• To qualify academic and educational leaders with innovative skills and critical visions that align with educational transformations.
• To enhance the production of qualitative research that addresses educational issues using innovative scientific methods.
• To develop students’ ability to employ digital transformation tools to improve learning and teaching environments.
• To entrench the concept of educational and social entrepreneurship in Palestinian and Arab society.
• To link scientific research with educational practice through effective partnerships with educational and community institutions.
• To contribute to achieving the fourth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 4): ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.

• Faculty members in universities and educational colleges.Employees in directorates of education, administrators, and educational supervisors.
• Educators seeking to develop their professional and research skills.
• Educational counselors, school principals, and educational program coordinators.
• • Employees in local and international non-governmental educational organizations.

A graduate of this program is expected to be:

• Knowledgeable about modern trends in education, learning, and educational research.
• Capable of employing critical thinking and in-depth analysis to understand and develop educational practices.
• Proficient in conducting applied research that addresses real-world challenges in the education sector.
• Able to work within multidisciplinary teams to solve complex educational problems.
• Qualified to develop creative and effective curricula and assessment strategies.
• Committed to the ethics of scientific research and the principles of academic integrity.

1. Knowledge and Understanding:

• Analyze and apply contemporary educational theories in local and global contexts.
• Develop a deep understanding of global trends in educational innovation and qualitative research.
• Recognize the impact of cultural, social, and political dimensions on the educational system.

 

2. Research and Critical Skills:

• Design and implement innovative educational research based on reliable scientific evidence.
• Analyze educational policies and provide applicable scientific recommendations.
• Use multidisciplinary methodologies to enhance the effectiveness of teaching and learning.
• Publish research in peer-reviewed journals according to international standards.

 

3. Leadership and Professionalism

• Lead change in educational institutions through educational innovation.
• Activate teamwork within multidisciplinary research teams.
• Develop interactive, future-oriented digital learning environments.
• Graduates of the PhD program in Educational Creativity and Innovation can work in a number of advanced and diverse positions, including:

 

•   Career Fields

  • Teaching at universities, colleges, and educational institutions as academic faculty members, and supervising qualitative educational research.
  • Leading research and development centers in higher education institutions.
  • Working as a consultant in ministries of education to develop educational policies and improve the quality of education.
  • Leading educational institutions or professional training and development centers.
  • Developing educational curricula, teaching and assessment strategies, and managing digital transformation programs in education.
  • Undertaking educational evaluation tasks, analyzing educational policies, and designing measurement and assessment tools.
  • Coordinating and supervising educational programs in non-governmental, local, and international organizations concerned with education and development.
  • Providing educational consulting to educational and community institutions in the fields of entrepreneurship, innovation, and institutional development.
  • Establishing pioneering educational initiatives and startups in the field of educational technology and innovative interactive digital content.

First: PhD Program Admission Requirements:

 

1. Pass a personal interview with a specialized program committee.
2. Hold a Master’s degree (thesis track) from a university recognized by the Palestinian Ministry of Education and Higher Education. If the thesis requirement is not met, the student must have published one research paper in a book or refereed journal during or after obtaining the Master’s degree and before joining the PhD program.
3. Have a grade point average of no less than “Good” (75%) in both the Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
4. Have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a scientific field relevant to the desired specialization.
5. Provide proof of passing the TOEFL, IELTS, ELPT, or an equivalent exam as a graduation requirement.

 

Second: Admission and Registration Procedures:

1. The student obtains an application form from the university’s authorized sales points announced at the beginning of each academic year.
2. The student submits an online application via the university’s official website.
3. The student receives an email with the interview schedule from the College of Graduate Studies and Scientific Research.
4. The student undergoes an interview with the interview committee at the College of Graduate Studies and Scientific Research.
5. The student receives an email notification regarding the acceptance or rejection of their application after the interview.

 

If the application is accepted, the student must go to the Deanery of Admission and Registration at the university, bringing the following official documents:

1. A certified copy of the General Secondary Certificate (Tawjihi) or its equivalent.
2. A certified copy of the Bachelor’s degree certificate and transcript, (equivalency).
3. A certified copy of the Master’s degree certificate and transcript, (equivalency).
4. Two letters of recommendation from the university from which they graduated or the institution where they work.
5. A copy of the birth certificate.
6. A copy of the personal identity card.
7. Two personal photos.

 

1. The student receives an acceptance notice and a payment notice from the admission portal.
2. After completing the registration fee payment procedures at the university’s financial department, the student receives:
3. A university student number.
4. A university student card.
5. An email address.
6. A username and password for all student electronic systems and databases.
7. An electronic copy of the Student Guide, regulations, instructions, and the suggested plan via personal email.

Course Descriptions: 

1. 1. Advanced Strategic Management in Educational Institutions

This course aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to enhance creativity and innovation in educational environments, with a focus on the Palestinian context, which requires non-traditional solutions to address challenges resulting from occupation and difficult economic and social conditions. The course reviews creative thinking strategies, such as brainstorming and design thinking, as methods for developing educational solutions adapted to the Palestinian reality, such as using available resources in innovative ways and promoting e-learning to overcome movement restrictions. It focuses on building an educational environment that stimulates creativity and measuring the success of development initiatives, while providing practical solutions to overcome obstacles faced by educational institutions in Palestine, such as funding shortages and difficulty accessing certain areas. By combining theoretical and practical aspects, the course provides an interactive learning experience aimed at empowering students to effect positive change in their educational environments and enhancing the resilience and development of Palestinian educational institutions under current conditions.

 

2 . Designing Innovative Curricula

This course presents an advanced vision for developing educational curricula in line with the latest global educational trends and the needs of contemporary learning communities, drawing on leading global models and practices. It reviews the philosophical and educational foundations of curriculum design, focusing on internationally recognized models that have succeeded in educational reform, such as those in Finland and Singapore. The course focuses on the theoretical and philosophical foundations of designing innovative curricula, highlighting advanced educational models such as backward design, project-based learning, and interdisciplinary integration. It also addresses the use of modern technology and artificial intelligence in building flexible, interactive educational curricula that consider individual differences and respond to the requirements of learning in the digital age. The course integrates scientific research with practical application. It also pays special attention to diverse educational contexts, including the challenges facing educational systems in societies undergoing exceptional circumstances, such as Palestine, thereby enhancing students’ ability to develop sustainable and impactful educational solutions. The course aims to empower students to play a leading role in designing and managing advanced educational curricula that support educational innovation and contribute to improving the quality of education at local and international levels.

 

3 . Creative Thinking in Education

This course aims to develop students’ abilities in using creative thinking methods to improve the educational process. It focuses on creative thinking strategies such as brainstorming, design thinking, and problem-solving, and how to apply these tools in developing innovative curricula and teaching methods. It also addresses the role of the teacher and educational leader in promoting a culture of innovation within educational institutions. The course covers various aspects of innovation in education, such as developing non-traditional teaching methods like project-based learning and blended learning, and using modern technologies like augmented and virtual reality to improve student interaction with educational content. It also discusses designing flexible curricula focused on 21st-century skills. The course also aims to enable students to introduce innovative methods into their educational environments, thereby contributing to improving the quality of education and enhancing critical and creative thinking among learners.

 

4. 4. Total Quality Management in Education

This course aims to provide students with a deep understanding of the concepts and tools of Total Quality Management (TQM) and their application in educational institutions. It focuses on strategies for developing and implementing quality plans aimed at improving educational performance, meeting the needs of students and the local community, and ensuring the sustainability of continuous improvement in all aspects of the educational process. The course also discusses the application of TQM principles such as continuous improvement, customer focus (students and parents), and systematic thinking in all teaching and learning activities. Emphasis is placed on how to create a school and university culture that supports innovation and effective engagement from all stakeholders, including teachers, administrators, and students. The course also addresses how to use measurement and evaluation tools such as continuous assessment and key performance indicators to track and evaluate the quality of education and achieve performance improvement goals. Additionally, the course discusses methods of applying effective educational leadership in the context of TQM and how to motivate educational teams towards excellence.

 

5 . Creative and Innovative Assessment

This course aims to develop students’ skills in using assessment methods and techniques that promote creativity and innovation in the educational process. It focuses on new and diverse assessment strategies that support critical and creative thinking, such as performance-based assessment, formative assessment, and project-based assessment, which allow students to express their ideas and solve problems in innovative ways. The course also addresses methods of using technology in assessment, such as graphical analysis of educational data and the use of digital tools to provide immediate feedback and personalize the learning experience. The focus is on assessment techniques that are not limited to measuring knowledge but aim to stimulate students’ creative thinking and measure skills such as collaboration, problem-solving, and creativity. Furthermore, case studies of innovative assessment models in global educational institutions are reviewed, along with how to adapt these models to local needs and resources. Consequently, students acquire the necessary skills to design and implement creative assessment tools that stimulate creativity and provide constructive feedback that contributes to improving student performance and enhancing the learning process as a whole.

 

6 . Educational Digitization and Artificial Intelligence

This course provides students with a deep understanding of everything related to artificial intelligence applications and their role in developing the educational process and improving learning quality. It focuses on analyzing the role of smart technologies in designing personalized learning environments, enhancing interaction between students and teachers, and providing innovative solutions to educational challenges. The course covers concepts of machine learning, natural language processing, educational robotics, and their role in improving teaching and assessment methods, in addition to using recommendation systems to personalize educational content according to student needs. It also reviews the latest global applications in artificial intelligence, comparing these models with the Palestinian educational context and exploring ways to employ them to develop curricula and teaching methods. The course also seeks to discuss the ethics of using AI in education, its impact on the roles of teachers and students, and the potential for leveraging it to enhance critical and creative thinking skills.

 

7. 7. Advanced Educational Research Methodologies

This course aims to provide students with advanced knowledge in designing and implementing educational research that contributes to the development of education and the improvement of its outcomes. It focuses on advanced qualitative and quantitative research strategies, including techniques for analyzing complex data and interpreting results, with an emphasis on modern tools in educational research such as big data analysis and artificial intelligence in research. The course also reviews modern methods for developing questionnaires and assessment scales, and how to use field experiments and applied studies to examine educational challenges in different contexts. Additionally, the course addresses research applications in contemporary issues such as educational change, innovation in education, and the impact of modern technologies on the educational process. The course enhances students’ understanding of how to select and develop appropriate research methodologies for complex educational studies, considering issues of ethics in educational research and the importance of ensuring the validity and relevance of results. Through this course, students also gain the ability to design and manage advanced educational research that contributes to improving educational practices and formulating innovative and effective educational policies.

 

8. 8. Advanced Educational Statistics

This course aims to study the latest advanced statistical methods specialized in data description and types of parametric and non-parametric statistical tests. It also focuses on employing advanced statistical methods in educational and psychological research. It addresses statistical concepts and models that help researchers analyze educational data accurately and comprehensively. The course includes topics such as Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA), multiple regression, factor analysis, path analysis, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), and Repeated Measures analysis. It also involves the use of advanced statistical analysis software such as SPSS and AMOS, among others, to apply theoretical skills practically.

 

9. 9. Theories of Educational Creativity and Innovation

This course aims to provide a deep understanding of the fundamental theories that support creativity and innovation in the educational field. It focuses on reviewing prominent theories that explain and guide processes of creativity and innovation, such as Flow Theory and Social Learning Theory, alongside theories of creative thinking like Lateral Thinking Theory and Critical Thinking Theory. The course also discusses the application of these theories in educational contexts and how to use them to design learning environments that encourage innovative thinking and enhance the ability of teachers and students to interact creatively with learning content. The course also addresses the “Open Innovation” model and how to apply it in educational institutions to stimulate collaboration among teachers, students, and the local community to find new solutions to educational challenges. Additionally, the course reviews how to integrate these theories with modern teaching techniques, such as interactive learning and project-based education. Through this course, students learn how to apply theories of creativity and innovation to enhance the quality of education, stimulate creativity within classrooms, and achieve positive and sustainable transformation in educational institutions.

 

10 . Designing Innovative Learning Environments

This course equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to design learning environments that encourage creativity and enhance interaction between students and teachers. It focuses on strategies and frameworks that support student-directed education, promoting the use of modern technology, such as augmented and virtual reality, to provide interactive and engaging learning experiences. The course also addresses the importance of integrating active learning methods, such as project-based learning and collaborative learning, into the design of learning environments that stimulate critical thinking and support 21st-century skills. It also discusses the design of digital and physical classrooms that allow students the freedom to express their ideas and learn through experimentation and exploration. The course reviews how technological tools such as interactive learning platforms, smart devices, and digital resources can be used to tailor educational experiences according to the different needs of students, thereby enhancing learning effectiveness. It also focuses on the role of teachers in building a flexible educational environment that includes diversity and promotes social interaction among students.

 

11 . Leadership in Creativity and Innovation

This course aims to enable students to understand the concepts of creativity and innovation and their vital role in developing educational and administrative institutions. It focuses on the relationship between effective leadership and fostering an environment that stimulates creative thinking and organizational innovation. It also addresses strategies for leading change, managing creative teams, and applying modern tools and methods to stimulate innovation within educational and administrative organizations. The course allows students to analyze different leadership models, apply practical skills in solving problems creatively, and design implementable innovative initiatives.

 

12 . Human Resource Management and Development

This course aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage human resources effectively in educational institutions. It focuses on strategies for attracting, developing, and motivating competencies, with an emphasis on building an educational environment supportive of creativity and innovation. The course covers methods of strategic human resource planning, performance management, and designing continuous training and development programs for teachers and administrative staff. It also discusses the importance of transformational leadership and its role in promoting a culture of sustainable learning and innovation in educational institutions. The course reviews the latest global trends in human resource development, such as the use of technology in recruitment and development, talent management, and data analysis for strategic decision-making. It also highlights the particularities of human resource management in the educational context, comparing global models with the Palestinian model, to ensure the highest levels of efficiency and quality in the educational process.

 

13 . Education and Entrepreneurship

This course seeks to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to integrate entrepreneurship concepts into the educational process, thereby enhancing innovative thinking and autonomy among students and teachers. It focuses on developing curricula and activities that encourage entrepreneurship, applying project-based and real-challenge learning methods to enable students to transform their ideas into successful initiatives and projects. The course addresses the role of educational institutions in developing an entrepreneurial mindset by providing stimulating learning environments, encouraging a culture of innovation and calculated risk-taking, and enhancing problem-solving and decision-making skills. It also reviews strategies for designing entrepreneurship education programs in schools and universities and linking them to labor market requirements, to ensure the graduation of qualified individuals capable of creating and managing successful projects or contributing effectively to the development of existing institutions. The course also discusses global experiences and models in entrepreneurship education, comparing them with the Palestinian context and exploring ways to develop curricula and programs that suit local challenges and opportunities.

 

14 .  School  inquiry in Palestine

This course seeks to provide students with sufficient skills and knowledge to help them master the analysis of structural and functional problems facing Palestinian schools and to promote critical and ethical thinking in addressing them. The course focuses on studying the impact of political, social, and economic factors on the educational system and investigates school reform strategies from a comprehensive perspective that combines justice, quality, and innovation. It explores global trends in educational reform and compares them with the Palestinian context, focusing on the role of educational policies in shaping the future of schools. It also discusses the concept of deinstitutionalization and reconstitution in educational institutions, aiming to transform schools into more flexible environments capable of adapting to contemporary challenges. Through studying models of educational reform and applying the foundations of retroductive and constructive thinking, the course enables students to develop educational insights and policies that contribute to improving the quality of education, promote equality of educational opportunity, and help build a more sustainable and equitable educational system in Palestine.

 

15 . Technology and Creativity

This course aims to explore the role of technology in enhancing creativity within educational institutions, with a special focus on advanced technological tools that contribute to the development of innovative learning environments. It focuses on how to use artificial intelligence to personalize the learning experience and provide educational content suitable for each student’s needs, and how to apply Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) in designing interactive and immersive learning experiences that encourage creativity and the exploration of educational concepts in new ways. It also addresses the use of modern e-learning platforms, such as blended learning and online education, to enable students to self-learn and interact with multimedia educational content, and to develop innovative teaching methods based on technologies like adaptive learning and data analysis to track student progress and provide immediate support. The course also discusses how to integrate digital tools such as educational applications and educational games that contribute to stimulating critical and creative thinking, highlighting how to use gamification to make the learning process more interactive and motivating. The course focuses on integrating these technological tools into the design of curricula and educational activities that support students’ technical and creative skills, thereby enhancing their ability to face future challenges. Through this course, students learn how to strategically leverage technology to stimulate creativity and provide non-traditional learning experiences that keep pace with rapid developments in the educational field.

 

16 . Comparative Education Policies

This course focuses on the study of educational policies from a comparative perspective. It is concerned with analyzing educational systems in different countries to understand how educational policies are formulated and implemented, and the influence of economic, cultural, political, and social factors in shaping them. The course enables students to evaluate global educational models and policies and draw lessons to develop the local educational system. The course also addresses contemporary issues such as educational equity, education financing, privatization, educational reforms, and governance in education, focusing on differences and similarities between developing and developed countries.

 

17 . Comprehensive Examination

Assesses the students’ mastery of the core topics covered by the program and their analytical and synthetic abilities. It is conducted upon completion of 20 credit hours of coursework.

 

18. 18. PhD Dissertation

Writing a dissertation publishable in the field of specialization and defending it successfully.