Doctor of Philosophy (Geography)

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN GEOGRAPHY

The Department of Geography offers a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree programme by field research and thesis in three main options of Geography: Physical Geography; Human Geography and Planning; and Applications of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The PhD programme builds on the M.Phil work. The rapid changes in the physical and human environments, and the policies and strategies for sustainable development, especially in Africa, demand advanced trained manpower in different options of Geography. The programme is therefore aimed at developing and consolidating the highest level of scholarship, creative thinking and writing, research capability and leadership in one’s area of interest and specialization in geography. The PhD training will enable graduates to teach and research in the field of Geography and to relate to the process of globalisation, modernization and sustainable development from geographical perspectives.

Emphasis is placed on advanced knowledge and field applications of concepts, theories, GIS and remote sensing techniques, and computer-assisted cartography, land use assessment and planning, and the interdisciplinary application of human and earth resource management in designing solutions to practical real world problems.
The main objective of the Doctor of Philosophy programme in Geography is to enable PhD students to develop in-depth analytical skills and knowledge in the broad field of geography.

The specific objectives are to:

1. To equip students with the highest levels of knowledge, skills and personality to teach and research in geography
2. To train students to acquire advanced understanding of geographic concepts and analytical skills to carry out scientific research and consultancy
3. To equip students with advance experimental practical methods in laboratories and fieldwork in order to strengthen their scientific background, theoretical knowledge and practical skills for handling theses and other scientific research problems independently.
4. To assist students to acquire the highest levels of expertise in their areas of specialization within the discipline.
5. To produce skilled manpower for careers in management in public and private sectors, NGOs and also in research and teaching at universities.

Admission Requirements
To qualify for admission into a PhD. programme in Geography,applicants shall be:-

1. Holder of a Master of Philosophy degree in Geography or a related discipline from Moi University
2. Holder of a Master’s degree or its equivalent in Geography or a related discipline from any other recognized university.

Duration and Type of Registration
Common regulations of the Graduate Studies Programmes of Moi University and of the School of Arts and Social Sciences (SASS) shall apply. Specifically, however, the Department of Geography shall critically analyse the applicants’ qualification and determine level (either year 1 or year 2) of entrance. A candidate may be registered as a full-time student for the D.Phil. Degree programme for minimum of three years and a maximum five years. A candidate may be registered as a parttime student for the PhD degree programme for a minimum of four years and a maximum of seven years.

Programme Structure
The Doctor of Philosophy in geography shall normally consist of coursework, examination and thesis. The minimum units of coursework shall be 21 units, which will be made up of at least 12 units of level 900 courses; and the rest could be from  level 800 courses or lower. All coursework shall be done in the first year of study for both full-time and part-time students.The rest of  the time shall be devoted to proposal writing, research, data analysis and thesis writing. The following is the unit distribution for the PhD in geography.

During the first and second semesters candidates can take M.Phil or PhD courses offered in other disciplines to make up for apparent inadequacies or to strengthen their proposed research areas.