Doctor of Philosophy in Geography (PhD Geography)

The Doctor of Philosophy in Geography at Kyambogo University is a groundbreaking initiative by the Department of Geography, under the Faculty of Arts and Humanities. Building on the success of its existing master’s program, this PhD program aims to address the limited leadership and command in higher research within the field of Geography. With a focus on research, innovation, policy development, and leadership, the program is designed to produce graduates equipped with advanced skills to tackle global and national development challenges.

General Objective: To produce geography experts with advanced research skills, capable of leading the country in geographical research, policy initiation, program development, and innovation creation.

Specific Objectives:

1. Develop a scientifically-oriented human resource base with advanced academic knowledge in geography to address contemporary environmental crises and challenges.
2. Train and enrich academic competence to meet the spiraling human resource needs at higher institutions of learning locally and regionally.
3. Provide doctoral students with knowledge for managing and harmonizing complex systems in various human activities, as well as coordinating theoretical and applied research projects in geographical sciences.
4. Qualify doctoral students as widely-trained researchers or professionals capable of conducting interdisciplinary research projects and implementing complex tasks for the benefit of society.

Target Groups

The proposed PhD programme is interdisciplinary, and therefore, the target group shall be holders of Master’s degree in Geography, Education majoring in Geography, Forestry, Environmental Science and management, Surveying, Social Sciences, Development studies, Integrated Watershed Management, Botany, Meteorology, GIS and Remote sensing, Urban Planning, Agriculture, Land use and Regional Planning, Tourism, Climate change, Disaster Risk Management and Civil Engineering. The programme will also target graduate fellows and staff from public and private universities, research institutions, government ministries, and individuals from the world of work and academia who may require high level qualifications and expertise through research in Geographical Sciences.

Applicants for the PhD in Geography programme shall be eligible for admission with the following minimum requirements:

• A candidate must submit an official application form, together with a motivation letter, academic record, a copy of masters’ dissertation and a short CV/resume. The CV should include details of appropriate work experience and a list of any publications.
• Master’s degrees in Geography, Education with Geography, Forestry, Environmental Science and management, social studies, Meteorology, GIS and Remote sensing, Urban Planning, Agriculture, Land use and Regional Planning, Tourism, Climate change, Disaster Risk Management and Civil Engineering.
• A concept paper of about 4-8-pagse, including references, detailing the candidate’s motivation for graduate programme and his/her proposed area (s) of research interest. The concept paper shall be submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training and thereafter forwarded to the Departmental higher degrees Committee for review to assess the suitability of the candidate into the programme, and the availability of a competent supervisors with the guidance from the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training Admission Committee.
• Admission into the programme shall depend on the Departmental assessment and recommendation to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training
• Letters of recommendation from three (3) referees – at least one of them shall be familiar with the applicant’s academic work at Master’s level and source of funding
• Pre-entrance (psychometric tests) especially international tests (ELTS). This is important for international students who may apply and also older students from different parts of Uganda who have not been in school for some time.
• A student shall be admitted provisionally for a period of six (6) months paying the required application fees and having his/her concept paper assessed to be acceptable by both the Department Graduate Committee and the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training Admissions Board
• A student shall officially commence the PhD programme after full registration and approval of the research proposal by the Graduate Board.

By the end of the programme, the PhD in Geography candidates should be able to;

• Conceptualise research problems using a variety of approaches, have theoretical and innovative skills that are essential for effective spatial planning and analysis to foster regional development
• Bridge gaps in the spiralling human resource needs at higher institutions of learning at both the local and regional scales
• Conduct research and publish research findings with minimal supervision.
• Spearhead interventions aimed at achieving sustainable development and innovations in natural resources management

Upon completion of the PhD in Geography, graduates can pursue a diverse range of career paths, including:

1. Academic Leadership: Assume leadership roles in academia, contributing to the advancement of geographical research and education.
2. Research and Innovation: Conduct groundbreaking research, develop innovative solutions, and contribute to national and global conversations on environmental challenges.
3. Policy Development: Shape environmental policies, provide expert insights, and influence decision-making processes at governmental and non-governmental levels.
4. Program Development: Spearhead the creation and implementation of impactful programs addressing geographical issues and sustainable development.
5. Consultancy: Offer specialized consultancy services to governmental bodies, organizations, and private enterprises in areas such as environmental management, urban planning, and disaster risk reduction.
6. International Collaboration: Foster collaboration on global platforms, working with international organizations to address shared challenges in geography and environmental science.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Geography is a transformative program that not only contributes to academic excellence but also plays a crucial role in shaping the future of geographical research, policy, and innovation. Graduates will emerge as influential leaders, driving positive change in geographical sciences and beyond.