Doctor of Philosophy in Child Rights and Childhood Studies

The Doctor of Philosophy in Child Rights and Childhood Studies at Africa University is a postgraduate research degree in child rights and childhood studies. It aims to develop a knowledge base in child rights and social constructions on childhood and family from African perspectives, and to support research, policies, and programmes. It covers children’s rights issues through knowledge and skills anchored in African perspectives.

The programme is designed for professionals who work with children’s rights issues, including lawyers, psychologists, sociologists, judges, law enforcement officers, social workers, teachers, government officials, non-governmental organisation staff, academics, and journalists. Learning is delivered through research (learning mode: research) at the main campus over 3 year(s). Applicants submit research evidence through a copy of their Master’s degree dissertation.

To apply for a Doctoral Degree programme at Africa University, a candidate must possess a Master’s degree in the relevant field of study. The candidate must provide official transcripts as evidence of coursework in a relevant field of study at the Masters level AND a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.0 (B) or equivalent at the Masters level. Applicants must provide a copy of their Master’s degree dissertation as evidence of their research accomplishments.

• The CSSTHE Board will recommend for admission to the GSC applicants who obtained a Master’s degree by research.
• Applicants should submit with their applications a Motivation Statement written in English.
• Applicants are required to have an interview with the CSSTHE, conducted in English.
• A good Master’s degree in any child related discipline.

Motivation Statement written in English; interview conducted in English.

• Child welfare
• Health
• Criminal Justice
• Education
• Political science
• Law enforcement
• Social sciences including social policy
• International development
• Voluntary and private sector
• Academia
• Government
• Non-government organisations