The Unicaf University PhD in Marketing Management is awarded on the basis of a research dissertation (240 credits) and also incorporates a preparatory taught element (120 credits) that provides students with the necessary tools to undertake their research, appreciate current research issues in the field of marketing management, and assume future leadership roles in their respective institutions. It is the field of focus of the dissertation (67% of total credits), rather than that of the taught modules (33% of total credits) which imparts the name “Marketing Management” to the qualification.

The Unicaf University PhD in Education is awarded on the basis of a research dissertation (240 credits) and also incorporates a preparatory taught element (120 credits) that provides students with the necessary tools to undertake their research, appreciate current research issues in the field of Education, and assume future leadership roles in their respective institutions. It is the field of focus of the dissertation (67% of total credits), rather than that of the taught modules (33% of total credits) which imparts the name “Education” to the qualification.

The Unicaf University PhD in Business Administration is an integrated programme awarded on the basis of a research dissertation (240 credits) and also incorporates a preparatory taught element (120 credits) that provides students with the necessary tools to undertake their research, appreciate current research issues in the field of Business Administration, and assume future leadership roles in their respective institutions. It is the field of focus of the dissertation (67% of total credits), rather than that of the taught modules (33% of total credits) which imparts the name “Business Administration” to the qualification.

The Unicaf University PhD in Accounting and Finance is an integrated doctoral level degree awarded on the basis of a research dissertation (240 credits) and also incorporates a preparatory taught element (120 credits) that provides students with the necessary tools to undertake their research, appreciate current research issues in the field of Accounting and Finance, and assume future leadership roles in their respective institutions. It is the field of focus of the dissertation (67% of total credits), rather than that of the taught modules (33% of total credits) which imparts the specialization name “Accounting and Finance” to the qualification. 

The Unicaf University Malawi PhD in Information Technology is an integrated programme awarded on the basis of a research dissertation (240 credits) and also incorporates a preparatory taught element (120 credits) that provides students with the necessary tools to undertake their research, appreciate current research issues in the field of Information Technology, and assume future leadership roles in their respective institutions. It is the field of focus of the dissertation (67% of total credits), rather than that of the taught modules (33% of total credits) which imparts the name “Information Technology” to the qualification.

Rationale

The programme will enable students to become efficiently equipped with all the necessary skills and knowledge in order to advance in international educational organisations in public and private sectors and achieve positive results when operating in executive positions.

The Rationale of the programme can be summarized as follows:

At a general level of higher education policy:

1. There is a general need for more PhD graduates in Zambia and sub-Saharan Africa and thus a need for more PhD programmes (British Council and DAAD, 2018).
2. This PhD programme responds to the stated needs of the ‘Educating Our Future’ policy (Ministry of Education, 2008) for:

• More research to be undertaken within the higher education sector in Zambia.
• Alternative modes of higher education delivery, such as online education, to enhance access and equity in higher education in Zambia.
• Greater access to, and use and access of ICT in higher education in Zambia.

At the level of programmatic content and structure:

1. The structured online approach through both taught courses and structured supervision of the dissertation provides a unique self-directed learning experience for the student that differentiates this programme from other programmes offered and promotes a practical application of the learning generated through the programme.
2. There is a strong emphasis within the programme on enabling candidates to use the power of research to drive systemic change in their organisations and to realize their leadership potential.

At the level of the candidate students who can access the programme:

1. The online nature of the programme facilitates the ability of people in full-time employment to access the programme, while remaining accessible to individuals who wish to be full time students.
2. The programme emphasizes sharing of professional experiences with instructors and peers and is particularly relevant to mid-term career and senior professionals.

At the level of Unicaf University competence and expertise:

1. Education is an area of expertise that exists within the broader context of Unicaf University expertise in education, social sciences and technology.
2. There is the competence and interest to provide candidate students with high quality tutorials and supervision, resulting in a high-quality experience and a high-quality award for our students.

 Aims of the Programme

The aims of the programme are the following:

1. Develop a sound understanding of the relevant conceptual and theoretical underpinnings of the student’s chosen area of research within the wider range of education.
2. Promote a detailed understanding of applicable techniques for research.
3. Create and interpret knowledge through original research.
4. Enhance student’s performance as a reflective practitioner and their professional practice.

Objectives of the Programme

The objectives of the programme are to provide a comprehensive and diversified learning programme that is responsive to the education sector, the social and economic needs of the national human resources development. By the end of the programme, students should be able to:

1. Drive systemic change in policy making, primary, secondary and tertiary education as emerging educators.
2. Pursue positions in academic institutions or academic organisations and be interested in conducting, among others research within the areas of education, education policy, inclusive education and educational leadership.
3. Promote inclusive education, quality and equity in education, in line with national policies.
4. Support equity -fairness- and equality rather than just equality in education.
5. Monitor the study and development of educational policy evaluation and implementation.
6. Conduct primary research within the area of education.
7. Address educational management inefficiencies.
8. Demonstrate the ability to develop a curriculum appropriate to the target level.
9. Demonstrate all the necessary skills mandatory for a career in education and in leading academic institutions.

 Programme Learning Outcomes

At the end of the programme, the student will be expected to:

1. Practice role as advanced researchers and/or professional practitioners in the area of education.
2. Develop a comprehensive, contemporary and advanced knowledge of content, research methods and theoretical context in an area related practice. Through this, students will make an important contribution to knowledge informed by original research and scholarship.
3. Apply complex concepts, and develop creative solutions in a creative and adaptive way that will lead to a breakthrough thinking in the field.
4. Make informed judgments on complex issues in the field of education, often in the absence of complete data.
5. Solve problems through skills in evidence-based decision-making, leading to institutional change.
6. Communicate ideas and conclusions clearly and effectively to specialist and non-specialist audience.
7. Develop environments of inclusion, transparency and widely shared vision and goals.
8. Evaluate their own skills as a leader and the performance of their team(s) and organisation and modify strategies accordingly.
9. Critique the mission, process and outcomes of specific learning initiatives through targeted questions.
10. Drive innovation through technology-enabled learning formats.
11. Apply reflective monitoring skills about work and professional practice.
12. Interpret gathered qualitative and quantitative data to assess the status of organisational priorities.
13. Produce a culminating dissertation that demonstrates in practice the effective application of educational theories and concepts.

Rationale

The programme will enable students to become efficiently equipped with all the necessary skills and knowledge in order to advance in international organisations, public and private sectors and achieve positive results when operating in executive positions.

Aims of the Programme

The aims of the programme are the following:

1. Develop a sound understanding of the relevant conceptual and theoretical underpinnings of the student’s chosen area of research in law and politics.
2. Have a detailed understanding of applicable techniques for research and advanced academic and management enquiry.
3. Create and interpret knowledge through original research.
4. Enhance student’s performance as a reflective practitioner and their professional practice.
5. Develop personal, consultancy and research competences to undertake rigorous research at an advanced level that contributes to theory and practice in law and politics.

Objectives of the Programme

The objective of the programme is to enhance the knowledge and skills to current and emerging legal and political scientists/leaders who are looking to drive systemic change in their organisation. These include individuals who currently hold or are seeking top positions in professional organisations and governmental institutions.

Programme Learning Outcomes

The key learning outcomes of this programme are:

1. Develop a comprehensive, contemporary, advanced knowledge of content, research methods and theoretical context in an area related practice. Through this, students will make an important contribution to knowledge informed by original research and scholarship. Interpret and accurately apply law, as well as effectively analyze and investigate facts.
2. Describe how political, legal and economic forces have affected different social groups in different ways to produce inequality as a result of unjust outcomes.
3. Make informed judgments on complex issues in Law and Politics, often in the absence of complete data. Identify strategies that have the potential to increase access to legal system and improve the quality of the justice system or justice in society.
4. Communicate ideas and conclusions clearly and effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences. Identify and apply legal rules on legal issues presented in order to resolve problems.
5. Solve problems through skills in evidence-based decision-making, leading to institutional change within the areas of Law and Politics.
6. Demonstrate the ability of law to shape and influence, government, society and people’s lives.
7. Create environments of inclusion and transparency. Demonstrate interest in national and global politics.
8. Evaluate their own skill as a leader and the performance of their team(s) and organisation and modify strategies accordingly within the areas of Law and Politics.
9. Critique the mission, process and outcomes of specific learning initiatives through targeted questions.
10. Apply their knowledge of law and politics by using the major analytic and theoretical frameworks in international relations and comparative politics.
11. Drive innovation through technology-enabled learning formats.
12. Apply reflective monitoring skills about work and professional practice within the areas of Law and Politics.
13. Interpret gathered qualitative and quantitative data to assess the status of organisational priorities.
14. Create a culminating dissertation in practice that demonstrates effective application of relevant theories and concepts within the areas of Law and Politics.

Rationale

The sector of Public Health has undergone a significant transformation over the last five decades. The 1990s, particularly, was a decade of great change and also a period during which the importance of Public Health got the special attention of many stakeholders worldwide.

A PhD in Public Health is deemed essential, not only for Zambia but worldwide, as it enables its graduates to ensure alertness, prevention and efficient response to disease transmission and outbreaks (pandemics) as well as support disease surveillance.

Furthermore, the degree will enable students to become efficiently equipped with all the necessary skills and knowledge in order to advance in public health related international organisations and achieve positive results when operating in executive positions.

Aims of the Programme

The programme aims at introducing current and emerging public health leaders who are looking to drive systemic change in their organisation to new leadership styles, as well as in making sure they ensure population’s health and well-being is maintained through relevant prevention and health promotion services. These leaders include individuals who currently hold or are seeking top positions in public health related professional organisations.

Objectives of the Programme

The objectives of the programme are to provide to the student the opportunity to:

1. Drive systemic change in their organisation. These leaders include individuals who currently hold or are seeking top positions in professional organisations.
2. Become the next generation of leading researchers.
3. Apply practical and theoretical knowledge and enhance their employability prospects.
4. Develop a sound understanding of the relevant conceptual and theoretical underpinnings of the student’s chosen area of research.
5. Produce a detailed understanding of applicable techniques for research and advanced academic and management enquiry.
6. Strengthen their performance as a reflective practitioner.
7. Develop personal, consultancy and research competences to undertake rigorous research at an advanced level that contributes to theory and practice in business and management within the Public Health sector.
8. Construct an individual programme of doctoral study. This will comprise of an opportunity for students to propose their own research study in order to complete a supervised dissertation at the forefront of doctoral research and professional and academic practice.
9. Provide an overarching, individually supervised teaching, learning and mentoring approach that will enable them to develop their role as an advanced researcher and/or professional practitioner in their field.
10. Develop a comprehensive, contemporary, advanced knowledge of content, research methods and theoretical context in an area related practice. Through this, students will make an important contribution to knowledge informed by original research and scholarship.
11. Become professionals who will have a significant role in Zambia’s health, economic, social and political endeavours.

Programme Learning Outcomes

The key learning outcomes of this programme are:

1. Shape the theoretical context of students’ original research and programme.
2. Apply techniques for research and advanced academic and management enquiry.
3. Analyse the conceptual and theoretical frameworks of the students’ chosen area of research.
4. Analyse complex statistical data related to Public Health.
5. Compare different theoretical frameworks and applications within the area of public health.
6. Apply the knowledge and competencies of research methods within the area of Public Health.
7. Utilise different theoretical managerial and leadership models/perspectives within the area of Public Health Management.
8. Synthesise and interpret knowledge through original research.

Rationale
The programme will enable students to become efficiently equipped with all the necessary skills and knowledge in order to advance in international organisations in public and private sectors and achieve positive results when operating in executive positions. 

Aims of the Programme
The aims of the programme are the following: 
1. Develop a sound understanding of the relevant conceptual and theoretical underpinnings of the student’s chosen area of research within the wider range of business.
2. Promote a detailed understanding of applicable techniques for research and advanced academic and management enquiry.
3. Create and interpret knowledge through original research. 
4. Enhance student’s performance as a reflective practitioner and their professional practice.

Objectives of the Programme
By the end of the programme, students should be able to demonstrate the acquisition of advanced techniques, methods and approaches on how to drive systemic change in their organisation as current or emerging leaders. These leaders include individuals who currently hold or are seeking top positions in professional organisations. 
In addition, the programme provides a comprehensive and diversified learning programme that is responsive to the business environment and to the social and economic needs of the national human resources development.

Programme Learning Outcomes
At the end of the programme, the students will be expected to:
1. Propose their own research study in order to complete a supervised thesis at the forefront of doctoral research and professional and academic practice.
2. Practise role as advanced researchers and/or professional practitioners within the business field.
3. Develop a comprehensive, contemporary and advanced knowledge of content, research methods and theoretical context in an area related practice. Through this, students will make an important contribution to knowledge informed by original research and scholarship.