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20260412890The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Communication and Media program was approved in 1447 AH (2025) under the Department of Journalism and Digital Media pursuant to the resolution of the University Council at its fourth meeting, held on 4 Jumada Al-Thani 1447 AH, corresponding to 25 November 2025. The program is an advanced academic offering designed to prepare distinguished researchers, academic leaders, and professionals with specialized knowledge and advanced research competencies in the fields of communication and media. It equips graduates to produce original scholarly research that enriches knowledge, fosters innovation, and provides evidence-based solutions to contemporary communication and media issues. The program is structured around four specialized tracks: Public Relations, Marketing Communication, Journalism and Digital Media, and Audio-Visual Production. These tracks promote the integration of theoretical foundations and practical applications, keep pace with the rapid developments in the communication and media sector, align with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, and address national development priorities as well as the evolving needs of local and international labor markets.
To prepare specialized researchers and academic leaders in Communication and Media who possess advanced knowledge, strong research competencies, and critical and innovative thinking skills, enabling them to produce original scholarly knowledge, advance media and communication practices, develop innovative research-based solutions to contemporary media and societal issues, and contribute to the knowledge economy and the enhancement of national competitiveness, in alignment with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
Preparing highly qualified researchers who contribute to enriching knowledge and producing outstanding scholarly research in the field of Communication and Media, thereby enhancing and improving the performance of academic and media institutions.
| Course Code | Course | Credits | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVP 731 | Writing for Audio-Visual Programs | 3 | – |
| Description | Focuses on writing scripts and content for audio-visual programs in accordance with professional standards and audience needs. | ||
| AVP 735 | Audio-Visual Content Analysis | 3 | – |
| Description | Covers methods and approaches for analyzing audio-visual content to interpret meanings, identify trends, and evaluate media messages. | ||
| AVP 736 | Audio-Visual Criticism | 3 | – |
| Description | Examines critical approaches to analyzing audio-visual works from artistic, aesthetic, and communication perspectives. | ||
| AVP 738 | Animation | 3 | – |
| Description | Introduces the principles of animation design and production and its applications in media, communication, and digital content creation. | ||
| AVP 740 | AI-Based Audio-Visual Content Creation | 3 | – |
| Description | Explores the use of artificial intelligence applications in producing, editing, and enhancing audio-visual content with efficiency and innovation. | ||
| AVP 745 | Documentary Film and Program Production | 3 | – |
| Description | Covers the planning, production, and directing of documentary films and programs based on professional and artistic standards. | ||
| JCOM 730 | Communication Theories and Applications | 3 | – |
| Description | Examines classical and contemporary communication theories and their applications in analyzing media and communication phenomena. | ||
| JCOM 731 | International Journalism | 3 | – |
| Description | Examines international journalism systems, contemporary issues, and their role in covering global events and shaping public opinion. | ||
| JCOM 732 | Qualitative Research Methods | 3 | – |
| Description | Focuses on designing and conducting qualitative research using appropriate data collection and analysis methods in media and communication studies. | ||
| JCOM 733 | Quantitative Research Methods | 3 | JCOM 732 |
| Description | Covers quantitative research design, measurement techniques, and statistical analysis for testing hypotheses and interpreting media research findings. | ||
| JCOM 735 | Social Media Platforms and Public Opinion | 3 | – |
| Description | Explores the role of social media platforms in shaping public opinion and analyzing digital interactions and audience trends. | ||
| JCOM 736 | News and Investigative Journalism | 3 | – |
| Description | Develops professional skills in news production and investigative reporting in accordance with journalistic standards and ethics. | ||
| JCOM 738 | Media Monitoring and Analysis | 3 | – |
| Description | Focuses on monitoring and analyzing media content to generate insights that support communication decision-making. | ||
| JCOM 739 | Practical Applications in Digital Media | 3 | JCOM 732, JCOM 733 |
| Description | Provides hands-on experience in applying digital media tools and technologies for content production, data analysis, and digital platform management. | ||
| JCOM 740 | Media Content Planning and Publishing | 3 | – |
| Description | Covers strategies for planning, producing, and publishing media content across multiple platforms to achieve communication objectives. | ||
| JCOM 745 | Software and Design for Digital Communication Technologies | 3 | – |
| Description | Explores software applications and digital design tools for creating effective communication and media content. | ||
| MRKC 731 | Marketing Communication Theories | 3 | – |
| Description | Examines major marketing communication theories and models and their applications in designing effective communication strategies. | ||
| MRKC 735 | Social Media and Big Data Analytics | 3 | – |
| Description | Focuses on analyzing social media and big data to generate marketing insights and support strategic decision-making. | ||
| MRKC 736 | Brand Communication Strategies | 3 | – |
| Description | Explores communication strategies that strengthen brand identity, image, and value among target audiences. | ||
| MRKC 738 | Consumer Behavior | 3 | – |
| Description | Examines the factors influencing consumer behavior and purchasing decisions and their applications in marketing communication. | ||
| MRKC 740 | Cross-Cultural Marketing Communications | 3 | – |
| Description | Examines marketing communication strategies that address cultural differences in local and international markets. | ||
| MRKC 745 | Integrated Marketing Communications | 3 | – |
| Description | Covers the integration of marketing communication tools to deliver consistent messages and maximize campaign effectiveness. | ||
| PR 731 | Strategic Communication | 3 | – |
| Description | Explores the planning and management of strategic communication to support organizational objectives and strengthen stakeholder relationships. | ||
| PR 735 | Public Relations Theories and Applications | 3 | – |
| Description | Examines contemporary public relations theories and their applications in communication management and organizational relationship building. | ||
| PR 736 | Public Relations Management | 3 | – |
| Description | Covers the planning, organization, and management of public relations activities and the evaluation of their effectiveness. | ||
| PR 738 | Public Opinion Analysis | 3 | – |
| Description | Focuses on measuring and analyzing public opinion and interpreting audience attitudes to support communication decision-making. | ||
| PR 740 | Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Public Relations | 3 | – |
| Description | Explores innovation and entrepreneurship in developing public relations services and sustainable communication solutions. | ||
| PR 742 | Collaborative Research in Public Relations | 3 | – |
| Description | Enables students to conduct collaborative research addressing applied public relations issues using scientific research methodologies. | ||
Executive Rules for the Research and Innovation Regulations at King Abdulaziz University
The Executive Rules for the Research and Innovation Regulations at King Abdulaziz University constitute a regulatory framework aimed at governing the implementation of the Regulations by defining the executive procedures and controls related to supporting and funding scientific research, managing research projects, organizing innovation programs, protecting intellectual property, stimulating scientific output, research partnerships, and follow-up and evaluation mechanisms, thereby strengthening the research and innovation environment, improving the quality of scientific outputs, and supporting the University’s competitiveness locally and internationally in accordance with the Regulations issued by the Council of Universities Affairs. The bylaw outlines the responsibilities and roles of the various entities involved in scientific research, procedures for submitting and approving research projects, criteria for evaluating research performance, management of funding and support, and intellectual property rights, in addition to encouraging both internal and external research collaboration. It also works to standardize research practices across different colleges and research centers, thereby enhancing the quality of scientific research, achieving the universities’ objectives, and supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
Artificial Intelligence Usage Guide and Policies in Education and Scientific Research at King Abdulaziz University
The Artificial Intelligence Usage Guide and Policies in Education and Scientific Research at King Abdulaziz University aims to establish a clear and comprehensive framework for the responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence technologies within the University’s academic and research environment. The guide outlines policies and procedures that ensure the integration of AI in ways that enhance the quality of education and scientific research, support innovation and creativity, while adhering to recognized ethical and academic standards. The guide includes the definition of roles and responsibilities for all relevant parties, instructions for using AI tools and technologies in teaching, assessment, and research projects, with a focus on data protection, intellectual property rights, and promoting transparency and academic integrity. It also contributes to standardizing practices and developing the digital competencies of students, researchers, and faculty members, ensuring that the use of AI aligns with the University’s mission, strategic objectives, and the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
Executive Rules for the Regulation Governing Graduate Studies in Universities at King Abdulaziz University
The Executive Rules for the Regulation Governing Graduate Studies in Universities at King Abdulaziz University constitute a regulatory framework aimed at governing the implementation of the Regulations by defining the executive procedures and controls related to admission to graduate programs, academic supervision, study plans, examinations, registration and defense of theses and dissertations, postponement, withdrawal, and discontinuation, graduation requirements, and follow-up and evaluation mechanisms, thereby regulating the academic and research process, improving the quality of graduate programs and their outputs, and enhancing fairness and transparency in the application of procedures in accordance with the Regulations issued by the Council of Universities Affairs. The executive rules define the responsibilities and tasks of all relevant parties, procedures for submission, review, and approval of research projects, mechanisms for funding and support, intellectual property rights, and criteria for evaluating research performance. They also ensure the standardization of research practices across different colleges and research centers, and facilitate the monitoring of scientific achievements, supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and enhancing the University’s standing in research and innovation.
Last Modified Date: 15/07/2026 - 5:13 PM Saudi Arabia Time
