DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN DEVELOPMENT STUDIES

The following shall be eligible to apply for registration for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Development Studies.

1.  A holder of a Master’s degree in Development Studies or any other social science discipline from the University of Nairobi;
2. A holder of a Master’s degree in any other discipline from the University of Nairobi, who provides evidence of social science-based study, research or publications;
3. A holder of a Master’s degree or equivalent academic qualifications from other institutions recognized y the University of Nairobi Senate as of comparable status.

Applications are processed throughout the year.

The applicant writes a letter of application to the Director, IDS, attaching a pre-proposal, full curriculum vitae, and transcripts of undergraduate and postgraduate study.

The IDS PhD Co-ordinator assesses the submission for the suitability of the topic to IDS, the quality of the pre-proposal, and the applicant’s preparation for PhD study.  In some case, the pre-proposal is given to senior academic staff in the relevant field/subject area for further review.

If the decision is positive, the applicant is assigned a senior academic to work with to produce a full proposal within a period of not more than six months.

After the assigned academic advisor is satisfied with the proposal, the applicant makes a formal presentation in an IDS PhD seminar.  Based on the seminar, the IDS Postgraduate Studies Committee determines whether the applicant should be recommended for registration as a PhD student at the University of Nairobi.

The applicant may be required to make further revisions to the proposal before registration.  Registration takes place through the University of Nairobi's Graduate School.

The Graduate School notifies each applicant in writing of its action and the application.

After receipt of the Graduate School's registration, IDS assigns two thesis supervisors, at least one of whom will be an IDS staff member.

Application Information

Step 1: Visit the application website http://application.uonbi.ac.ke

Step 2: Registration and creation of User Account - To register, you need an email address and phone number that will be validated during registration. Every applicant must create their own personal user account.

Step 3: Profile Management - Key-in your personal details and upload scanned copies of academic certificates and a passport size photograph. Only when your profile is complete can you apply for the programme you wish to undertake.

Step 4: Programme Selection - Select and apply for the course you are interested in. You will be issued with a REFERENCE NUMBER and directed to pay the prescribed application fee through the following Available Payment options:

1. Credit/Debit Card
2. M-Pesa Pay Bill
3. Direct Cash Deposit at any Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) branch

Upon payment, you will receive a confirmation of the payment on the email address and phone number registered in step 2.

Step 5: Application Tracking - Track the status of your application online through the system.  Alerts will be sent to your registered email address and phone number.