DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

English name: Doctor of Philosophy in Information Technology
Vietnamese name: Tiến sĩ Công nghệ thông tin
Program code: 9480201
Training level: Doctoral – Level 8
Applicable cohort: 2022
Duration: 3 years (90 credits) for applicants with a master’s degree; 4 years (129 credits) for applicants with an excellent bachelor’s degree

Degree awarded:

  • Vietnamese: Tiến sĩ Công nghệ thông tin
  • English: Doctor of Philosophy in Information Technology

General Objectives

The doctoral program in Information Technology aims to train scientists at the highest academic level, possessing advanced knowledge, strong skills, autonomy, and a high sense of responsibility, including:

  • Advanced theoretical and applied scientific knowledge, with the ability to conduct independent research and lead research teams
  • Strong creative thinking, contributing to new knowledge, discovering principles and laws of nature and society, and solving emerging scientific and technological problems
  • Capability to supervise scientific research and professional activities
  • Good ethical qualities and the ability to guide the development and application of new technologies in the field of Information Technology

Admission Criteria and Entry Requirements

Applicants for the doctoral program must meet the following requirements:

  • Hold a master’s degree relevant to the intended field of study. In cases without a master’s degree, applicants must have an excellent bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, or an equivalent Level 7 qualification under the Vietnam National Qualifications Framework in specialized disciplines appropriate for doctoral training
  • Have research experience demonstrated through a master’s thesis (research-oriented program), or published scientific papers/reports, or at least 2 years (24 months) of experience as a lecturer or researcher at educational institutions or science and technology organizations
  • Submit a doctoral application form along with a research proposal/essay clearly presenting the research topic or field, reasons for choosing it, objectives and expected outcomes, reasons for selecting the university, a proposed study and research plan for the entire course, relevant experience and knowledge, preparation for the intended research area, expected career after graduation, and a proposed supervisor
  • Meet foreign language requirements (equivalent to Level 4 of the 6-level Vietnamese Foreign Language Proficiency Framework) to access materials, participate in international academic activities, and conduct research and dissertation work
  • Be recommended by the employer (if employed) or by the institution where the applicant recently graduated. Unemployed applicants must obtain certification of personal background and legal compliance from their local authority
  • Foreign applicants enrolling in a Vietnamese-taught doctoral program must have a Vietnamese language certificate at Level 4 or higher according to the Vietnamese Language Proficiency Framework for foreigners, and meet requirements for a second foreign language as determined by the institution, unless they are native speakers of the program’s language of instruction

Accreditation Information

  • Accredited at the faculty level in 2017 by the Center for Education Accreditation – Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City
  • Master’s program in Information Technology accredited in 2022 by the Center for Education Accreditation – Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City
  • Undergraduate program in Information Technology accredited in 2019 according to AUN-QA standards

Curriculum Structure

The doctoral program in Information Technology is designed with a flexible and research-oriented structure, including advanced coursework, seminars, and a doctoral dissertation. The curriculum focuses on:

  • Advanced specialized knowledge in Information Technology and Communications
  • Research methodology and academic publication skills
  • Specialized seminars and research topic discussions
  • Independent research under the supervision of academic advisors
  • Doctoral dissertation development and defense

Career Opportunities

Post-graduation Capabilities

After completing the Doctor of Philosophy in Information Technology, graduates are fully capable of:

  • Teaching at the postgraduate level
  • Participating in scientific research and practical applications in Information Technology and Communications
  • Leading or participating in research projects at various levels, from proposing ideas, planning, implementation, to publishing results

Career Positions After Graduation

Graduates of the doctoral program in Information Technology at Nguyen Tat Thanh University can take on various roles, including:

  • Research institutes: Working as postdoctoral researchers (Postdoc), research members, or research group leaders
  • Universities: Serving as lecturers in postgraduate programs, conducting scientific research, and engaging in international collaboration
  • Government agencies: Acting as experts in technical solution planning, policy development, and project leadership
  • Corporations and companies: Holding positions such as technical managers or heads of research and development (R&D) departments
  • Enterprises: Taking on senior management roles, pursuing entrepreneurship, applying high technologies, or working as senior consultants

Opportunities for Further Academic Development

After graduation, PhD holders in Information Technology can:

  • Lead scientific research teams
  • Participate in postdoctoral programs (Postdoc)
  • Continue advancing their academic and professional careers at an international level