PhD Programmes

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme is selective and open to holders of a Master’s degree or an equivalent qualification.

The degree of Doctor of Philosophy is conferred upon the successful completion of the approved programme of study which shall include the successful defence of a thesis written by the candidate.

The duration of studies for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree is 3 years and a maximum of 5 years. This period may be extended by one or two years (2 to 4 semesters) by Senate on the recommendation of the Faculty Board.

Details of evaluation of our doctorate courses can be found here.

The first year of the doctorate programme is devoted to course work and acquisition of research techniques. A student is considered as having successfully completed the first year after the obtention of 60 credits; such a student would then be eligible to take the Comprehensive Examination.

After the successful completion of two to four semesters of course work and on passing the comprehensive examination, a candidate may be issued an attestation to that effect.

After successfully completing the Comprehensive Examination the candidate shall be expected to deposit the research proposal at the department. On the recommendation of the Department, the Dean of the Faculty shall appoint supervisor/supervisors to guide the candidate’s research. The duties of these supervisors may be assigned to academic staff of the following grades:

Professors
Associate Professors
Lecturers with terminal qualification (PhD, “Doctorat” or equivalent)

The thesis submitted for a defence shall constitute an original contribution to knowledge and shall be defended before a duly appointed panel. Such a panel shall comprise a chairperson, an external examiner, an internal examiner and the supervisor.