A research programme at African Union University gives you the opportunity to investigate a specific topic in real depth amongst field-leading researchers with first-class facilities. Completing a research programme will demonstrate a high level of skill and a deep understanding of your subject.

Research programmes involve the in-depth study of a specified field over an extensive period. The results of this research are written in the form of a thesis or dissertation, demonstrating your original contribution of knowledge or practice to your chosen discipline. Opportunities for supervised research are available in all our academic schools.

A PhD will typically take three years full-time, and an MPhil one year. The majority of our research programmes can also be studied part-time.

We encourage you to explore opportunities in academic schools outside your original degree subject as you may find that many of them offer research areas that link with your area of interest.

These programmes provide advanced research training and specialist knowledge before you embark on your specific research project.

Why study a postgraduate research programme?

Our postgraduate research programmes provide you with the opportunity to prepare for both academic and non-academic careers, immerse yourself in a specific area of interest, acquire new transferable skills and make a valuable contribution to new knowledge.

Prepare for your career

A postgraduate research programme is an excellent way to improve your employment prospects. The dedication, skills and knowledge needed to complete these programmes provides the perfect career preparation. A PhD is usually one of the main requirements for a career in academia, demonstrating that you have the necessary expertise to succeed in this field. The skills, knowledge and expertise gained will also help you stand out from the crowd in positions outside of academia.

Immerse yourself in your area of interest

If you want to continue exploring your subject of interest beyond a postgraduate taught course, research study gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself even further. A postgraduate research programme is the ideal platform to become an expert in your area of interest.

Acquire transferable skills

Postgraduate research study is more than writing a dissertation and completing your viva. It also offers additional benefits such as the acquisition of transferable skills such as public speaking, teaching, networking and time management.

Make a valuable contribution to new knowledge

Studying a postgraduate research programme provides the unique opportunity to make a valuable contribution to new knowledge in your specific area of interest.

This sets these programmes apart from other qualifications, enabling your work to potentially become a point of reference for academics and students in the future.

 

Choosing your research programme

Research programmes (including PhD and MPhil)

 

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

 

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a high level globally-recognised qualification that is rooted in original research.

 

The qualification is awarded for the outcomes of a period of advanced, individual study which demonstrates an original contribution of new knowledge or practice to your chosen discipline.

 

Studying for a PhD provides you with a unique and exciting opportunity to explore a research topic in real depth.

 

At the same time you will learn relevant research and professional skills. You will be expected to take the initiative and to develop your own ideas whilst guided and supported by your supervisory team.

 

The experience of undertaking a PhD will differ between subject areas. Some PhD projects are deliberately multi- or inter-disciplinary, exploring topics at the boundaries of traditional subjects, or applying approaches associated with a range of disciplines to a single research area.

Key facts

            Duration        Thesis

Full-time        2-3 years        up to 80,000 words

Part-time        4-6 years        up to 80,000 words

 

All of our Academic Schools have PhD opportunities. Search our faculties and courses for a particular research area:

Faculty of Social Science

Delve into the complexities of human society and behaviour with our diverse programs in History, Sociology, Conflict, Peace and Security, Social Media, Anthropology, Geography, Archaeology, Photography & Journalism, Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Criminal Justice and Law.

Dean of Faculty of Social Sciences: Prof. Ehi Eric Esoimeme Esq.

Faculty of Business Administration:

Elevate your business acumen with programs in Accounting, Marketing, Hospitality Management, Analysis, Environmental Management, Public Administration, and Film Directing.

Dean of Faculty of Business Administration: Prof. Paul Allieu Kamara

Faculty of Information Technology

Stay at the forefront of technological advancements with programs in Geology, Computer Science, Information Technology, Website Designing, Cyber Security, Automotive Technology, Software Engineering, and Media.

Dean of Faculty of Information Technology: Prof. Solomon Ediriverere Esomu

Faculty of Theological Studies

Explore the rich tapestry of theological studies with programs in Church History, Christian Leadership, and Biblical Law.

The Dean of this Faculty is 

Prof. Dr. Amb. Ishmael L. Togbah

Faculty of Education

Prepare yourself for a rewarding career in education with our comprehensive programs in Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Adult Education, and specialized subjects like Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and Sport Coaching.

The Dean of this Faculty is Prof. Yongho Louis

Alternatively, if you’re not ready for a full PhD programme, we offer Research Master's degrees to prepare students for PhD study. More details about this can be found in our programme guide for Research Master degrees:

 

What to expect from a PhD/MPhil by Research

AUU International offers PhD by Research. A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the highest level of qualification awarded by universities in Africa, typically aimed at students who have successfully completed a Masters programme.

A PhD is awarded for the outcomes of intensive, independent study that demonstrates an original and significant contribution to knowledge in your chosen subject. You will be assessed at the end of the programme by a thesis of 80,000 words which will need to be deemed suitable for publication, in whole or in part in a learned journal or equivalent by your examiners. You will need to defend your thesis and demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of your subject at a viva voce (oral examination) before a panel of expert examiners.

By comparison, an MPhil (Master of Philosophy) is a research-based Masters programme assessed by a thesis of 40,000 words. An oral examination may be held at the discretion of the examiners.

Unlike our postgraduate taught programmes, there are no formal lectures or seminars in a PhD or MPhil (Master of Philosophy), and your work is not formally examined until after your thesis has been submitted. Instead, our postgraduate research programmes provide you with the opportunity to undertake research under the expert guidance of a primary supervisor, co-supervisor and mentor, supported by complementary research training.

PhD and MPhil (Master of Philosophy) by Research programmes may start at any time of the year, though we strongly encourage students to begin their studies at the start of the academic year (September). We also offer flexibility in our programmes so that you can choose the mode of study that works for you - full-time, part-time, or distance learning. It usually takes three years (full-time) or six years (part-time) to complete a PhD, while the standard duration for MPhil (Master of Philosophy) by Research is either one year (full-time) or two years (part-time).

Distance learning students will receive the same level of support and supervision as on-campus students, the only difference being that supervisory sessions will take place via audio and visual communication services such as Microsoft Teams or Zoom, rather than in person.

 

Entry criteria for applicants to Doctoral Study (including PhD and Professional Doctorates)

A minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 60% mark in the project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average.

In the event of a first degree classification of less than 2:1, a Masters Degree in a relevant subject area will be considered as an equivalent.

The Masters must have been attained with minimum overall marks at merit level (60%)*. In addition, the dissertation or equivalent element in the Masters must also have been attained with a minimum mark of merit level (60%).

*Or higher where stipulated against a specific opportunity.

 

How to Apply

You can email the Academic Director of AUU International, Prof. Ehi Eric Esoimeme Esq. with your Masters Degree Certificate from an accredited University, Curriculum Vitae and your research proposal. His email address is eric.auuinternational@gmail.com

 

PhD Syllabus

The syllabus for the PhD degree will depend on the subject opted for by the student. Note that the PhD program is available in almost all the major disciplines, including - Economics, Social Work, Literature, Arts, Psychology, and Social Sciences.

The student will get around 2-3 years to complete their PhD programme. At the end of the PhD degree, the student will have to submit an original research thesis on a particular topic. 

The research paper may include topics like:

Introduction to the subject Literature Review Research Methodology Data Presentation and Analysis Summary, Recommendations and Conclusion

Doctoral Supervision Policy and Procedures

Precepts

1. Joint supervisors hold joint responsibility for the provision of academic advice and support. Primary responsibility for administrative requirements will be held by the Academic Director of AUU International.

2. Adviser/s provide advice on specific aspects of the research and/or candidature.

3. Responsibility for the quality of work, and for compliance with doctoral regulations, policy and procedure, ultimately rests with the candidate.

4. Relevance, equivalence and appropriateness, where invoked in this policy and associated procedures, are determined by the Academic Board headed by the Academic Director of AUU International.

5. All supervisors (main, joint and co-) must hold the doctoral degree for which the candidate is enrolled, or an equivalent qualification, or a substantial and appropriate record of research outputs.

6. Where scholarly creative work is to be submitted as part of the thesis requirement for the PhD, the appointment of the supervision team is also subject to the requirements of the PhD Including Scholarly Creative Work Policy and Procedures.

7. All supervisors (main, joint and co-) must be actively involved in research in the candidate’s general field.

8. The main supervisor will normally be the Academic Director of AUU International or an accredited academic board member approved by the Academic Director of AUU International.

9. At least one of the joint supervisors must be an academic staff member at AUU International with a contractual obligation to undertake research, and be accredited as joint supervisor.

PhD or Mphil thesis defence process

The PhD thesis oral defence is the last step in completing your PhD degree and is arranged by the Academic Board chaired by Academic Director of AUU International.

Format of the defence can be in-person, remote defence, or hybrid. The decision on the format of the defence will be agreed upon by the supervisor and student.

PhD or Mphil tuition fees

Students enrolling on a postgraduate degree programme are charged tuition fees by AUU International. Students beginning their PhD in 2024 (or later) will be charged 4000 dollars for full time research degrees. Students in Nigeria can pay the naira equivalent.  This fee includes the application fee, tuition and the digital certificate.

The DBA programme is a mixture of online and residential coursework and interaction, combined with a supervisor-guided dissertation project. It is structured over four years with a focus on the coursework components in Years 1 and 2. The programme offers flexibility in that you can supplement, and in some cases substitute, your coursework with elective modules available elsewhere.

Core modules

There are four assessed core modules which are all offered in Year 1.

Evidence Based Practice Research Research Theory and Methods Statistics and Econometrics Qualitative Research Methods

Elective modules

You are required to choose two theory-based modules and one methods-based module. There is flexibility in substituting one for the other based upon the recommendations of the supervisory team. Some of these modules can be taken in Year 1 but most are normally taken in Year 2.

Elective modules can be chosen from a wide range of courses offered by UNZA/AUU-I/GAFM. Some are offered across the term, while others are in concentrated block 'masterclass' formats over the course of a few days.

There are opportunities for you to choose modules outside of UNZA/AUU-I/GAFM with pre-approval from your supervisory team. Most elective modules are assessed, but they can also be audited or evaluated separately by your supervisory team.

Doctoral Conference

The GHU/UNZA/GAFM Doctoral Conference is a joint DBA and PhD conference that usually takes place over a number of days in May. It provides a mix of student presentations, external presentations, short workshops and the opportunity to interact with other doctoral students, academic staff and DBA Alumni.

The conference is a required part of the DBA programme and your attendance is compulsory.

DBA entry requirements

The basic DBA entry requirements are:

A Bachelor's Honours degree (normally equivalent to a UK First Class or 2:1) A Master's or MBA degree (a minimum final grade equivalent to a UK 60%; or B; or GPA of 3.0 out 4.0) A minimum of 6 years full-time management experience, showing significant career progression Spoken and written English-language competency equivalent to IELTS: 7.0 or TOEFL: 623 paper-based (or 106 internet-based). These tests are not required as standard; however, all English language skills are automatically assessed through the nature of the admissions process and you would be advised on an individual basis if you were required to provide further evidence of your competency.

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee entry to the programme, but failure to meet them lowers the likelihood of acceptance. In limited circumstances, there is a degree of flexibility on some aspects of the requirements which is at the DBA Programme Director's discretion.

How to Apply

You can email the Academic Director of AUU International, Prof. Ehi Eric Esoimeme Esq. with your Duly Filled Application Form, First Degree Certificate, Masters Degree Certificate from an accredited University, Curriculum Vitae and your research proposal. His email address is academicdirector@auuinternational.org  and then copy auuinternational@gmail.com