Overview
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN GEOGRAPHY AND ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
Philosophy of the programme
The philosophy of this programme is to bridge the social sciences, humanities and natural sciences; and to offer innovative postgraduate training and research in the diverse fields of geography and environmental studies for sustainable development; in response to the professional needs of public and private sectors.
This programme is cognizant of the need to protect natural and human environments to maintain the ecological balance and sustainability of the ecosystem that forms the basis for human well-being. To understand the complexity of spatial distribution, association and variations of phenomena and their interactions with the environment, there is need to equip learners with better knowledge, skills, attitudes and competencies. .
Justification of the need for the programme
According to Kenya’s Vision 2030, the country aspires to be a nation with a clean, secure and sustainable environment. However, the economic, social and political pillars of Vision 2030 are interrelated and the fibre that binds them is the natural environment, with its inherent supply of renewable and non-renewable goods and services. Therefore, geographic and environmental knowledge is the crucial component to appreciate the complexity of human-natural environment relationships, present and future resource-based challenges; as well as providing research data necessary to inform decision-making and achievement of global, regional, national and local policies and development agenda.Through the diverse interdisciplinary fields of geography and environmental studies, this PhD programme contributes to the understanding and analysis of the character of places, the distribution of phenomena across space, biophysical processes and features, and dynamic relationships between humans and environments.
The goal of the programme is to train and produce competent professionals and human resources in diverse specialization areas of geography and environmental studies for sustainable development and to provide an unrivalled environment in which to study the processes that shape the bio-physical, human and socio-economic environments over time and space.
Mode of delivery
The program will be offered on the following modes
a) Face-to-Face Mode
This will be offered through didactic lectures, case studies, tutorials, seminars, class discussions and presentations, and fieldwork.
b) Open Distance and e-Learning Mode
This will be offered using a multi-media approach that includes self-instructional print and electronic study materials. This will include interactive study materials and both synchronous and asynchronous modes of learning. Online teaching and learning shall be offered through the Learning Management Systems (LMS) of the University of Nairobi.
c)Blended Learning Mode
This will combine both face-to-face and online learning approaches.
Schedule of intakes
The programmes will be admitting applicants once per year during September intake as per the faculty of Arts and Social Sciences guidelines
Detailed application information is provided in the university of Nairobi website
Contact Information
The Chairman, Geography Population & Environmental Studies
P.O. BOX 30197 – 00100 Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: +254-020-4918222
E-mail: geopopes@uonbi.ac.ke
Structure
Exams Regulations
a) Course work
(i) Each course shall be examined by a 1 x 3 hour written examination.
(ii) End of semester examination shall constitute 70% while continuous
assessment shall constitute 30% (of the marks in each course).
(iii) Continuous assessment shall be evaluated in each course on the basis of
seminar papers, tutorials, essays, practical exercises and assignments.
(iv) The pass mark shall be 50% in each paper.
(v) Candidates who fail to satisfy the examiners in any course may on the recommendation of the Institute Board of Examiners and approval by Senate be allowed to take up to two resit examinations during the next ordinary examination time within the stipulated study period.
(vi) A pass obtained in the resit examination shall be recorded as 50% in the candidates' academic record.
(vii) Candidates who fail to satisfy the examiners in the resit examination in any course or fails to complete their study within the stipulated period shall on recommendation of the Institute Board of Examiners and approval by Senate to discontinue.
b) Research Project
(a) The supervisors should help students to identify possible areas of research during the second semester of the study.
(b) The actual research projects should commence at the beginning of the fourth semester of the study.
(c) The students will be required to present before staff and other fellow students their prepared/complete research proposals during the third semester of the study but not later than the beginning of the third semester examinations.
(d) The entire fourth semester will be devoted to the project work.
(e) The students will at the end of the fourth semester be required to submit with approval of their supervisors a duly approved completed research project.
c) Examination of the Project
- The supervisor and an internal examiner will examine the entire project
report. This will account for 70 per cent of the total marks. - The candidate will give a 30-minute seminar to be assessed by two internal
examiners. This will account for 30 percent of the total marks.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must be holders of a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in geography, environmental studies, biological and physical sciences and any other relevant discipline from the University of Nairobi or any other institution recognized by the University of Nairobi Senate.
The student shall be required to attend all the scheduled lectures and tutorials for the registered course units.
The course lecturer shall be required to deliver the curriculum to the learners as per the teaching timetable, apply problem-based learning approaches, align the curriculum to learning needs and outcomes, be available for consultation by students, and assess learners based on the curriculum and aligned learning outcomes.
Application Information
Applications for admission are open throughout the year through the online platform. The requirements for submitting your application are detailed in the link provided https://application.uonbi.ac.ke/
Careers
Attachment/Opportunities
Institutions in Government, NGOs, UN bodies, Universities, Research institutions dealing with environmental programs, biodiversity and Natural resource management, water resource management.
Career Placement Opportunities
Graduates are employed in National and County Government, NGOs, UN agencies, research institutions, universities and private sector
Contact of Support Persons
Dr. wambua, Chairman, Department of Geography, Population & Environmental Studies
Email: geopopes@uonbi.ac.ke
Notable Alumni
Prof.Evaristus Irandu- Department of Geography, Population & Environmental studies
Dr.Akukwe Thecla Iheoma- University of Nigeria
Fees and Funding
|
Item |
Year 1 (Course Work 8 Units) |
Year 2 |
Year 3 |
Total |
|
|
Tuition (50,000 Per Unit) |
400,000 |
- |
- |
- |
|
|
Examination (8,000 Per Unit) |
32,000 |
- |
- |
- |
|
|
Registration (Per Annum) |
4,000 |
4,000 |
4,000 |
12,000 |
|
|
Student ID (Per Annum) |
1,000 |
1,000 |
1,000 |
3,000 |
|
|
Computer (Per Annum) |
5,000 |
5,000 |
5,000 |
15,000 |
|
|
Library Fee (Per Annum) |
6,000 |
6,000 |
6,000 |
18,000 |
|
|
Activity (Per Annum) |
2,000 |
2,000 |
2,000 |
6,000 |
|
|
Medical Fee (Per Annum) |
5,000 |
5,000 |
5,000 |
15,000 |
|
|
Caution (Once-Refundable) |
10,000 |
- |
- |
- |
|
|
Thesis Supervision |
|
200,000 |
200,000 |
400,000 |
|
|
Thesis Examination |
|
|
50,000 |
50,000 |
|
|
Total |
465,000 |
223,000 |
273,000 |
961,000 |
|
|
Other Charges:
|
|
||||