The Bishop Titi-Ofei Doctoral Fellowship
The Christian Scholars Scholarship
Building Christian Scholars for the Academy, the Church and the Nations
A limited number of three-year doctoral Fellowships are available to exceptional young Christian scholars seeking to pursue the Gold Coast PhD in Business Administration and build long-term academic careers within the University of Gold Coast.
Applicants must be 40 years old or younger, hold a First Class bachelor's degree and possess an MPhil or equivalent research master's degree in a relevant field.
Quick Information
- Programme
- Gold Coast PhD in Business Administration
- Fellowship Duration
- Three years
- Maximum Age
- 40 years
- First Degree
- First Class
- Postgraduate Qualification
- MPhil or equivalent research master's degree
- Teaching Commitment
- Minimum of 12 hours weekly during active teaching periods
- Post-Completion Service
- Five years with the University of Gold Coast
- Availability
- Limited and highly competitive
About the Fellowship
More than a scholarship.
The Bishop Titi-Ofei Doctoral Fellowship is not merely financial support for a PhD.
It is a rigorous doctoral formation pathway for emerging Christian scholars who are intellectually gifted, spiritually grounded, morally disciplined and committed to research, teaching, leadership and nation-building.
Successful candidates will pursue the Gold Coast PhD in Business Administration while serving as Doctoral Teaching Fellows within the University of Gold Coast academic architecture.
The Fellowship seeks to prepare scholars for long-term careers as lecturers, researchers, supervisors, authors, academic leaders and ethical public intellectuals.
Bishop Dr. Gideon Titi-Ofei, FCMI
Founder and Chancellor
University of Gold Coast
Message from the Founder
Investing in Minds, Ministries and Nations
I was formed, shaped and transformed within the Christian community. As part of my commitment to giving back to society and investing in the future of Christian scholarship, I am offering a limited number of three-year doctoral Fellowships to exceptional young Christians.
I am looking for scholars who believe that the academy is also a mission field, that research is a form of service and that intellectual excellence can be offered to God as worship.
This Fellowship is a call to the next generation of Christian academics to think deeply, research rigorously, write clearly, teach faithfully, lead ethically and serve society with distinction.
Purpose of the Fellowship
Forming the next generation of Christian academics.
The Fellowship seeks to identify, support and form outstanding young Christian scholars with the potential to become:
- ◆University lecturers
- ◆Researchers and academic authors
- ◆Postgraduate supervisors
- ◆Academic programme developers
- ◆Departmental and institutional leaders
- ◆Policy advisers and consultants
- ◆Ethical public intellectuals
The Fellowship combines doctoral education, teaching experience, academic mentorship, research development, Christian formation and institutional service.
The Christian Scholar Leader
Think deeply. Research rigorously. Write clearly. Teach faithfully. Lead ethically. Serve nations.
The Doctoral Programme
Gold Coast PhD in Business Administration
Successful candidates will be considered for admission to the three-year Gold Coast PhD in Business Administration, subject to satisfying all doctoral admission requirements.
The programme is designed to develop scholar leaders who can undertake original research, solve complex organisational problems and contribute to business, leadership, governance and national development.
Learn more about the Gold Coast PhDThe doctoral journey includes
- 01Advanced doctoral seminars
- 02Research methodology
- 03Academic writing and publication development
- 04Candidacy examinations
- 05Research proposal development and defence
- 06Independent doctoral research
- 07Research clinics and scholarly seminars
- 08Academic supervision and mentorship
- 09An original doctoral thesis
- 10A final viva voce examination
Areas of Concentration
Choose a research pathway.
Applicants must have academic qualifications, research interests and professional backgrounds relevant to business administration, management or a closely related field.
01Accounting and Finance
Research in accounting systems, auditing, corporate finance, taxation, investment, financial governance and financial decision-making.
02Human Resource Management
Research in talent management, employee development, organisational culture, workplace behaviour, industrial relations and human capital strategy.
03Marketing and Communication
Research in marketing strategy, consumer behaviour, branding, digital marketing, public relations, corporate communications and strategic communication.
04Leadership and Governance
Research in leadership, ethics, corporate governance, public-sector leadership, policy, accountability and institutional development.
05Strategic Management
Research in organisational strategy, entrepreneurship, innovation, competitiveness, change management and sustainable organisational growth.
Who Should Apply?
The Fellowship is for you if you:
- Are a committed Christian with a credible testimony.
- Feel called to academic teaching, research and leadership.
- Are 40 years old or younger.
- Hold a First Class bachelor's degree.
- Hold an MPhil or equivalent research master's degree.
- Have qualifications relevant to business, management or a related discipline.
- Have strong academic and research potential.
- Can contribute to business and management-related teaching.
- Desire to build a long-term academic career.
- Are willing to serve as a Doctoral Teaching Fellow.
- Are prepared to serve the University for five years after completing the PhD.
- Demonstrate integrity, humility, discipline, teachability and leadership potential.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- 01Be 40 years old or younger at the application closing date.
- 02Hold a First Class bachelor's degree from a recognised university.
- 03Hold an MPhil or equivalent research master's degree from a recognised university.
- 04Possess qualifications relevant to business administration, management or a closely related field.
- 05Submit a proposed research area aligned with one of the approved PhD concentrations.
- 06Demonstrate excellent academic performance.
- 07Provide evidence of strong research potential.
- 08Demonstrate a strong Christian testimony.
- 09Be actively involved in a recognised Christian church or ministry.
- 10Demonstrate the capacity to teach or support business and management-related programmes.
- 11Accept the Doctoral Teaching Fellowship requirement.
- 12Accept the five-year post-completion service bond.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission or the award of a Fellowship.
Relevant Academic Backgrounds
Applicants may have qualifications in:
Applicants from other disciplines may be considered where their proposed research has a strong business, management, leadership, governance or organisational focus.
What the Fellowship Offers
Successful Fellows will receive:
- ◆Doctoral scholarship support for the approved three-year period, as specified in the Fellowship Award Letter.
- ◆Admission consideration for the Gold Coast PhD in Business Administration.
- ◆Appointment as a Doctoral Teaching Fellow.
- ◆Academic mentorship from experienced faculty.
- ◆Structured preparation for university teaching.
- ◆Research and publication development.
- ◆Participation in research seminars and doctoral clinics.
- ◆Experience in curriculum development and assessment.
- ◆Opportunities to support and mentor students.
- ◆Preparation for a long-term academic career.
- ◆Leadership formation for future academic responsibilities.
- ◆Membership in a community of emerging Christian scholar leaders.
The precise financial coverage and approved expenses will be stated in each successful candidate's Fellowship Award Letter.
Doctoral Teaching Fellowship
Learn, research and teach.
Every successful recipient shall serve as a Doctoral Teaching Fellow within the University of Gold Coast throughout the three-year Fellowship.
During active teaching periods, each Fellow shall undertake a minimum of 12 hours of approved academic work every week.
Teaching assignments will be determined by each Fellow's qualifications, expertise and the academic needs of the University. Failure to fulfil the teaching obligation may lead to the review, suspension or withdrawal of the Fellowship.
Responsibilities may include
- ▪Lecturing students
- ▪Facilitating tutorials
- ▪Supporting online and face-to-face teaching
- ▪Preparing teaching materials
- ▪Supporting assessment and academic feedback
- ▪Participating in curriculum development
- ▪Attending departmental meetings
- ▪Mentoring students
- ▪Participating in research seminars
- ▪Supporting programme development
Academic Expectations
Every Fellow will be required to:
- 01Maintain excellent academic standing.
- 02Meet all doctoral coursework and research milestones.
- 03Attend required seminars, clinics and supervisory meetings.
- 04Produce at least one publishable academic paper each year.
- 05Present research at academic seminars or conferences when required.
- 06Participate actively in the University's research community.
- 07Complete the PhD within the approved three-year period.
- 08Comply with academic integrity and research ethics requirements.
- 09Contribute to the University's research and publication culture.
- 10Participate in an annual Fellowship performance review.
Continued support will depend on satisfactory academic progress, research productivity, teaching performance, character and compliance with the Fellowship conditions.
Christian Character
Excellence with integrity.
The Fellowship seeks scholars who combine academic brilliance with Christian character.
Academic excellence without character will not be sufficient.
Fellows must demonstrate
- A credible Christian testimony
- Active Christian service
- Academic and professional integrity
- Humility and teachability
- Personal discipline
- Ethical leadership
- Respect for students and colleagues
- Commitment to service
- Institutional loyalty
- Conduct consistent with the values of the Fellowship
Five-Year Service Bond
A binding commitment to serve
Every Fellow shall enter into a binding agreement to serve the University of Gold Coast for a minimum of five years after successfully completing the PhD.
The service may involve
Appointments, remuneration and conditions of service during the bonded period will be governed by the applicable employment agreement and University policies.
The bond ensures that the University's investment in each scholar contributes directly to its long-term academic growth, research culture and institutional development.
Applicants must obtain independent legal advice before signing the Fellowship and Service Bond Agreement.
Application Documents
Applicants must submit:
- 01A completed Fellowship application form.
- 02A personal statement.
- 03A 2,000 to 3,000-word research concept paper.
- 04A detailed academic curriculum vitae.
- 05Academic certificates.
- 06Official academic transcripts.
- 07An abstract of the applicant's MPhil thesis.
- 08Evidence of publications or other academic writing.
- 09Evidence of teaching experience, where available.
- 10Three confidential recommendation letters.
- 11A pastoral confirmation letter.
- 12A valid national identification document.
- 13Any additional document requested by the Fellowship Committee.
Personal Statement
Your personal statement should explain:
- ▪Your Christian testimony
- ▪Your involvement in church or Christian service
- ▪Your academic journey
- ▪Your research interests
- ▪Your calling to academic life
- ▪Your teaching and leadership experience
- ▪Your long-term academic aspirations
- ▪Why you should be considered for the Fellowship
- ▪How you hope to contribute to the University of Gold Coast
Research Concept Paper
The 2,000 to 3,000-word paper should include:
- 01Proposed research title.
- 02Background to the study.
- 03Statement of the research problem.
- 04Research aim and objectives.
- 05Research questions.
- 06Brief review of relevant literature.
- 07Proposed research methodology.
- 08Expected contribution to knowledge and practice.
- 09Alignment with an approved PhD concentration.
- 10Preliminary references.
The concept paper must be the applicant's original work. Plagiarism, falsification or other forms of academic dishonesty may result in immediate disqualification.
Required References
Applicants must provide three confidential references.
Academic Reference
From a lecturer, supervisor, dean or senior academic who can assess the applicant's academic ability and research potential.
Pastoral Reference
From a recognised pastor or Christian leader who can confirm the applicant's Christian testimony, service and character.
Professional Reference
From an employer, supervisor or senior professional who can assess the applicant's competence, discipline, integrity and leadership potential.
Application Process
Seven steps to apply.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Confirm that you meet the age, academic, Christian commitment, teaching and service requirements.
Step 2: Select Your Concentration
Choose the PhD concentration that best aligns with your qualifications and proposed research.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
Gather your certificates, transcripts, curriculum vitae, references and evidence of academic writing.
Step 4: Develop Your Concept Paper
Prepare a clear and original 2,000 to 3,000-word doctoral research concept paper.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Complete the online form and upload all required documents before the closing date.
Step 6: Attend the Selection Interviews
Shortlisted applicants may be invited for academic and Fellowship panel interviews.
Step 7: Complete Admission and Legal Requirements
Successful applicants must satisfy the PhD admission requirements and execute the Fellowship and Service Bond Agreement.
Selection Process
Applications may pass through the following stages:
- 01Eligibility screening.
- 02Verification of academic qualifications.
- 03Assessment of the research concept paper.
- 04Review of Christian testimony and pastoral recommendation.
- 05Evaluation of teaching and research potential.
- 06Academic interview.
- 07Fellowship panel interview.
- 08Reference and background checks.
- 09Formal PhD admission assessment.
- 10Final approval by the Fellowship Committee.
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions and answers.
1.What is the Bishop Titi-Ofei Doctoral Fellowship?
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It is a competitive three-year doctoral Fellowship for exceptional young Christian scholars pursuing the Gold Coast PhD in Business Administration while preparing for long-term academic careers.
2.Is the Fellowship open to applicants of every faith?
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No. This particular Fellowship is designed for committed Christians with credible testimonies and active involvement in recognised churches or Christian ministries.
3.What is the maximum age?
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Applicants must be 40 years old or younger at the application closing date.
4.Must my first degree be First Class?
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Yes. A First Class bachelor's degree is a core eligibility requirement.
5.Do I need an MPhil?
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Yes. Applicants must hold an MPhil or an equivalent research master's degree from a recognised university.
6.Can I apply with an MBA?
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An MBA may be considered only if it satisfies the University's requirements for an equivalent research master's degree and provides adequate preparation for doctoral research.
7.Must my qualifications be in business?
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Applicants must possess qualifications relevant to business administration, management or a closely related discipline.
8.What PhD will successful applicants pursue?
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Successful candidates will pursue the Gold Coast PhD in Business Administration, subject to formal admission.
9.What are the available concentrations?
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The concentrations are Accounting and Finance, Human Resource Management, Marketing and Communication, Leadership and Governance, and Strategic Management.
10.Does receiving the Fellowship guarantee PhD admission?
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No. Fellowship selection and admission to the PhD programme are related but separate processes. Every applicant must satisfy the University's doctoral admission requirements.
11.What is a Doctoral Teaching Fellow?
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A Doctoral Teaching Fellow is a PhD scholar who also contributes to teaching, tutorials, assessment, student support and other approved academic activities.
12.How many hours must Fellows teach?
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Fellows must undertake at least 12 hours of approved academic work per week during active teaching periods.
13.Must Fellows publish?
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Yes. Each Fellow is expected to produce at least one publishable academic paper every year.
14.How long is the post-completion bond?
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Every Fellow must serve the University of Gold Coast for at least five years after successfully completing the PhD.
15.What happens if a Fellow fails to meet the conditions?
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The Fellowship may be reviewed, suspended, varied or withdrawn. Additional consequences may apply under the Fellowship and Service Bond Agreement.
16.Are Fellows paid during the five-year service period?
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Any appointment, remuneration and conditions of service during the bonded period will be governed by the applicable employment contract and University policies.
17.Can I apply if I do not have a publication?
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Yes, but at least one published or publishable academic paper is strongly preferred. Applicants must still demonstrate strong research and academic writing potential.
18.Is teaching experience compulsory?
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Previous teaching experience is desirable but may not be compulsory. Applicants must, however, demonstrate sufficient subject competence and the capacity to teach.
19.Can I submit an incomplete application?
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No. Incomplete applications may not be considered.
20.When will applicants receive a decision?
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Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted after the initial assessment. Final decisions will follow the required interviews, verification and admission processes.
Is the Academy Your Mission Field?
Join a new generation of Christian scholars.
If you are a committed Christian, an exceptional scholar and an emerging academic who desires to use research, teaching and leadership to serve society, this Fellowship may be your opportunity.
Think Deeply. Research Rigorously. Teach Faithfully. Lead Ethically. Serve Nations.
Contact the Fellowship Secretariat
The Bishop Titi-Ofei Doctoral Fellowship Committee
University of Gold Coast
Accra, Ghana
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Terms and conditions apply.