Through this research-based programme, the Department of Development Studies aims to produce graduates with deep specialisation, independent thought, critical thinking and self-learning skills to apply themselves in global academia and industry. These being learning outcomes that relate to standards set by the Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA) for the PhD qualification. In order to achieve these learning outcomes, the programme considers and builds on the candidates’ existing knowledge through frequent individualised engagement with experienced mentors and co-learning with peers through multiple seminars during the course of the programme. These learning activities aim to enhance students’ scholarly, professional and self-learning capacities to prepare them for diverse advanced and/or leadership positions in the job market. More specifically, through the programme, students will develop the capacity to manage research projects (planning, research design and monitoring), acquire academic and advanced research skills (conceptualising research, scientific writing, information literacy and communication of scientific outputs) and engage in scholarship (publishing, locating relevant academic networks and affiliating to communities of practice).
Based on facilitating the forms of learning mentioned above, the ultimate goal of the PhD programme is for candidates to develop their individual capacity to make an original and significant contribution to the existing body of knowledge in the field of development studies. PhD graduates, through in-depth study and critical analysis, are expected to provide new insights, new solutions or theories on current discourses/debates in the field that inform practice. These discourses/debates would include: decolonisation and the quest to make salient alternative development paradigms; technology and development e.g., artificial intelligence and its (potential) impacts on society; climate change effects and environmental justice; governance vis-à-vis cultivating inclusive, democratic and accountable societies; addressing inequalities through rights-based approaches and integrating an intersectional perspective in these processes; as well as engaging with the contention of economic growth versus development. Therefore, PhD graduates will shape and/or influence development discourses in education, policy and practice in a manner that effectively deals with dynamic and complex societal problems in the quest to improve human welfare and living standards in the real world as expected of a PhD graduate at Level 10 of the Zambia Qualifications Framework (ZQF). This will be done through various learning methods and techniques, including the undertaking of field work that will build their research, leadership, and scholarly competences to develop and emerge into independent researchers. This is not withstanding the SDG-4 to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
