• Aim

    The Doctor of Philosophy in Information Technology (PhD IT) programme aims to provide students with advanced scientific training in the field of Information Technology and the corresponding research methods, preparing them to conduct independent, high-quality scientific research across multiple contexts.

  • Programme Objectives

    • Develop a strong understanding of the theory and application of Information Technology, focusing on core areas such as IT management systems and interdisciplinary informatics.
    • Equip students with the skills to analyze, design, develop, and implement current and emerging information technologies.
    • Prepare students to conduct and manage high-quality, basic, and applied research.
    • Provide a solid grounding in academic teaching and professional practice.
    • Develop a strong foundation in multidisciplinary and emerging areas in Information Technology.

  • Admission, Progression, and Graduation Requirements

    • Applicants must hold a research-based Master’s degree in Information Technology, Information Systems, IT Management, Computer Science, or a related IT field from an accredited university.
    • Applicants with a non-research M.Sc./M.A. and at least 2 years of relevant professional experience in IT or Information Systems may also be considered.
    • All applicants must hold a first degree (minimum Second-Class Lower Division) from an accredited institution.
    • Shortlisted candidates will undergo an interview by the Doctoral Admission Committee before final selection.

  • Employment Opportunities

    The PhD in Information Technology prepares graduates for academic, research, and leadership roles across industries. Graduates may pursue careers such as:

    • Information Technology Researcher
    • Computing Services Director
    • Data Processing Manager
    • Director of Application Development
    • Director of Business Intelligence
    • Information Systems Director
    • IT Manager / IT Project Manager
    • Technical Services Manager
    • Database Designer
    • Information Technologist
    • Information Systems Manager
    • Enterprise Information Officer
    • Application Analyst

  • Consultations

    The PhD IT curriculum has been developed in consultation with industry partners, GCTU alumni in various professional sectors, and the Faculty Advisory Board. It reflects industry best practices and ensures alignment with emerging trends in Information Technology and research.

  • Programme Structure

    The PhD in Information Technology programme is completed within:

    • 48 months (4 years) for full-time students
    • 72 months (6 years) for part-time students

    It includes 3 core courses, 2 specialization electives, 3 seminars, and a thesis dissertation, totaling 64 credit hours.

    AREA# OF COURSESCREDIT HOURS
    Core Courses39
    Specialization Courses26
    Seminars39
    Thesis/Dissertation130
    Total964

    Core Courses

    COURSE CODECOURSE NAMECREDIT HOURS
    GCTU 701New Research Directions in Information Technology3
    GCTU 702Topical Issues in Research and Publication Ethics3
    GCTU 703Modern Philosophy of Information Technology3

    Specialization Areas and Courses

    A. Advanced Software Technologies

    CICS 701New Directions in Model-Driven Software Development3
    CICS 703Advances in Software Quality Engineering and Assurance3

    B. Human Computer Interactions

    CIIT 701New Directions in Interaction Design Modelling3
    CIIT 703New Directions in Experience Design for Ubiquitous Computing3

    C. Network Administration and Management

    CIIT 705Advances in Systems Security and Network Administration3
    CIIT 707Advances in Communication Networks and Protocols3

    D. Database Management

    CICS 705New Directions and Concepts in Database3
    CIET 701New Directions in Distributed Database3

    Research Component

    • Seminars I, II, III
    • Thesis/Dissertation

    Semester-by-Semester Schedule

    Year 1 – Semester 1

    • GCTU 701 – New Research Directions in Information Technology
    • GCTU 702 – Topical Issues in Research and Publication Ethics
    • GCTU 703 – Modern Philosophy of Information Technology

    Year 1 – Semester 2

    • CIIT 801 – Seminar I
    • Specialization Elective 1
    • Specialization Elective 2

    Year 2 – Semesters 1 & 2

    • CIIT 803 – Thesis/Dissertation
    • CIIT 801 – Seminar II

    Year 3 – Semesters 1 & 2

    • CIIT 803 – Thesis/Dissertation
    • CIIT 901 – Seminar III

    Year 4 – Semesters 1 & 2

    • CIIT 803 – Thesis/Dissertation (Final Submission)
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