Degree's Name:

Doctor of Philosophy in Sport Sciences and Physical Activity / Exercise Physiology

Program’s Language:  Arabic

Significance and Justifications of Program Creation

1. The need to develop research studies in the various fields of sports sciences and physical activity

2. The lack of doctoral programs in the field of sports sciences and physical activity at the level of Saudi universities; therefore. this program will have scientific, academic and professional leadership locally

3. To contribute to implementing the Saudi vision 2030 aiming at building a vibrant society that provides a healthy and balanced pattern for all members of society as one of the elements of quality of life by expanding the construction of sports facilities and utilities, encouraging sports of all kinds in order to achieve sports excellence at the local and global levels so as to rank among the best competitors in the field, and creating a wide range of cultural, social, volunteer and sports activities by empowering the educational, cultural and entertainment system

4. The urgent need to prepare distinguished cadres at the doctoral level in the fields of sports sciences and physical activity in order to improve the quality of performance of various sports and entertainment institutions in accordance with international standards

5. The high demand for master’s graduates of sports sciences and physical activity and their desire to complete their higher studies and obtain a doctorate degree

Program’s Vision

To be distinguished and attain leadership at the academic, research and advisory levels in the fields of sport sciences and physical activity, nationally and regionally

Program’s Mission

To provide an educational, scientific and research environment capable of qualifying specialized cadres having competitive abilities in the fields of sport sciences and physical activity, those who are equipped with modern knowledge and skills and able to conduct distinguished scientific research that would contribute to building a knowledge society and solving sports problems as well as meeting societal requirements in this specialization, which would reflect positively on improving the sports environment in society

Program’s Objectives

1. Providing students with distinguished educational experiences in the fields of sports sciences and physical activity in accordance with local and international standards that would develop their professional practices

2. Developing students’ abilities to think critically and solve various sports problems society may face

3. Providing scientific research that is original and innovative that would add to the literature of scientific research in the fields of sports sciences and physical activity at the national, regional and global levels

4. Preparing distinguished professionals qualified to work in the various fields of sports sciences and physical activity, those who possess the tools of scientific research and its applications

Program’s Outcomes

Knowledge and Comprehension:

o Gaining in-depth knowledge in the fields of sport sciences and physical activity and their applications

o Supporting and developing the fields of sport sciences and physical activity in accordance with the global academic development in these fields

o Understanding the ethics of scientific research and how to apply them using scientific evidence

o Familiarity with emerging issues in the fields of sport and physical activity sciences and potential challenges to these issues in relation to current practices and generally accepted outcomes

o Being able to analyze and critique theories and research in related fields and contributing to adding new knowledge and interpreting it primarily for professional practice

o Understanding and evaluating the statistical analysis tools necessary to conduct distinguished original research

B- Mental Skills:

o The ability to think critically and creatively in analyzing and evaluating information in the fields of sport sciences and physical activity

o The ability to propose solutions to problems relevant to the fields of sport sciences and physical activity

o The ability to evaluate scientific reports and research in the fields of sports sciences and physical activity

o The ability to design advanced research and development projects to address complex sports issues
o Acquiring the skills of persuasion and scientific description as well as preparing and presenting research findings

C- Professional and Practical Skills:

o The ability to plan, implement and evaluate sports and entertainment programs and prepare technical advisory recommendations

o The ability to use modern technologies and methods to improve professional practices in the fields of sport sciences and physical activity

o Being able to work in research teams in a variety of disciplines in the fields of sport sciences and physical activity

o Effective communication with the relevant institutions and authorities and interacting with them in appropriate ways according to professional ethics

o Enhancing the capacity for self-learning and continuing to develop personal and professional skills

o Showing professional and academic values ​​while performing work

D- General Skills:

o Developing the ability to communicate effectively through oral presentations, research work and written reports

o Excellence in education and leadership in the fields of sport sciences and physical activity

o Self-development and guidance for continuous professional development

o Applying professional rules and standards fairly and equitably

o Professional competition with integrity and honesty

o Self-analysis of one’s personal and intellectual potential

o Contributing to directing society towards achieving social and development goals

o Dealing positively with individuals of different cultures within the community

o Making prompt and urgent decisions in a sound manner

Program’s Beneficiaries:

Holders of a master's degree in various disciplines of sport sciences and physical activity from universities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia or from foreign universities accredited by the Ministry of Education

Workers in various relevant ministries and institutions concerned with sport science and physical activity

Workers in the academic field at universities, government and private institutes, and research centers

Employment Opportunities Available:

• Universities, institutes, research and advisory centers in the various fields of sport sciences and physical activity

• Ministry of Sports

• Ministry of Education

• General Entertainment Authority

• Military and security colleges (the military sector)

• The Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee

• Saudi Arabian sports federations

• Saudi sports clubs

• Saudi Association for Youth Houses

• Official sports facilities

• Private sector companies and institutions working in the field of sport and sports recreation

• Sports activity in the government and private sectors

• Sports health clubs

• Sports media

• Sports entertainment and recreation centers

• Sports institutions in the private sector

Admission Requirements

In addition to the admission requirements mentioned in the Unified Regulations of Graduate Studies at Saudi Universities and the Organizational and Executive Rules and Procedures for Graduate Studies at King Saud University, the Joint Program Council requires the following:

1. The applicant must have a master's degree in physical education, movement sciences, sports training, or sports and recreation management from King Saud University or any university accredited by the Ministry of Education with a minimum of a “Very Good” GPA or equivalent

2. The applicant must pass the written test conducted by the Joint Program Council.

Types of Program Partnership

A joint program among departments of one college

Program's Partners:

Requirements for Obtaining the Degree:

Courses and Thesis Option

Passing 40 study units of the program

Passing a comprehensive exam

The successful completion of doctoral dissertation

Program’s General Structure:

Courses and Thesis Option

The number of required units is 40 study units, in addition to 12 study units for dissertation as follows:

First Level:

List of Elective Courses: The student must select at least 9 study units from the following: