College of Communication and Media – King Abdulaziz University

PhD Admission Test (Academic Track)

Academic PhD Program Admission Test Information – Second Semester, Academic Year 1448 AH

Test Date: Wednesday, November 18, 2026

Test Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Examination Venue

No.	Applicants	Examination Venue
1	Male Applicants	College Building (155): Computer Laboratories (First Floor – Lab 225, Second Floor – Lab 324)
2	Female Applicants	Building (3), Ground Floor, Room 303 (Female Campus)

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Exam Topics and Recommended References

(Candidates are encouraged to consult other relevant references for all topics.)

I. Communication and Media Theories

• Communication Theories: Philosophical Perspectives and Practical Applications
  Author: Prof. Mohammed Al-Qaari
• New Media and Public Relations Theories
  Authors: Dr. Afnan Qutb & Dr. Alaa Al-Sheikh

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II. Research Methods in Media and Communication

• Research Design: Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches
  Author: John W. Creswell
  Arabic Translation: Dr. Abdulmohsen Al-Qahtani, Kuwait University

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III. Specialized Knowledge

(Applicants should prepare for one of the following tracks.)

Marketing Communication

• Consumer Behavior: A Functional and Applied Approach
  Author: Ali Falah Muflih Al-Zoubi

Journalism and Digital Media

• Journalism and Digital Media in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
  Authors: Dr. Ahmed Ali Al-Zahrani & Dr. Marwa Attia Mohammed

Visual and Audio Production

• Writing for Television, Radio, and New Media
  Author: Robert Hilliard
  Arabic Translation: Moayad Hassan Fawzi

Public Relations

• Corporate Communication and Government Communication
  Author: Dr. Ahmed Al-Arfaj

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IV. Analytical and Critical Thinking Skills

(Media Case Study)

Applicants are expected to demonstrate analytical and critical thinking skills in addressing media-related phenomena, issues, or problems through a case study.

Topics

I. Communication and Media Theories

• Effects Approach Theories
• Functional Approach Theories
• Cognitive Approach Theories
• Systems Analysis Approach Theories
• New Media Approach Theories
• Integrated Approach Theories

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II. Research Methods in Media and Communication

• Quantitative Research Methods
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Mixed Methods Research

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III. Specialized Knowledge in Communication and Media

(Focus on one specialization only.)

• Journalism and Digital Media
• Public Relations
• Marketing Communication
• Visual and Audio Production

 

Department Contact:

Email:
fcm-jcom@kau.edu.sa

Telephone:
+966 12 695 0000

Extension:
41154