Overview
Introduction
This Doctor of Philosophy degree programme provides students with wide-ranging and advanced knowledge as well as skills in historical study and research. Taught PhD represents a significant departure from the traditional PhD by thesis programme run by the Department over the years. The course is built on the twin foundation of taught core courses on one hand and thesis by research on the other. While the taught courses will ensure meaningful interaction between the learners and the diversity of intellectual ideas represented by our faculty, the research component will equip students with the requisite academic wherewithal critical for knowledge creation. Furthermore, the utility of core subjects lies in enabling students in the formulation of study argument, understanding diverse modes of historical writing and critical analysis. Additionally, the taught units will give students a firm grounding in the understanding of vistas of historiographical trends, emerging theoretical discourse and analytical viewpoints.
Objectives
The following objectives are achieved in pursuance of the course.
Enable doctorate students to attain highest level of expertise and knowledge for
understanding research and interpretation of data in different academic
settings.
Equip students with appropriate skills and knowledge to conduct
methodologically sound research work.
To facilitate students to contribute to academic knowledge through
the dissemination of the research findings through academic forums and
publication of research work through reputable publication outlets.
Enable doctorate students to improve on their academic work through
presentations in seminars and workshops.
Rationale of the Programme
Undertaking a PhD research in our Department is an exciting experience which goes beyond the
interactions between the student and supervisor/s. Our students are exposed to teaching and
learning from multiple disciplines in the university. Exposing students to diverse shades of
intellectual discourse through teaching by different lecturers and research is a crucial goal of this
programme. We consequently graduate individuals who are exposed and grounded on the potent
multiplicity of intellectual opinions that exist beyond history as a discipline.
Philosophy of the Programme
This programme is predicated on a much more incisive approach than history being merely a
study of the human past. History shapes our world; it shapes our lives. Its scientific study should
be geared towards ourselves, our identities, contestations and contradictions in both their
extrinsic and teleological context and sense. And that provides a fundamental philosophic
underpinning of this programme.
1.4 Objectives of the programme
The objectives of the programme are to:
i) Comprehend critical thinking, logical reasoning and its application to historical study.
ii) Explain the emerging historiographical trends, theories and interpretations.
iii) Equip students with advanced tools of historical research and scholarship.
Expected Outcomes of the Programme
At the end of the programme the learner should be able to:
i) Demonstrate understanding of historical knowledge, and logical reasoning in
various historical contexts
ii) Globally competitive graduate in history
iii) Articulate various theoretical paradigms in historical sciences
Contacts of support persons
Chairman
Department of History & Archeology
P.O Box 30197-00100, Nairobi
Email: dept-historyarch@uonbi.ac.ke
Tel: 020-4918229
Structure
COURSE STRUCTURE AND DURATION
The degree programme shall consist of course work, examination and thesis. 5.2 The programme shall be covered in a minimum of six (6) and a maximum of ten (10) semesters for full-time students and fourteen (14) semesters for part-time students from the date of registration.
Each candidate shall be required to successfully complete a minimum of eight (8) course units during the first and second semester of the first year of study.
In addition, candidates shall be required to take a thesis, which shall be equivalent to eight (8) course units.
Each course unit shall have a minimum of 45 contact hours, and shall be covered within a semester of 15 weeks.
Each student shall be required to take a minimum of two (2) and a maximum of four (4) course units in one semester.
On successful completion of coursework, the student shall present a research proposal for approval in a departmental seminar.
After approval of the research proposal, the student will undertake supervised research, write and submit a thesis within the remaining period of the programme. The minimum period for the research thesis after approval of the proposal is four (4) semesters.
Schedule of intakes
Intake for Doctorate in History is once every September of the year and the
course duration is 5 years.
Application information
Applicants for Doctorate in History must be holders of a Master of Arts degree
in History from the University of Nairobi or from institutions of higher learning
recognized by University Senate
MODE OF DELIVERY
The PhD in History programme will be both full time and part-time and offered in two modes,
namely face-to-face learning as well as Open, Distance and Electronic Learning (ODeL).
Full time
The degree programme shall consist of coursework, seminar, examinations and Thesis.
The programme shall cover a minimum of 6 semesters and a maximum of 10
semesters and each semester will be 15 weeks.
Each candidate will be required to undertake a research project leading to an
examinable dissertation. The choice of the research topic shall be made in
consultation with the department and two academic supervisors.
Each course unit shall have 45 hours covered in one semester of 15 weeks.
Part time
The degree programme shall consist of coursework, seminar, examinations and Thesis
It shall cover a minimum of 6 semesters and a maximum of 14 semesters and
each semester shall be 15 weeks.
Part-time students shall be required to take a minimum of two (2) and a maximum of four
(4) units in one semester of 15 weeks.
Open, Distance and e-Learning
This learning mode is mostly home and office based and includes:
i) Written self-instructional study modules which include: course study materials such
as booklets, relevant literature, interactive devices and self-tests.
ii) Face-to-face introductory tutorials
iii) Mediated technical learning material such as audio-visual, films, documentaries
iv) E-learning
v) Limited face-to-face sessions to provide overview of the course on the start of the
semester, mid-semester and revision period prior to examinations
vi) Support study centre at the University of Nairobi:
a) Access to information through the University of Nairobi and other resource
centres
b) Use of libraries at the University of Nairobi and other institutions
Admission Requirements
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
The common regulations for admission requirements for PhD in the University of Nairobi shall apply.
In addition, applicants must be holders of a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree and any other relevant discipline from the University of Nairobi or any other institution recognized by University of Nairobi Senate.
Careers
Attachment opportunities
Holders of Doctorate degree in history have opportunities in teaching and
research, consultancy in Cultural and historical fields, Heading cultural and
social programs and projects with Government and International Agencies
Career prospects /opportunities
Doctorate holders in History have career opportunities in Teaching, Research
and grant writing, consultancy, and public affairs specialists, journalism,
technical writing and institutional research analysts.
Fees and Funding
| DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN HISTORY(C807) | YEAR 1 | YEAR 2 | YEAR 3 | TOTALS |
| Tuition | 192,000 | 192,000 | 192,000 | 576,000 |
| ICT SERVICES - (PER YEAR) | 7,000 | 7,000 | 7,000 | 21,000 |
| THESIS EXAMINATION | - | - | 50,000 | 50,000 |
| REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250) | 4,500 | 4,500 | 4,500 | 13,500 |
| ID CARD ( PER YEAR) | 1,000 | 1,000 | 1,000 | 3,000 |
| CAUTION - (ONCE) | 5,000 | - | - | 5,000 |
| MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR) | 6,500 | 6,500 | 6,500 | 19,500 |
| ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR) | 2,000 | 2,000 | 2,000 | 6,000 |
| LIBRARY (PER YEAR) | 5,000 | 5,000 | 5,000 | 15,000 |
| STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR) | 1,000 | 1,000 | 1,000 | 3,000 |
| EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000) | - | - | - | - |
| Grand totals | 224,000 | 219,000 | 269,000 | 712,000 |