Chapter Seven: Admission
Chapter Seven of the higher education regulations addresses the policies and procedures governing the admission of students into graduate programs within universities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This chapter outlines the various study options available for master's degrees, the approval processes for doctoral studies, the calculation of the period for obtaining academic degrees, and special provisions regarding admission criteria and multiple program enrollments.
Article 12 specifies the study options for a master's degree, providing flexibility to cater to different academic needs and career objectives. The available options are:
- Coursework only: A program consisting solely of coursework without a thesis or research component.
- Coursework and thesis: Combines coursework with the completion of a research thesis, allowing students to engage in in-depth study and contribute original research to their field.
- Coursework and comprehensive exam: Involves coursework followed by a comprehensive examination to assess the student's mastery of the subject matter.
- Coursework and graduation research: Includes coursework and a graduation research project, enabling practical application of learned concepts.
These study options must comply with the study period and the number of study units as specified in the national Classification and Framework. The University Council, upon recommendation from the Standing Committee, may extend the study period for any program by up to half of the specified duration. This provision allows for adjustments based on the complexity of the program or the needs of the students, ensuring adequate time for learning and research.
Article 13 states that the University Council, based on the recommendation of the Standing Committee, shall approve the method of doctoral study. Doctoral programs must also adhere to the study periods and unit requirements outlined in the Classification and Framework. Similar to master's programs, the University Council may, upon the Standing Committee's proposal, extend the study period for doctoral programs by up to half of the specified period. This flexibility ensures that doctoral candidates have sufficient time to conduct significant original research and produce a dissertation that meets high academic standards.
Article 14 clarifies how the period for obtaining an academic degree is calculated. This period begins when the student registers for the graduate courses of their enrolled program and continues until they complete all program requirements. For programs requiring a thesis, the period extends until the student's supervisor submits a report to the Head of Department along with a copy of the thesis, if applicable. This definition provides transparency and consistency in tracking a student's progress toward degree completion.
Article 15 assigns the Executive Management the responsibility for implementing academic procedures related to student admission and registration. These procedures must align with the provisions of the current regulation and any additional regulations approved by the University Council. The Executive Management ensures that admission processes are conducted efficiently, fairly, and in compliance with established policies, thereby facilitating a smooth entry for new graduate students.
Article 16 allows for the admission of a student into a field different from their original specialization. This can occur based on a recommendation from the competent Department Council and with the approval of the College Council, without contravening the provisions of Article 15. This provision acknowledges the interdisciplinary nature of modern academia and provides opportunities for students to diversify their expertise or pivot to new fields of study.
Article 17 grants the competent department the authority to require additional prerequisites for admission into master's or doctoral programs. This may include the completion of supplementary courses from a previous educational stage or passing a related learning outcome assessment. Such requirements ensure that all students possess the necessary foundational knowledge and skills to succeed in advanced studies. These prerequisites must be established in accordance with regulations approved by the Standing Committee, based on proposals from the Department Council and endorsed by the College Council. This process maintains academic integrity while providing a structured pathway for students transitioning between disciplines or advancing their studies.
Article 18 permits a student to be accepted into two graduate programs simultaneously, provided that both programs are at the same educational stage or one is from a previous stage. This dual enrollment is subject to regulations approved by the University Council, based on the Standing Committee's recommendation. This flexibility allows students to broaden their academic horizons and enhance their qualifications, which can be particularly beneficial in interdisciplinary fields or for those seeking to combine academic and professional degrees.
Overall, Chapter Seven establishes a comprehensive framework for the admission of students into graduate programs, balancing flexibility with the maintenance of high academic standards. By outlining multiple study options for master's degrees and specifying approval processes for doctoral studies, the chapter ensures that graduate programs can accommodate diverse student needs and academic goals. It supports students' academic development through provisions for interdisciplinary admission and supplementary coursework, recognizing the evolving nature of knowledge and the importance of adaptable learning paths.
The chapter emphasizes adherence to national standards as specified in the Classification and Framework, ensuring consistency and quality across all graduate programs. The roles of the University Council and the Standing Committee are highlighted in overseeing program structures and any extensions to study periods, reflecting a governance model that upholds academic excellence and responsiveness to educational demands. The Executive Management's role in implementing admission procedures ensures that these policies are effectively executed, providing clarity and support to prospective and current students.
In conclusion, Chapter Seven of the higher education regulations provides clear and detailed guidelines for the admission process into graduate studies. It facilitates a variety of educational pathways while ensuring that programs remain rigorous and aligned with both national objectives and international best practices. By accommodating different study options and recognizing the value of interdisciplinary and concurrent studies, the regulations promote a dynamic and inclusive graduate education environment within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Article 12
The study options for a master's degree shall be either:
- Coursework only
- Coursework and thesis
- Coursework and comprehensive exam
- Coursework and graduation research
provided that the study period of the program and the number of study units are in accordance with what is specified in the Classification and Framework. The University Council, based on a proposal from the Standing Committee, may increase the study period for any program by up to half of the specified period.
Article 13
The University Council, based on the recommendation of the Standing Committee, shall approve the method of doctoral study, provided that the study period of the program and the number of study units are in accordance with what is specified in the Classification and Framework. The University Council, based on a proposal from the Standing Committee, may increase the study period for any program by up to half of the specified period.
Article 14
The period for obtaining the academic degree starts from the beginning of registration for the graduate courses of the program in which the student is enrolled until the date of completing the program requirements or the student's supervisor submitting a report to the Head of Department with a copy of the thesis, if any.
Article 15
The Executive Management shall undertake the implementation of academic procedures, including student admission and registration, in accordance with the provisions of this Regulation and the regulations approved by the University Council.
Article 16
Without prejudice to Article 15 of this Regulation, a student may be accepted in a field other than their specialization, based on a recommendation from the competent Department Council and approval from the College Council.
Article 17
The competent department may require, for admission to the master's or doctoral level, that the student pass a number of supplementary courses from a previous stage or pass a related learning outcome assessment, in order for the student to become eligible to join the program. This shall be in accordance with regulations approved by the Standing Committee based on a proposal from the Department Council and endorsement from the College Council.
Article 18
A student may be accepted into two graduate studies programs at the same time, provided that the two programs are from the same stage or from a previous stage, in accordance with regulations approved by the University Council based on the recommendation of the Standing Committee.