PhD Programs
June 8, 2022 2023-02-09 10:43PhD Programs
THE PHD DEGREE PROGRAM (PDP)
About the PhD Program
The GOU PhD program is cutting edge research-based program constituting a number of subject area programs which can be pursued either though the PhD by Thesis or the PhD by Publication options
The PhD Program Options
PhD by Thesis
Candidates enroll on this option of the PhD program do pursue a conventional doctorate degree program that requires them to undergo an intensive research work under guidance of their PhD Advisor(s) or Supervisors. They are expected to extensively document their research work and findings in the form of a PhD Thesis of between 80,000 and 100,000 words to submitted for the PhD examination process.
The PhD Thesis is expected to demonstrate the Candidate’s authority and in-depth knowledge in the subject area of the research and to establish that the candidate’s has a thorough grasp of other research works in the area and field of study. The Thesis is also expected to make a unique contribution to knowledge in terms of the originality of its approach, findings and the coherent interpretation of these findings and possibly, the discovery of new facts.
PhD by Publication
Also known as a PhD by Portfolio or by Published Works) is based on the recognition of an extensive amount of published research work in high quality peer review journals by the Candidate prior to application to the program, and during the period of enrollment.
Candidates under the supervision of a PhD Advisor(s), are guided through the process of developing and forming their PhD Research Portfolio (‘Thesis’) based on their research publications by assisting them on what publications should be included in the Research Portfolio and on how to establish the connections between them. Candidates are required to include 10 to 12 journal publications in the Research Portfolio and these must be as recent as possible and linkable.
The Research Portfolio to be submitted for the PhD examination process should be comparable in length to a doctoral thesis, totalling between 80,000 and 100,000 words. Aside from the documented publications, the PhD Research Portfolio is expected to include a commentary of 5,000–10,000 words detailing an introduction, critical analysis and conclusion outlining the research work’s coherence, significance and contribution to knowledge. PhD Research Portfolio be of the same quality, rigour and volume as required of a standard PhD thesis in a given subject area and field.
Although the PhD by Publication route is intended primarily for mid-career research-active academics who, for one reason or another, haven’t had the opportunity to undertake a research program leading to a PhD, others with the requisite entry requirements including active engagement in previous research work leading to high impact prior review publications can also apply.
The PhD Examination Process in a Nutshell
The PhD Examination process at GOU is the same for both the PhD by Thesis and the PhD by Publication programs. Candidates on the basis of their submitted PhD Thesis/PhD Research Portfolio undergoes examination process involving assessment of their PhD Thesis/Research Portfolio document by appointed Examiners and as well as go through a PhD viva voce examination process to defend their work.
The PhD Thesis/Research Portfolio– In a Nutshell
The PhD Thesis/Research Portfolio aims to allow the examiners to judge whether the candidate has succeeded in mastering the skills of carrying out research that meets established professional standards and as such warrants the award of the PhD degree .
The PhD Thesis/Research Portfolio as the final output of a professional standard supervised research work should be structured to include:
- Identification of unsolved problem and reason for solving it. – The nature and purpose/motivation for the investigation should be clearly stated. The thesis approach/standpoint and whether the purpose was substantially achieved should also be made clear.
- Status of research in direction of solution. – The relevant background material and limitations of existing methods. The candidate must show that he/she has an adequate knowledge of the subject and of the literature and can critically place his/her work in a wider context. The literature survey should not be encyclopedic.
- Find a solution. —Development of own ideas and theoretical framework backed with mathematical analysis (where appropriate).
- Demonstration that it is a solution. -This should involve the implementation, justification for assumptions, and evaluation of evidence.
- Demonstrate analytical skills.
- Assess the suitability of the solution
- Evaluate the importance of the contribution
- Identify directions for future work
- Appendices
- Complete bibliography with numbered list of references
The PhD Process - Some Successful Outcomes
- The PhD Thesis/Research Portfolio is of quality completed and submitted with the stipulated time
- Publishing the stipulated number of quality academic journal emanating from the PhD research work
- Presentation at local and international conferences
- Stimulating experience for student and supervisor.
- A PhD Degree and an international recognition by peers.
Requirements for the Award of the PhD Degree [All PhD Options]
The PhD Thesis/ Research Portfolio must demonstrate the candidate’s authority in the research subject area and field of study and must show evidence of command of knowledge in relevant fields. The Thesis must confirm that the candidate has a thorough grasp of the appropriate methods and techniques and an awareness of their limitations.
For the PhD Thesis/ Research Portfolio to qualify for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree award at GOU, it must make a distinct unique contribution to knowledge. This contribution is determined by the originality of the approach, the coherent interpretation of the findings, and, in some cases, the discovery of new facts. The originality of the contribution is also determined in terms of how the candidate demonstrates an ability to communicate research findings effectively in the professional arena and in an international context.
The stipulated length of a PhD Thesis/Research Portfolio varies from discipline to discipline, with 80,000 words being the norm at GOU. The PhD Thesis/Research Portfolio should not exceed 100,000 words (or equivalent) without special permission from the Office of the Dean of PhD Programs.
The PhD Examination Process [All PhD Options]
Candidates are required to submit their PhD Thesis/Research Portfolio for PhD examination process. Internal examiner(s) and External examiner (s) will be appointed to assess the PhD Thesis/Research Portfolio. Candidates will be required to defend their Thesis at a viva voce session.
A viva voce examination is mandatory for the award of the PhD degree at GOU. It is held after the examiners have submitted their reports on the assessment of the PhD Thesis/Research Portfolio. The aim of the viva voce examination is to provide an opportunity for the examiners to examine and assess the candidate on various aspects of the PhD Thesis/Research Portfolio and on the candidate’s research work and findings to reach a final recommendation to the University on the award of the PhD degree.
