CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR THE PHD IN JOURNALISM, MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION

UCU

The School of Journalism, Media and Communication at Uganda Christian University, with support from the Norwegian government under the NORHED II programme invites applications for the PhD in Journalism, Media and Communication tenable at Uganda Christian University starting 13th November, 2023.

1.0 Background

The National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) recently accredited the PhD in Journalism, Media and Communication. The programme is designed to attract both full time and part time candidates, with a duration of 3-4 years for full time candidates and 5-6 years for part time students. The programme will be executed by a faculty team drawn from NORHED Partner universities including NLA University College (Norway), University of Kwazulu Natal (South Africa), University of Rwanda and Uganda Christian University. It will be by coursework and dissertation. Current expertise lies in the following broad areas:

a) Media, democracy and development in Africa; 

(b) Media, gender,representation and participation; 

(c) The media and crisis 

(d)  Science and Health Communication.  

2.0 Criteria to apply at UCU

Eligible candidates shall: 

2.1 Demonstrate capacity and commitment to complete a rigorous PhD course within the stipulated time period (3-4 years for full-time students and 5-6 years for part-time students) under supervision

2.2 Show affinity and passion for teaching in the field of Journalism, Media and Communication

2.3 Prior teaching experience and/or demonstrable industry practice will be added advantages

N.B. Female candidates are encouraged to apply

  • Admission Requirements for the PhD in Journalism, Media and Communication

Minimum admission requirements to the PhD in Journalism, Media and Communication degree programme shall be as follows:

  1. General Requirements for Admission

a) A Master’s degree in Journalism/Media/Communication or related field, or its equivalent from a higher education institution recognized by NCHE.

N.B. International applicants will be required to provide evidence of accreditation of their relevant degree-awarding institution and academic programme by an equivalent Higher Education authority in the respective country. Additionally, their academic documents may need to be validated by the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB).

c) A research concept paper that will be reviewed to establish its clarity, relevance and suitability. 

N.B.  Applicants who hold a professional Masters’ degree and wish to pursue a PhD may be required to prove their suitability for admission with a minimum of two publications in reputable research outlets and shall be subjected to an interview by a panel of experts. The need for this will be determined by the admission panel.

 Candidates from related fields may be required to undertake remedial courses prescribed by the School to address gaps in essential knowledge and skills.

4.0 APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Key documents:

  1.  Application form (see https://apply.ucu.ac.ug/)
  2.  Two-page motivation letter;

4.3 Current Curriculum Vitae;

4.4 Certified copies of relevant academic papers;

  • A five-page synopsis of your PhD concept

4.6 Three reference letters (one academic, one professional, one character).

4.7 Evidence of publications (if relevant)

5.0 SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS

All applications must be submitted in hard and soft copy. 

  1. Applications (hard copy) should be submitted to the Director, Directorate of  Postgraduate Studies, Uganda Christian University, P.O Box 4, Mukono, Uganda  Electronic copies of the application should be sent to https://apply.ucu.ac.ug/ 

cc. jektondo@gmail.com 

cc. akezaabu@gmail.com

  • DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION

Applications must be submitted not later than 4.00 p.m. Tuesday 24th October, 2023. Shortlisted candidates will receive notification by 31st October, 2023. These will receive guidelines and be invited to present their PhD research concepts before final selection.  

7.0 INQUIRIES

Inquiries may be directed to the Head of Department, Postgraduate Studies and Research, School of Journalism, Media and Communication, Uganda Christian University, Dr. Annette Kezaabu: 

Email: akezaabu@ucu.ac.ug  

Cc: akezaabu@gmail.com 

OR 

The PhD Coordinator, School of Journalism, Media and Communication, Uganda Christian University

Prof. James Kiwanuka-Tondo

Email: Jkiwanuka-tondo@ucu.ac.ug

Cc: jektondo@gmail.com

OR call _256 312 350 800 EXT 284-Attention Mrs. Proscovia Sempungu (School Administrative Assistant)/Mr. Franklin Adeka (School Assistant Registrar)