Overview
Philosophy of the Program
This programme is premised on the belief that philosophy, with its emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving skills, is an essential and indispensable part of well-balanced higher education curricula.
In recent years there has been a significant increase in the number of universities in Kenya. Many of these universities are already offering courses in philosophy and require well-trained staff in the discipline. However, the number of PhD holders in philosophy in the country remains low and the new universities have to rely on either part-time lecturers or master’s degree holders. Being the oldest and largest department of philosophy and religious studies in the country, the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies at the University of Nairobi is well positioned to take a leading role in training philosophers who can take up teaching roles in the nascent universities.
The overall goal of this programme is to prepare students for a successful academic career in philosophy.
Admission Requirements
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Minimum Admission Requirements
The common regulations for admission requirements for Ph.D. in the University of Nairobi shall apply.
In addition, applicants must be holders of a Master’s degree in Philosophy from the University of Nairobi or any other institution recognized by University of Nairobi Senate.
In either case, the applicant must be able to produce evidence, to the satisfaction of Senate, of his adequate background in the discipline and capacity to carry out original research.
In addition to producing evidence of eligibility for registration, candidates for the Doctor of Philosophy degree may be required to appear for interview by the Department to determine their suitability for registration.
3.2 Regulations for Credit Transfers
Credit transfer and exemptions are not applicable.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Students Obligations
- The common regulations for conduct of Ph.D. teaching, thesis writing and supervision of the University of Nairobi shall apply.
- Sign attendance list every time in class and attend a minimum of two thirds of face-to-face contact hours. Attendance of students and lecturers will be done through filling and subsequent monthly analysis of attendance forms.
- Participate actively in seminars, workshops and colloquia aimed at advancing scholarship in information science.
- Undertake individual study and class presentations as required.
- Develop a Ph.D. thesis proposal in the third semester and defend it.
- Maintain a research notebook/logbook as evidence of work progressively undertaken during the course of research study.
- Keep a record of the monthly consultations held and a copy of which shall be forwarded to the Chairman of the Department.
- Present research findings in seminars/conferences at least three times during the research period.
- Undertake research and submit final thesis for examination.
Contact Person
Chairman
P.O Box 30197-00100, Nairobi
Email- dept-philosophy@uonbi.ac.ke
Tel: 020-4913219
Website:philosophy.uonbi.ac.ke
Physical location: Gandhi Wing, 3rd Floor room 301, Main Campus
Structure
Programme Structure and Duration
Schedule of intakes
Programme intake is once every year in September with the course duration
taking Two Academic Years
MODE OF DELIVERY
The programme shall be offered through face-to-face and Open, Distance and Electronic Learning (ODeL) modes of study.
Face-to-Face Mode: This will involve the use of tutorials, practical’s, problem-based learning. The programme shall be covered in a minimum of six (6) and a maximum of ten (10) semesters for full-time students and a maximum of fourteen (14) semesters for part-time students from the date of registration.
2.2 ODeL Mode: The open, distance and electronic learning mode of study will be offered off-campus using multi-media approach, including a variety of self-instructional print and electronic study materials.
There will be limited face-to-face instruction during prescribed residential sessions
Careers
Attachment opportunities
A PhD degree in Philosophy equips one with research skills and knowledge that prepares individuals for a variety of careers, government and non-governmental organizations; civil society organizations; international development agencies; academic and research institutions, teaching and more.
Career prospects/opportunities
Candidates have a wide range of opportunities in the teaching profession as teachers, working in government and non-governmental organizations; civil society organizations; international development agencies; academic and research institutions.
Notable Allumni
Fees and Funding
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Totals | |
| Tuition | 192,000 | 192,000 | 192,000 | 576,000 |
| ICT SERVICES - (PER YEAR) | 7,000 | 7,000 | 7,000 | 21,000 |
| THESIS EXAMINATION | 0 | 0 | 50,000 | 50,000 |
| REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250) | 4,500 | 4,500 | 4,500 | 13,500 |
| ID CARD ( PER YEAR) | 1,000 | 1,000 | 1,000 | 3,000 |
| CAUTION - (ONCE) | 5,000 | 0 | 0 | 5,000 |
| MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR) | 6,500 | 6,500 | 6,500 | 19,500 |
| ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR) | 2,000 | 2,000 | 2,000 | 6,000 |
| LIBRARY (PER YEAR) | 5,000 | 5,000 | 5,000 | 15,000 |
| STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR) | 1,000 | 1,000 | 1,000 | 3,000 |
| EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Grand totals | 224,000 | 219,000 | 269,000 | 712,000 |