There is a need for more African scholars and scientists to contribute to innovation and development on our continent and to enhance Africa’s participation in the knowledge economy. Due to the rapid increase in doctoral enrolments at African universities in recent years, many more well-prepared supervisors are needed at African universities.
This CREST course offers a flexible study opportunity to academic staff members, particularly novice doctoral supervisors, who are interested in advancing their knowledge, skills and networks in doctoral supervision.
The course is presented over eight weeks of course work, followed by one month to complete a short Capstone Assignment.
Applications are now open. Applications close on 12 June 2023. The next course will start on 07 August 2023.
What will the course cover?
Module 1
Doctoral studies in Africa: The need for the doctorate and the state of doctoral studies in Africa
Module 2
Nature, purpose, standard, and format of the doctoral degree
Module 3
Roles and responsibilities of the supervisor and the student
Module 4
Supervisory models, styles and practice
Module 5
Supervising the preparation phase: Selection of doctoral candidates, supervisor allocation, supervising the development of the research proposal and literature study
Module 6
Supervising the execution phase: Responsible conduct of research and ethics, project management, thesis writing, doctoral examination
Who will present the course?
The course will be presented by CREST, an academic centre of Stellenbosch University in South Africa. CREST has vast experience in doctoral supervision and is known for its expertise in research methodology and in science policy and knowledge production on the African continent. Our partners in this course are the Centre for Higher Education Research, Learning and Teaching (CHERTL) at Rhodes University in South Africa, and the Centre for Higher and Adult Education at Stellenbosch University (CHAE).
The course is taught by Professors Jan Botha (CREST), Chrissie Boughey (CHERTL), Liezel Frick (CHAE), Johann Mouton (CREST), Sioux McKenna (CHERTL) and Dr Nompilo Tshuma (CHAE).
How will the course be presented?
The course will be presented through the web-based learning management system of Stellenbosch University. The course materials are 100% online (i.e. there is no need to travel to Stellenbosch) and participants can access the course materials and participate in the online activities when it is convenient for them. Participants must have access to a reliable and reasonably fast and stable internet connection, in order to be able to download the multimedia components of the course and participate in the online activities and discussions.
Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a Certificate of Competence from Stellenbosch University.
How much time will it take?
Successful participation will require about nine hours per week over a period of eight weeks. Participants should plan to spend another 15 to 20 hours on the final assignment.
What are the entry requirements?
To be considered for the course, you must be employed by or affiliated with a university in Africa, have a doctoral degree (or expect to receive your doctoral degree by the end of 2023), you have to supervise or co-supervise doctoral students (or be expected to do so in the future), and you need a letter of support from your head of department or dean.
Prof Johann Mouton Director of CREST
A course for doctoral supervisors at Makerere University in Uganda
Application
To apply for the course please complete the online SUNSurvey application form.
The closing date for applications for this 2023 offering is 12 June 2023.
Successful applicants will be notified by 23 June 2023.
You are welcome to contact Rolene Langford if you experience any problems with the application process, or if you have any further questions.
The enrolment fee is $600 (six hundred US dollars) per participant.
The course fees of Supervisors of DAAD In-Country/In-Region PhD Scholarship holders will be covered by the DAAD.
