Programme structure
A curriculum designed for intellectual progression
The programme is deliberately cumulative. Candidates first establish philosophical, theoretical and methodological command; then demonstrate readiness for independent inquiry; and finally produce, publish and defend an original contribution to knowledge.
Programme at a Glance
Year 1
Foundations, Evidence and Concentration Study
Semester 1 · 21 credits
Plus two approved concentration electives (6 credits)
Semester 2 · 21 credits
Plus two approved concentration electives (6 credits)
Year 1 progression: 42 credits, a minimum CGPA of 2.5, a developed research concept and successful oral progression review.
Year 2
Candidacy, Proposal Approval and Research Readiness
The second year moves candidates from advanced taught study into approved independent inquiry: candidacy assessment, proposal development, experiential learning, advanced measurement, research seminars and academic apprenticeship.
Plus two approved concentration electives (6 credits)
Year 3
Data, Publication, Thesis Completion and Examination
The final year is organised around the production, articulation and examination of original research: data analysis, thesis argument, journal manuscript, teaching competence and the viva voce.
Two study routes, one doctoral standard
Both routes carry the same curriculum, faculty expectations, assessment requirements, supervision standards and progression gates, with 180 synchronous contact hours per year.
Executive Intensive Route
Three ten-day doctoral intensives each year · 60 contact hours per intensive
8:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Doctoral masterclass: advanced theory, concepts and critical faculty exposition.
10:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
Research seminar or methods laboratory: analysis, debate, cases, software and research design.
1:45 p.m.–3:45 p.m.
Applied doctoral clinic: writing, proposal development, data work, peer review and assessment preparation.
Executive Weekend Route
One intensive doctoral weekend each month · 15 contact hours per weekend
Friday, 5:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
Doctoral masterclass, research briefing and guided preparation.
Saturday, 8:30 a.m.–5:45 p.m.
Advanced lectures, disciplinary seminars, methods laboratories and the applied Doctoral Studio, with scheduled breaks.
Sunday, 2:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Colloquium, progress presentation, integration clinic, feedback and forward research planning.
Between scheduled sessions, doctoral work continues through the Online Doctoral Studio, guided reading, supervision, research clinics, independent inquiry, assessment and publication development. All times are Ghana time (GMT).