UCU Launches PhD Programme in Journalism, Sets Application Deadline

Uganda Christian University (UCU), through the School of Journalism, Media and Communication, with support from the Norwegian government under the NORHED II programme is inviting applications for the PhD in Journalism, Media and Communication.

This comes after the official launch of the course on Friday, 20th October, 2023.

Recently accredited by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), 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 PhD 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.

One must possess;

• 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).
• A research concept paper that will be reviewed to establish clarity, relevance and suitability
  • NB. Applicants who held 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.

Key application documents

1. Application form (from the university website)
2. Two-page motivation letters
3. Current Curriculum Vitae  
4. Certified copies of relevant academic papers
5. A five-page synopsis of your PhD concept
6. Three reference letters (one academic, one professional, one character)
7. Evidence of publication (if relevant)