NCHE accredits 3 UCU PhD programmes

The National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) has accredited more academic programmes for the Uganda Christian University (UCU), among which are three PhD programmes.

Out of the accredited programmes, is the PhD in journalism, media and communication. According to Prof. Monica Chibita, the dean of the School of Journalism, Media and Communication, UCU is the second university in Uganda after Makerere to have the course.

Other PhD programmes are in development studies and business administration, which have just been renewed.

UCU vice-chancellor Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi says apart from the PhDs, NCHE also accredited other programmes whereby some are new while others were renewed.

The new accredited academic programmes are Master of Nursing Science-Nursing Education, Bachelor of Nursing Science, Doctor of Philosophy in Literature and Postgraduate Diploma in Christian Ministries. 

Others are PhD in Theology, Master of Art in African Studies, Higher Education Certificate-Physical Studies, Master of Literature and Doctor of Ministry.

The renewed programmes are bachelor of science in economics and statistics, master of social work, master of library and information science and bachelor of laws.

During a media briefing held at UCU main Campus in Mukono town on Tuesday, Mushengyezi said the accreditation was effected on August 21, 2023.

In his letter to UCU’s vice-chancellor dated September 6, the NCHE executive director Rev. Canon Dr. Alex Kagume confirmed the approval of the above programmes.

“I'm pleased to inform you that after due consideration, the Council at its 72nd meeting of August 21, under Minute 553/72/2023, accredited these academic programmes for the specified number of students and the stated period with effect from August 21, 2023,” part of the letter reads.

Kagume added: “I wish to remind you that under section 119(A) of the University and Other Tertiary Institutions Act 2001 as amended, you shall not run any academic programmes that have not been accredited by the NCHE.”

He, therefore, urged the university staff members to implement these programmes in accordance with the regulations of NCHE adding that the officers of the NCHE shall review the implementation during their periodic administrative and monitoring visits to the university.

Mushengyezi said the university is set to commence with these new accredited academic programmes even before the end of this year.

“We came up with these developments as a result of collaboration with our partner universities including University of KwaZulu Natal, University of Rwanda and NLA in Norway. We shall, therefore, have full time professors and others who will be conducting lessons and help in research via online from those universities,” he said.

Prof. Chibita said the accreditation of the PhD in Journalism, Media and Communication and other programmes came because of satisfaction by NCHE that UCU meets all the requirements to offer academic training at that level.

Prof. Chibita speaking during the press briefing, right, the Vice Chancellor, Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi looking on. (Photo by Henry Nsubuga)

“The UCU PhD in Journalism, Media and Communication is a culmination of a consultative needs assessment which involved industry practitioners, academics, current and prospective students. The assessment established that indeed there was demand for PhD training in communication in the country, with only one university currently offering PhD by research,” she said.

She added: “This programme seeks to fill a gap in teaching, research and supervision at institutions of higher education in East Africa, using contextual curricular and innovative methods of delivery".

Vincent Kisenyi, the acting director of academic affairs said the desire to have PhD in business administration is meant to enrich research and professionalism in business.

“We shall have learners specialise in finance, accounting, procurement and logistics management and in strategic management which are very critical areas within business where we need more research in order to help give a direction to our growing economy,” Kisenyi said.