Postgraduate Affairs Division
📜 Master's and Doctoral Programs at the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences
The Postgraduate Affairs Division serves as the fundamental pillar for advanced scientific research at the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences / University of Kirkuk. The division oversees the management and organization of advanced academic programs for both Master's and Doctoral (Ph.D.) degrees. The administrative structure of the division consists of two main units: the Registration Unit and the Certificates and Documents Unit.
🎯 A. Division Objectives:
Preparing qualified teaching and research cadres holding Master's and Doctoral degrees.
Providing specialized sports and precise scientific disciplines required by the college, university, and sports institutions.
Offering outstanding students and researchers the opportunity to pursue higher studies and advance scientific research.
⚖️ B. Admission Guidelines for Applicants (Master's & Doctorate):
- An applicant for Master's studies must hold an undergraduate degree (Bachelor's), and an applicant for Doctoral studies must hold a Master's degree in the required specialization.
- Master's applicants must have passed with a minimum GPA of 65%, while Ph.D. applicants must fulfill the GPA requirements specified under valid ministerial guidelines.
- Fulfilling specific conditions established by the college and scientific departments and ratified by the University Presidency.
- The applicant must not have been previously admitted to postgraduate studies and subsequently had their admission canceled due to fault, unlawful withdrawal from study, or dismissal.
- Passing official proficiency examinations (English Language, Arabic Language, and Computer Proficiency).
- Passing the competitive admission examination administered by the college in the specified specialization.
- Maintaining clear legal and administrative service standing according to Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research guidelines.
⏳ C. Duration of Study and General Requirements:
- Master's Program: The duration of study is two calendar years (one year for coursework and one year for thesis preparation and defense). Extension is permissible in accordance with ministerial rules, subject to the approval of the College Council and University Council.
- Doctoral (Ph.D.) Program: The duration of study is three calendar years (one year for coursework and two years for dissertation preparation and defense), with the possibility of extension based on scientific necessity and College Council decisions.
- The unified academic calendar for postgraduate studies is approved annually by the Ministry of Higher Education and the University Council.
- The academic year is divided into two semesters. Successful completion of required coursework is a prerequisite to pass the preparatory phase for both programs.
📝 D. Examination System and Grading Mechanism:
Master's and Doctoral students take final examinations in accordance with the following rules and instructions:
- If a student's absences in any course exceed the percentage prescribed by regulations, their registration for that course is considered canceled under credit quota conditions.
- A student's attendance during the research and thesis/dissertation writing stage is considered full-time, under direct supervision of the scientific supervisor and adherence to official schedules.
- Postponement of study is not permitted except for compelling, officially documented reasons approved by the College Council and University Presidency.
- Students must obtain the general grades and GPAs specified by regulations to ensure progression to the thesis/dissertation writing and defense phase.
- The grade of each academic course is weighted by its accredited credit units when calculating the overall Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA).
🏛️ E. Administrative Structure and Affiliated Units:
📌 1. Registration Unit
- Managing and receiving applicant files for both Master's and Doctoral programs, and auditing eligibility requirements across different admission channels.
- Organizing and supervising competitive examination procedures for postgraduate students and announcing preliminary and final admission results.
- Processing official study commencement for admitted students and tracking their academic and administrative status throughout their studies.
- Issuing administrative orders concerning study extensions, postponements, study commencement, and admission cancellations in accordance with ministerial regulations.
- Following up on the approval of scientific research proposals, nomination of academic supervisors, and formation of defense committees in coordination with scientific departments.
📑 2. Certificates and Documents Unit
- Issuing graduation transcripts (with and without grades) and graduation attestations for Master's and Doctoral degrees in both Arabic and English.
- Preparing and printing wall certificates for postgraduate graduates and following up on their authentication by the University Presidency.
- Auditing course grades and thesis/dissertation marks in the postgraduate master sheet prior to printing.
- Responding to verification letters regarding document authenticity received from various ministries and official institutions concerning Master's and Doctoral degrees.
- Electronic and physical archiving of all graduate dossiers and decisions granting higher scientific degrees.
