The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in Sociology are post-graduate degree programmes carried out through supervised research. The degrees are intended to provide advanced training in the discipline of Sociology and to equip students with knowledge, skills and applied competencies to do independent Sociological research that contributes new knowledge and understanding in Sociology.
The MPhil/PhD programmes should prepare students for working in universities, government departments, and international organisations. In addition,graduates should have the skills required for self-employment and for offering consultancy services to client organizations.
1.1 Specific Objectives of the Post-graduate programmes in SociologyTo equip students with advanced training in applied Sociology and to prepare them to function as practicing independent Sociologists in academic, public and private organizations, including self employment;
To provide rigorous training and a solid foundation for the development of intellectual, analytical, conceptual and theoretical skills required for conducting Sociological research;
To help students to develop the practical, intellectual and technical skills nec-essary for making linkages between conceptual theoretical issues and empirical methodological concerns.
The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in Sociology are post graduate degree programmes carried out through supervised research. The MPhil/PhD degree programme in Sociology shall be in accordance with the General Regulations 50.1 and 50.2 for the Degrees of Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
2.1.1 In order to ensure that students begin their supervised research degrees with appropriate minimum knowledge and a set of skills and applied competencies that are required for effective independent Sociological research, and as provided for in Academic General Regulation 50.0, all MPhil and PhD graduate students will be required to take and pass a set of four core courses (12 credits) which are deemed as a necessary foundation during their first year of study.
2.2.1 Subject to the provisions of the General Academic Regulations, all MPhil and PhD candidates shall be required to take and pass the following core foundation courses (12 credits):
SOC 601 Advanced Sociological Analysis
SOC 602 Advanced Research Methods 1 – Qualitative
SOC 603 Advanced Research Methods 2 – Quantitative
SOC 604 Advanced Seminar in Sociology
2.2.3 A student shall be required to complete all required courses (12 credits) and present a proposal for approval by the department before embarking on the dissertation.
3.1.1 The General Academic Regulations 50.0 – 50.2 shall apply.
3.2.1 In addition to taking and passing the four required courses (12 credits) the candidate for the MPhil degree shall be required to take 12 credits of Research and Thesis in Sociology.
SOC 801 Research and Thesis in Sociology
3.2.2 Students who have taken and passed courses equivalent to the prerequisite courses within 10 semesters prior to registration may be exempted from any of the required courses at the discretion of the Departmental Board.
3.3.1 The General Academic Regulations 50.7.1 shall apply.
3.4 Duration of the Programme
3.4.1The General Academic Regulations 50.5.1 shall apply.
4.1.1The General Academic Regulations 50.0 – 50.2 shall apply.
4.2.1 In addition to taking and passing the four required courses (12 credits) the candidate for the PhD degree shall be required to take 60 credits of Doctoral Research and Thesis in Sociology.
SOC 901 Doctoral Research and Thesis in Sociology
4.2.2 Students who have taken and passed courses equivalent to the prerequisite courses within 10 semesters prior to registration may be exempted from any of the required courses at the discretion of the Departmental Board.
4.3.1 The General Academic Regulations 50.7.2 shall apply.
4.4.1 The General Academic Regulations 50.5.2 shall apply.
5.1 The General Academic Regulations 50.9 – 50.9.6.8 shall apply.