reliability to convince investors, partners, and society, while avoiding perilous reputational traps such as "Greenwashing" which destructively harms corporate reputation. The curriculum analyzes standard international sustainability disclosure reporting, the role of PR in leading corporate green transitions, and building sustainable trust relationships with local and international communities through intensive research seminars and strategic case studies.
Legislative Communication Policies & Comparative Strategic Management Models
DPR709 4 credit hours Advanced
•Academic Description: Serving as the culminating coursework module prior to the dissertation phase, this course focuses on high-level legislative and communication engineering for designing and formulating institutional communication policies and comparative systems at national and international levels. Scholars deeply examine the technical and political mechanisms for crafting media laws, privacy protection, information sharing, and freedom of expression in the digital age. Candidates train in drafting and updating communication policies to counter publishing-related cybercrimes, and conducting Communicative and Legislative Impact Assessments of public policies prior to enactment, ensuring general awareness and sustainable corporate reputation, delivered via advanced research seminars.
Comprehensive Doctoral Examination in Public Relations
DPR710 0 credit hours Advanced
•Academic Description: Administered at the conclusion of the third semester upon successful completion of all nine coursework modules (36 credit hours), the Comprehensive Doctoral Examination (written and oral) assesses the scholar's holistic and profound mastery of the philosophical foundations, advanced communication and persuasion theories, reputation strategies, big data analytics (PR Analytics), and rules of strategic communication, alongside verifying methodological maturity and critical quantitative/qualitative analytical capability regarding global communication phenomena. Rather than testing rote memorization, this rigorous examination confronts the doctoral student with complex communication and institutional crises requiring the formulation of appropriate communication models, rebuttal of competing arguments, invocation of grand theories, and formulation of sound policy solutions. Passing the Comprehensive Examination is a mandatory prerequisite for advancing to formal "PhD Candidate" status and commencing the Doctoral Dissertation and Practical Application modules in the fourth semester.
Practical & Academic Application (1)
DPR711 6 credit hours Advanced
•Academic Description: Initiated in the fourth semester, this module marks the first phase of advanced practical and academic training designed to prepare the doctoral candidate as a university professor and practicing public relations and strategic communication expert. The College assigns the candidate an undergraduate academic course (such as Principles and Practices of Public Relations or Crisis Communication Management, alongside an applied communication portfolio leveraged through the College's extensive partnerships with major PR agencies and corporate communication departments across multiple countries). In this first part, the candidate designs a comprehensive syllabus and structures the first sequence of concise academic lectures. For each lecture, the candidate authors a rigorous written scholarly summary (Word format), accompanied by a professional voice-over video presentation (PowerPoint) lasting accurately between 10 and 20 minutes, alongside submitting a detailed report on their workplace communication practice—honing their university teaching and complex communication knowledge-transfer competencies.
Doctoral Dissertation (1): Theoretical & Methodological Grounding
DPR712 12 credit hours Advanced
•Academic Description: This module marks the formal commencement of the Doctoral Dissertation, undertaken concurrently with Practical Application (1) following the Comprehensive Examination. Working under the direct supervision of a senior faculty professor specializing in Public Relations and Strategic Communication, the candidate completes the official registration of the dissertation topic with the Faculty and University Councils. Research in this semester centers on conducting an exhaustive, multilingual literature, global corporate report, and theoretical review, refining the core research problem and hypotheses, and drafting the foundational first part/chapters of the dissertation dedicated to theoretical, communicative, and conceptual grounding, alongside defining the governing strategic framework. The academic supervisor closely monitors the candidate's methodological rigor and submits a semi-annual progress report detailing accomplishments and adherence to doctoral standards.
Practical & Academic Application (2)
DPR713 6 credit hours Advanced
•Academic Description: In the fifth semester, the doctoral candidate advances to the second phase of academic and professional training. The candidate develops and records the second sequence of lectures for the assigned undergraduate course, focusing on integrating applied case studies and live digital communication campaigns into both the written scholarly summaries (Word) and interactive video presentations (PowerPoint, 10–20 minutes per lecture). Additionally, the candidate trains in designing academic assessment instruments (hypothetical crisis management scenarios, big data communication analytical problems, and grading rubrics), co-moderating virtual seminars (Webinars), and submitting detailed workplace practice reports—solidifying their readiness as a university faculty member and senior international strategic communication expert.
Doctoral Dissertation (2): In-Depth Strategic, Applied & Comparative Reputation/Communication Analysis
DPR714 12 credit hours Advanced
•Academic Description: Representing the analytical and critical core of the Doctoral Dissertation, this fifth-semester module transitions the candidate from theoretical grounding to in-depth strategic, applied, and comparative reputation and communication analysis (the main substantive chapters of the dissertation). The candidate rigorously tests their research hypotheses by analyzing big data and media discourse, comparing communication strategies across institutions and global systems, and analyzing pertinent case studies and historical/contemporary communication precedents. At this stage, the scholar's independent academic voice must emerge prominently—critiquing prevailing literature, advancing original communication interpretations, and deducing novel strategic models or frameworks that resolve the core research problem. The supervisor continuously reviews the manuscript to ensure analytical depth and strategic originality, submitting the semi-annual progress report to the Faculty Council.
Practical & Academic Application (3)
DPR715 6 credit hours Advanced
•Academic Description: Concluding the practical and academic training track in the sixth semester, the candidate completes the final sequence of written summaries and video lectures for the assigned undergraduate course, yielding a complete, peer-reviewed instructional portfolio (12 to 14 model lectures in Word and PowerPoint Video formats) ready for university delivery. Furthermore, the candidate culminates this track by authoring a publishable scholarly paper derived from their research or delivering a comprehensive Doctoral Colloquium / Masterclass before faculty and peers, alongside submitting their final detailed workplace practice report—demonstrating full readiness for professorial appointments or senior corporate communication advisory and executive leadership upon graduation.
Doctoral Dissertation (3): Conclusions, Final Drafting & Public Defense
DPR716 12 credit hours Advanced
•Academic Description: This module represents the final culmination and public defense of the Doctoral Dissertation. The candidate drafts the concluding chapters, synthesizes verified strategic research findings, formulates actionable Strategic Communication Policy Recommendations and innovative corporate communication frameworks, and completes comprehensive linguistic and methodological editing of the final manuscript. Upon the supervisor's final review confirming fulfillment of statutory duration and originality standards, the supervisor submits a formal readiness report to the university administration (evaluating the candidate's performance out of 140 marks), accompanied by a signed copy of the dissertation and proposed names for the examining Jury Committee for Faculty Council approval. Following individual written evaluations by the three Jury members (out of 100 marks each—requiring a minimum score of 70% in both the supervisor's evaluation and individual Jury reports, and a minimum 15-day interval after committee approval), the candidate defends the dissertation in a Public Viva Voce Defense, concluding with a signed collective Jury report (out of 100 marks) conferring the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Public Relations.