Doctoral of Philosophy (PhD) in Education (By Research)

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD.) in Education (by Research Only) of Kabale University aims at developing a student’s intellectual hindsight about contemporary issues affecting education. The students are equipped with 21st Century learning and managerial skills appropriate in blending a critical and analytical approach appropriate to supporting the development of paradigms for sustainable social education. The PhD. student will be exposed to various leading themes in the science of global education, education leadership, planning and management, as well as advanced sociological, colonial, postcolonial and indigenous education realities that articulate the historical, cultural and contemporary patterns of education progression.

The PhD. student will also be exposed to more contemporary themes as follows;

  1. Education psychology,
  2. Social justice education,
  3. Curriculum studies,
  4. Education leadership and management;
  5. Sociological perspectives of education,
  6. Comparative and international education (global education);
  7. Curriculum development, implementation and evaluation;
  8. Language Education;

Overview

Code PhDER
Duration 3 Years
Study time Weekend
Intake August

Entry requirements

Applicants to the PhD programmes must meet the general requirements for admission to Graduate Programmes set by National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) and Kabale University. Specially, applicants must possess the following:

  1. Must have either a relevant Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a recognized university or institution of higher learning.
  2. Must have a relevant Master’s degree from a recognized University and/or Institution of Higher Learning recognised by NCHE. A Postgraduate Diploma in Education or Equivalent is an added advantage.
  3. Any other Master’s degree that may not be relevant but the applicant MUST have evidence of published materials relevant or related to the programme of study.
  4. Evidence of Recognition of Prior Learning that is equivalent to the qualification that is to be pursued. For Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), a prospective candidate shall first get clearance from NCHE to be eligible for admission.
  5. Present a scholarly written statement of research intent that is in line with the PhD. in Education programme scope.
  6. A detailed Curriculum Vitae.
  7. Three recommendation letters signed at least by two academics at a PhD. level or higher, and one professional referee.
  8. Fresh graduates of a Master’s degree should have at least one year of relevant working experience.

Fees structure

Tuition Fees per Semester (East African) UGX 3,000,000
Tuition Fees per Semester (Non East Africans) UGX 4,500,000

Functional Fees

Compulsory fees UGX
Application fee 50,000
Registration fees (per Academic Year) 60,000
Identity Card (Payable once in the 1st Semester) 20,000
Student Manual (Payable once in the 1st Semester) 20,000
Library fee (per Academic Year) 50,000
Medicare fee (per semester) 30,000
Computer Laboratory fee (per Academic Year) 100,000
Examination fee (per semester) 100,000
Innovation fund (per year) 100,000
Research fee (per Academic Year) 300,000
Development Fund (per Academic Year) 100,000
Student Games Union fee (Academic Year) 20,000
Student Guild fee (per Academic Year) 20,000
Contribution to the Uganda National Students’ Association (UNSA) (per Academic Year) 2,000
Certification (per copy) 5,000
Graduation fee (Payable on Completion of Studies)
a)    Ceremony 80,000
b)    Transcript 50,000
c)     Certificate 50,000
d)    Convocation 20,000
Total 200,000
Consequential fees 
Late Registration (per semester; after the deadline for official registration) 50,000
Replacement of Transcript (per issue) 50,000
Replacement of other University Credentials (Admission Letter, Identity Card, Library Card, etc…) 20,000
Retake/Supplementary/Missed/Special Exam fee (per course) 50,000
To be remitted to NCHE via www.ura.go.ug 
Contribution to National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) Collections (per Academic Year) 20,000

  1. The University Council reserves the right to adjust the fees without prior notice.
  2. These Programmes are run over Weekends, during Fulltime, or in Recess/Holiday Sessions.

Contribution to NCHE should be deposited using a payment reference number generated via www.ura.go.ug


Fees Structure 2025-2026

Course details

  • LH Lecture Hours
  • CH Contact Hours
  • TH Tutorial Hours
  • CU Credit Units
YEAR ONE,  SEMESTER ONE 
Code Name Delivery Mode CH
PDE9111 Advanced Research Methods Class work/Workshops 60 HRS
PDE9112 Computer Applications in Research Class work/Workshops 60 HRS
PDE9113 Scholarly Writing and Publications Class work/Workshops 60 HRS
PDE9114 Philosophy of Science Class work/Workshops 60 HRS
PDE9115 Institutional Pedagogy Class work/Workshops 60 HRS
YEAR ONE,  SEMESTER TWO 
PDE9126 Seminar Series Seminar/Workshop 60 HRS
YEAR TWO & THREE
PDE9300 Thesis Writing  

Career opportunities

Target Audience:
The Doctor of Philosophy in Education is designed for professional educators, education managers pursuing career in different education departments, researchers, graduates of Masters degrees in education and social workers, all aspiring to heighten their understanding of education research and theory, as well as global education praxis. At the end of their programme, graduates are supposed to utilize the high-tech skills and competencies acquired in their respective fields of specialization and in the philosophy of science to become social leaders and significant contributors to a globally competitive knowledge-based society.