FACULTY OF INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT STUDIES (FIDS)
Department of General and African Studies
MPhil. Development Studies (Sandwich)Background
The objective of this programme is to develop qualified and capable practitioners and high-class researchers and lecturers in the specialty of Integrated Development Studies, particularly in the field of endogenous development. It has as its target those with their first degrees currently in various fields of endeavour or already gainfully employed in the field of development work. It is also attractive for qualified individuals seeking employment or advancement in relevant government departments, international agencies, NGOs and consultancies, and for those interested in further research and teaching within Research and the University environment. It is a Sandwich programme of 12 months course spread over four years duration initially, but this could later be reviewed.
The programme provides a professional challenge that combines theory with practice (praxis), and moves research to the doorsteps of rural communities. It is intended to be holistic in its approach, action-oriented, and demand-driven in its effort to address relevant problem areas that are limiting the self-actualisation of rural communities.
Interactive and iterative, gender and environmentally sensitive, sustainability oriented approaches will be adopted for classroom teaching, examination and thesis work in order to evolve scholars who are sensitive to current developmental concerns. A similar adoption will be made for conflict related issues such as rights-based concerns, policy review and advocacy, partnering and partnerships, and civil society empowerment.
In addition to student performances as spelt out above, every Supervisor or Promoter will be expected to develop and publish a paper related to the work of the student he/ she is in link with and this will also be presented to a public audience. Such papers will be put together in the form of a Newsletter (or some other form of publication) for a wider audience. Co-publishing with Resource persons (including traditional functionaries, elders, and skilled persons in various indigenous trades) will be highly encouraged.Certification: At the end of the 4 years, a student who successfully completes the taught courses, pass the term papers, seminar presentations and the thesis will be awarded an MPhil Degree.
Students will be expected to complete thesis (20,000 words minimum). This may be on any subject within the broad field of development studies, so long as there is/are suitable Promoters or Supervisors for that field. Two Supervisors per student is recommended.
Admission Requirements
Applicants for admission to MPhil. Development Studies should possess a Bachelor’s degree in any related discipline from a recognized University. There shall be an oral interview for all applicants.
Department of General and African Studies
PhD Endogenous Development
Background
As the world is grappling with the myriad paradoxes of development, where plenty and want, affluence and squalor, growth and retrogression, globalization and localization, among others have become the realities of development, it has become imperative for academia and scholarship to be redefined in ways that promote and reflect the realities of the time. In particular, academia and scholarship should not only lead the process of research, teaching/learning and community outreach and relations that are relevant to the times; but also embark on proactive initiatives that enhance academic relevance and community development. It is in view of this, that the University for Development Studies, in collaboration with its COMPAS partners and the Dutch Government, is promoting the PhD Endogenous Development.
Viva
The Viva is held for Candidates to defend their thesis proposals. Completed proposals will be submitted to the Faculty Representative, who in consultation with Graduate School, Supervisor and Candidate set a date for the Viva. Copies of the proposal will be made available to relevant persons and groups prior to the actual forum. The Viva will comprise a presentation by the Candidate to be followed by questions, comments and answer time. The Viva, which shall be publicized in the University, will be open to Graduate Staff and Graduate Students. It shall be chaired by the Faculty Representative or an appointed person. The special input of the Supervisor is required to guide the follow-up discussions. Copies of the final proposal shall be submitted to Graduate School and the Office of the Faculty Graduate Representative. A three member team or the Thesis Committee of the Student will examine and submit the results to Graduate School.
Thesis Examination
The thesis examination shall take the form of an oral examination. Upon submission of the final report of Doctoral thesis the Graduate School shall arrange for the examinations. The examination will be conducted in two forms. The first shall be the individual examination which will occur at three levels: Internal Examiner, Inter-Faculty Examiner and External Examiner. When the reports of all three examiners are received by Graduate School, it shall consult and set a date for the final face-to-face examination. The date shall be published and concerned parties issued official invitations.
The group examination shall commence, first, with a presentation by the Candidate to be followed by questions and comments. Next will be presentation by the Examination Committee starting with the External Examiner. The candidate shall be invited to respond to relevant issues. At the end of the presentations and follow-up, the candidate shall be excused while the committee of examiners together with the Dean and Faculty Representatives make a decision on the Candidate. The Candidate shall be informed of the final/overall decision on the same day that an agreement is reached. Depending on the final decision of the examiners, the Candidate will be invited to revise his or her work accordingly. Decisions might take the form of Pass with minor or major revisions or Fail.
Those permitted to attend the group examinations are the Candidate, Dean of Faculty or School, who will Chair; Representative of Graduate Programmes (who will serve as Secretary), Members of the Thesis Committee and Dean or a representative of Graduate School. Each of these persons should have read the thesis with the view to contribute to the discussions. The examiners and the Candidate are the only ones required to make presentations.
The Candidate may also invite her friends and relations, not exceeding five persons, to the face-to-face examination. They shall hold observer status unless otherwise decided by the Examination Committee.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements for the PhD Endogenous Development shall be an MSc. or MPhil. degree in the social sciences from any recognized University. Preference shall be given to candidates with Development Studies background. All applicants must attend an oral interview.
The Faculty (FIDS) has the following graduate programmes yet to take off in the near future:
- Postgraduate Diploma Economics,
- MA /MPhil./PhD Environment and Resource Management,
- MA/MPhil./PhD Development Communication, and
- MA/MPhil./PhD Social Administration.