Overview
The Doctor of Philosophy in Distance Education programme is a unique programme intended to develop skills and competencies that augment the quality and output of Learning Design and Technology research and policy frameworks.
Philosophy
The philosophy of the programme is based on the need to increase access to quality education utilizing innovative technologies by grounding Learning Design and Technology practitioners in research to bridge theory and practice. The programme is designed to build capacity for Learning Design and Technology practice through research, scholarly publishing and philosophy of the discipline, utilizing a multidisciplinary approach to expand the horizons of graduates in line with global standards.
Rationale
The rationale for the programme is that there is need to train distance education and online learning policy leaders, researchers and practitioners to guide the design and implementation of programmes at all levels of the education ladder in Kenya and beyond.
Objectives
The goal of the programme is to train and produce competent professionals for senior positions in the field of digital learning as academics, researchers, practitioners, policy interventionists and analysts, among others. The doctoral programme aims at providing graduates with knowledge, skills and competencies that enhance leadership in Learning Design and Technology research, the practice of Distance Education and advancement of scholarship in Learning Design and Technology.
Contact / Support Person
For enquiries, kindly contact:
The Chairman, Department of Educational and Distance Studies
P.O. Box 30197-00100 Nairobi
Email: dept-edustudies@uonbi.ac.ke
Structure
Course Structure
Students enrolled in the PhD in Distance Education programme undertake the course by thesis only. They conduct research independently under the guidance of the nominated Senior Supervisor to come up with a high quality research thesis with high level of originality.
Mode of Delivery
Once enrolled, the candidate shall work to develop a research proposal under the guidance of the nominated Senior Supervisor. Within six months of enrollment for the degree, the candidate must submit a PhD Proposal which must be defended in the departmental PhD committee and then the Faculty of Education committee before forwarding to the Associate Dean (Postgraduate) - Faculty of Education for approval.
On completion of the departmental and Faculty defenses, the minutes are submitted to the Associate Dean (Postgraduate) - Faculty of Education recommending either that the candidate’s full enrollment be confirmed or the candidate’s provisional enrollment be extended for a specified period of up to 6 months.
After getting full registration to the programme, the student starts conducting their research under the guidance of the assigned Senior Supervisor.
Admission Requirements
Schedule of Intakes
The programme intake is in September of every year but one can apply any part of the year since the university maintains continuous admissions. Applications are done online using the University application portal Click this link to apply
Application Information
Please read the University of Nairobi’s Online Student Application Manual to ensure that you meet the admission requirements before applying. Click this Link to read the Online Student Application Manual
Minimum Admission Requirements
An eligible applicant must be a holder of:
- At least a Master of Education from the University of Nairobi or any other institution recognized by Senate
- At least a Master’s degree in any academic discipline from the University of Nairobi or any other institution recognized by the Senate in areas of specialization relevant to the discipline of Distance Education
Contacts / Support Person
For enquiries, kindly contact:
The Chairman, Department of Educational and Distance Studies
P.O. Box 30197-00100 Nairobi
Email: dept-edustudies@uonbi.ac.ke
Careers
Career Prospects/Opportunity
Graduates of the programme have a wide range of career prospects in public and private sectors as Distance Education Managers, Researchers, Policy makers, Instructional Designers and Courseware Developers, Lecturers in Higher Education Institutions or consultants.
Attachment Opportunities
Students pursuing the Doctor of Philosophy in Distance Education programme can have attachments in middle level colleges, universities, NGOs or the private sector.
Notable Alumni
- Dr. Obiero, Janet Orero
- Dr. Mfitumukiza, Evariste Gahima
- Dr. Anne A. Aseey
- Dr. Augustine Mwangi
- Dr. Wambua , Rebecca Mwikali
- Dr. Gacicio, Esther Wamuyu
- Dr. Kisimbii, Johnbosco Mutuku
- Dr. Angeline S. Mulwa
Fees and Funding
| DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN EDUCATION | ||||
| YEAR 1 | YEAR 2 | YEAR 3 | TOTALS | |
| TUITION | 288,000.00 | 288,000.00 | 288,000.00 | 864,000.00 |
| ICT SERVICES - (PER YEAR) | 7,000.00 | 7,000.00 | 7,000.00 | 21,000.00 |
| THESIS EXAMINATION | - | - | 50,000.00 | 50,000.00 |
| REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250) | 4,500.00 | 4,500.00 | 4,500.00 | 13,500.00 |
| ID CARD ( PER YEAR) | 1,000.00 | 1,000.00 | 1,000.00 | 3,000.00 |
| CAUTION - (ONCE) | 5,000.00 | - | - | 5,000.00 |
| MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR) | 6,500.00 | 6,500.00 | 6,500.00 | 19,500.00 |
| ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR) | 2,000.00 | 2,000.00 | 2,000.00 | 6,000.00 |
| LIBRARY (PER YEAR) | 5,000.00 | 5,000.00 | 5,000.00 | 15,000.00 |
| STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR) | 1,000.00 | 1,000.00 | 1,000.00 | 3,000.00 |
| Grand totals | 320,000.00 | 315,000.00 | 365,000.00 | 1,000,000.00 |