Introduction The University of Bamenda was upon creation ascribed the triple mission of teaching, research and outreach as well as to enhance development at both local and national levels. The Ph.D degree programme in Communication therefore seeks to further the above objectives by the provision of courses that would reinforce the notions taught at the undergraduate and MSc levels leading to various specializations. At a time when ideas about freedom of expression, democracy, human rights, governance, and access to natural and material resources guide development projects across the world, the role of the media and communication for social change becomes ever more pertinent. This programme would provide students with an interdisciplinary approach and framework to the study of communication and its relationship to culture and society, with an emphasis on media processes, technologies, industries, and institutions that support community and national development endeavours. The programme blends theory and practice to prepare students for advanced studies or careers in higher education; teachers/researchers, communication professionals in the media and the corporate enterprises. In a nutshell the training offered by this programme should be able to contribute to Cameroon’s march towards the transformation of the economy and the development of human capital and well-being with the overall objective of being an emergent nation by 2035. The duration of this programme is three years. During the first year (two semesters), some foundational courses amounting to sixty (60) credits are offered so that students can get advanced training in an applicable area of communication. The remaining part of the Ph.D programme would be devoted primarily to research and seminars. The credit value of the thesis which would normally be research work done after the first year will be one hundred and twenty (120). It is, however, expected that students would participate in seminars and lectures that seek to explore and broaden aspects of science which are related to their areas of research and which will show how much progress they are making. MISSION STATEMENT The PhD Programme aims at providing an opportunity for the implementation of research skills gained at the Masters Level, consolidate the foundation for a teaching and research career in the various communication specialties as well as the training of high-level manpower for the communication industry and the corporate world in general. OBJECTIVES Communication is integral to development. Cameroon being a developing country, it is expected that upon successful completion of this Programme, the student should be able to use the knowledge and skills acquired as a stepping stone to access grants and research projects in the areas of communication, or to work in the domains of education as a trainer of trainers in the university, or in the plethora of emerging national and regional communication and development outfits where highly skilled communication experts are in high demand. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS A Master’s degree in either Journalism or Communication or any other related discipline from a recognized university with a good GPA. Work experience in a reputed communication outfit may be an added advantage. Candidates other than those holding a Master’s degree in Journalism or Communication and related disciplines or its equivalent from The University of Bamenda shall provide official and original transcripts of both their undergraduate and graduate works. In addition to these requirements, applicants are also required to submit a research proposal. ADMISSION PROCEDURE Admission of students shall be done through the study of files by a specialized committee duly constituted in accordance with the regulations in force in The University of Bamenda. Candidates shall be selected on merit based on the application file which shall comprise an application form, academic transcripts, three letters of reference and a research proposal Graduation Requirements A student is required to earn a total of at least 180 credits to graduate with a Ph.D Degree in Communication. Sixty (60) credits are earned from a list of prescribed courses while the remaining one hundred and twenty (120) credits are reserved for the thesis research and writing. The candidate must necessarily pass all compulsory course and the Ph.D comprehensive examination before he/she can commence the thesis writing. The Ph.D candidate shall be expected to conduct original research, write and successfully defend a doctoral thesis under conditions fixed by the Senate. The Ph.D candidate shall satisfy any other requirements of post-graduate studies as may be duly approved by the department and the Faculty of Arts
Duration: 3 years
