Philosophy of the Programme
To provide leadership in Sustainable Urban Development learning and related research.
Rationale of the Programme
According to United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, urban population is expected to rise from 3.6 billion in 2011 to 6.6. billion in 2050. Urban areas are expected to absorb most of the rural population growth expected in the next four decades. Population growth is increasingly becoming mainly an urban phenomenon largely in developing countries. Rapid urbanization in Africa is accompanied by socio-economic and environmental problems. These include; poverty, inadequate economic empowerment, poor governance, poor waste management, climate change impacts, water and sanitation management, health, food insecurity, unsustainable energy alternatives among other pressing issues. With such a scenario, it calls for training of experts who have skills and professionalism to carry out research and prescribe solutions to urban challenges in Africa.
Programme Learning Outcomes
By the end of the programme it is expected that the graduate will be able to;
Demonstrate possession of knowledge, skills, competencies and develop values necessary for innovative development for sustainable urban development
Explain the holistic and trans-disciplinary perspectives of sustainable development
Apply skills for technology-oriented research with direct bearing on enhanced social-economic development
Demonstrate understanding of innovative entrepreneurial culture and practices for wealth creation and poverty alleviation.
Be capable of engaging local and national governments on appropriate policies that support sustainability thinking for development.
Demonstrate ability to carry out research on urban issues and report the findings accordingly
Entry Requirements
The Kenyatta University and School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences admission regulations shall apply. Applicants will be required to have any of the following qualifications: Masters degree in Sustainable Urban Development, Master of Environmental Sciences or a Master’s degree in a relevant field of study from Kenyatta University or any other recognized university.
Programme Structure and Duration
The programme is offered through Thesis only. The Doctor of Philosophy in Sustainable Urban Development shall be completed through research, thesis and successful oral examination. The programme shall take a minimum period of three academic years during which time a candidate shall develop a proposal, carry out research and write a thesis for examination. The student will be supervised by a member of the Kenyatta University faculty and any other person that may be found suitable by the Department of Environmental Science and Education to undertake such supervision. A candidate shall publish two articles in a recognized and refereed journal.
Regulations for thesis
The student shall be expected to develop and defend a proposal with the consultation of at least two university supervisors after successful completion of the course work. The proposal shall be presented at the Department staff and students. The proposal shall then be approved by the Board of Post Graduate Studies for before forwarding to the graduate school for registration and approval for the students to collect data. During the data collection and writing period the student will be expected to consult with the supervisors and submit progress reports to the Graduate School. After examination by internal and external examiners the candidate will be invited to defend their work in an oral examination. After successful defence the candidate shall make corrections as recommended by the Board of Examiners and then submit corrected thesis to the graduate school following the university guidelines.
Examinations
Kenyatta University examination rules and regulations shall apply;
Students enrolled in the Ph.D. programme shall carry out a field or laboratory research or both and write a thesis for examination.
Grading
70% - 100% A
60% - 69% B
50% -59% C
0% - 49% E (FAIL)
Certification
The degree to be awarded: Doctor Philosophy in Sustainable Urban Development.
Unit Code and Title
EED 901: PhD Thesis (Sustainable Urban Development)