AU Graduate Studies Regulations

BOARD APPROVED
GRADUATE STUDIES
REGULATIONS 2014
REVISED OCTOBER 2016
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Investing in Africa’s Future
Table of
Contents
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Section
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1.1 Preamble............................................................................................... 3
1.2 Membership of the University Graduate Studies Committee (GSC)......... 3
1.3 General Regulations For Graduate Studies............................................. 3
1.4 Graduate Programmes........................................................................... 5
1.4.1 Graduate Diplomas.............................................................................. 5
1.4.2 Masters Degree Programmes............................................................... 6
1.4.3 Doctoral Degree Programmes.............................................................. 12
1.5 Dissertation/Thesis Requirements......................................................... 21
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AU Board Approved Graduate Studies Regulations - 2016
1.0
GENERAL REGULATIONS FOR GRADUATE STUDIES
1.1 Preamble
The University offers a variety of Masters and Doctoral degree programmes. Each
programme is structured around broad
university-wide guidelines although there may be special Faculty/Institute regulations
covering certain aspects of admission, satisfactory progress and degree completion. The
Faculty/Institute regulations are subject to Senate approval, through the Graduate
Studies Committee, and will not take precedence over the University's Graduate Studies
Regulations.
1.2 Membership of the University Graduate Studies Committee (GSC)

• DVC (Chair)
• Director of Distance Education
• 1 representative from each Faculty/Institute (the representative, who may be the
dean or a lecturer, must possess preferably a doctorate degree)
• Deputy Registrar (Secretary)
• Assistant Registrar Academic Affairs (Recording Secretary)
1.3 General Regulations

1.3.1 Application Procedures:
a. Applicants for all graduate programmes shall rst lodge their application with the
Ofce of the Registrar.
b. Upon receipt of the application, the Ofce of the Registrar shall send it to the
relevant Faculty/Institute.
c. The Faculty/Institute, through the Dean/Director, shall make recommendations for
admission to the GSC.
d. The decision of the GSC shall be communicated to the applicant by the Ofce of the
Registrar.
1.3.2 Language Requirements

English is the language of instruction at Africa University. For this reason, all prospective
graduate students are expected to demonstrate prociency in English in order to pursue
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a graduate programme of the University. Applicants to all graduate programmes at
Africa University must provide ofcial documentation of one of the following as
evidence of prociency in English.
a. Successful completion of a minimum of two years of study at a university where

English is the language of instruction.
b. Successful completion of a minimum of four years of study at a secondary school
where (i) English is the language of instruction, AND (ii) study of English as a
subject has been undertaken during each of those four years, AND (iii) the
candidate passed all English courses taken during those four years.
c. A score of 500 or higher on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
d. Any other evidence of competency in English acceptable both to the Faculty/
Institute and the GSC.
e. A Dean/Director of a Faculty/Institute may recommend to the GSC a candidate who
does not meet the minimum required prociency standard to be provisionally
admitted pending successful completion of the Intensive English Programme
offered at Africa University.
1.3.3 Transfer to Africa University from a Graduate Programme of Another

Institution.
a. A student who wishes to transfer to Africa University must complete an Application
of Transfer Form available in the ofce of the Registrar.
b. The student must request the relevant tertiary institution(s) s/he previously
attended to send an Ofcial Transcript to Africa University. In addition, the student
is required to request his/her institution(s) to send to the Ofce of the Registrar a
course description for each course for which s/he wishes to receive transfer credit
from Africa University.
c. Once the ofce of the Registrar has received the Application for Transfer of
Admission, all transcripts, and course descriptions for all courses the student
wishes to have considered for transfer, these materials will be sent to the
Dean/Director of the respective Faculty/Institute to which the student wishes to
transfer.
d. The Dean/Director of the respective Faculty/Institute will review all relevant
materials to determine what courses the students would have to complete to
obtain a degree from Africa University.
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e. A student must successfully complete at least two thirds of all required courses in
the Faculty/Institute to which s/he wishes to transfer at Africa University. No
exemptions will be given for core courses.
f. Courses transferred should have been done in the last two years prior to applying
to Africa University.
g. Students transferring from a non-credit system to Africa University will be
considered on a case by case basis by the GSC upon recommendation by the
Dean/Director of the respective Faculty/Institute.
1.4. Graduate Programmes
1.4.1 Graduate Diplomas

The University may offer Graduate Diplomas in the following academic Faculties/
Institute:
Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Faculty of Education
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Faculty of Management and Administration
Faculty of Theology
Institute of Peace Leadership and Governance
1.4.1.1 Minimum Entry Qualications and Guidelines

a. A candidate applying for admission into a Graduate Diploma programme at Africa
University shall normally hold
EITHER
(i) a Pass from Africa University in the Bachelors degree of the academic discipline
of the intended Graduate Diploma,
OR
(ii) a qualication from another University considered by the GSC to be equivalent to
a Pass in the Bachelors degree of
the academic discipline of the intended Graduate Diploma.
b. Faculties/Institutes may impose special conditions for admission into a Graduate
Diploma programme. For information on such conditions, the candidate must
review the Special Regulations of the Faculty/Institute to which s/he is applying.
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1.4.1.2 Assessment and Grading
Assessment and grading of students in a Graduate Diploma will be in accordance with
the General Academic Regulations governing Graduate Diploma programmes, as
outlined in the University Prospectus.
1.4.1.3 Progression
a. A Graduate Diploma will consist of a maximum of 35 credits.
b. Students registered for a Graduate Diploma will take a maximum of 12 credit hours
per semester.
c. Students must maintain a CGPA (or GPA in the case of the rst semester) of 2.6 to
be in good standing. A student who attains a GPA in the rst semester or CGPA from
the second semester between 2.3 and 2.6 will be put on probation. A student whose
GPA in the rst semester or CGPA from the second semester (or beyond) falls below
2.3 shall be discontinued.
1.4.1.4 Graduation Requirements

To graduate with a Graduate Diploma from Africa University, a student should achieve
a minimum CGPA of 2.6.
1.4.2 Masters Degree Programmes

Depending on the Faculty/Institute, the University may offer:
(i) a Masters Degrees by Coursework and Research or
(ii) Masters Degree by Research in the following academic Faculties/Institute:

Faculty of Theology
The decision on the type of Masters degree, whether by Coursework and Research or
by Research will be made by Senate upon recommendation by the respective
Dean/Director through the GSC.
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a. A candidate applying for admission into a Masters degree at Africa University shall
normally hold EITHER (i) a Second Class Honours degree of Africa University OR (ii)
a qualication from another institution of higher learning deemed by the GSC to be
equivalent to a Second Class Honours degree of Africa University.
b. A candidate with a Pass in an Honours degree will be considered for admission if
his/her undergraduate performance in the proposed area of study was a B (3.0)
grade average or above, AND s/he has satised the GSC through the relevant
Faculty/Institute that s/he has exhibited academic potential by conducting eldwork,
subsequent research experience and/or additional training in the academic discipline
of the intended Masters degree.
c. A candidate who holds a general degree should have at least a lower second class
with an average of B (3.0) or higher in the academic discipline of the intended
Masters degree.
d. Upon recommendation to the GSC by the Dean/Director of the respective Faculty/
Institute, a candidate whose rst degree is considered decient may be required to
take one or more undergraduate courses in addition to the minimum graduate
requirements.
e. Faculties/Institutes may impose special conditions for admission. For information on
such conditions, the candidate must review the Special Regulations of the Faculty/
Institute to which s/he is applying.
1.4.2.2 Structure of the Programmes

(i) Masters Degree by Coursework and Research
a. The duration of the programme shall normally be 18 to 24 months for full-time
students.
b. In order to graduate, a student must have normally completed 30-48 credit hours;
a minimum of 9 credit hours will be reserved for the dissertation.
c. The maximum allowable duration of the registration period for full-time study shall
not exceed three academic years.
d. The maximum allowable duration of the registration period, (including extensions)
for part-time study shall not exceed six academic years.
e. Full time students shall take 9-12 credit hours per semester. Full time students can
take up to 15 hours with the permission of the Dean/Director of the respective
Faculty/Institute.
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f. The Programme of Study shall normally consist of prescribed lectures (or modules),
written examinations and a dissertation. There may be some variation in accordance
with individual Faculty/Institute requirements.
g. The length of the dissertation shall be determined by the individual Faculty/Institute.
h. A student who fails to complete the dissertation within the specied period may
apply for an extension of registration period to the GSC through the Dean/Director
of the respective Faculty/Institute.
i. A student shall normally not be permitted to break the continuity of his/her studies,
although a student may be allowed to suspend registration for a maximum period
of one year upon recommendation from the Faculty/Institute Board to the GSC,
which shall make a nal decision.
j. A student will not normally be allowed to change from full-time to part-time or
vice-versa without the expressed consent of the Faculty/Institute Board.
(ii) Masters Degree by Research

a. The duration of the programme shall normally be 18 to 24 months for full-time
students.
b. In order to graduate, a student must have normally completed 30-48 credit hours.
c. The maximum allowable duration of the registration period for full-time study shall
not exceed three academic years.
d. The maximum allowable duration of the registration period, (including extensions)
for part-time study shall not exceed six academic years.
e. The Programme of Study shall normally consist of scheduled research and written
dissertation chapters under the guidance and supervision of the student's Advisory
Committee.
f. The length of the dissertation shall be determined by the individual Faculty/Institute.
g. A student who fails to complete the dissertation within the specied period may
apply for an extension of registration period to the GSC through the Dean/Director
h. A student shall normally not be permitted to break the continuity of his/her studies,
of one year upon recommendation from the Faculty/Institute Board to the GSC,
which shall make a nal decision.
i. A student will not normally be allowed to change from full-time to part-time or
vice-versa without the expressed consent of the Faculty/Institute Board.
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1.4.2.3 Supervision
a. A student in a Masters degree programme at Africa University shall have an
Advisory Committee of two persons appointed by the Dean/Director.
b. At least one member of the Advisory Committee must possess a doctorate degree.
c. A student will be expected to work with his/her Advisory Committee to complete the
Masters programme, whether by Coursework and Research or by Research.
d. The Advisory Committee shall be responsible to guide the student through the
completion of the Masters programme, whether by Coursework and Research or by
Research.
e. All dissertations will be marked by the two members of the Advisory Committee
and an External Examiner, appointed by the Vice Chancellor upon the
recommendation of the Dean/Director of the respective Faculty/Institute.
f. In certain disciplines and subject areas, the Advisory Committee may seek
permission from the GSC to use a language other than English for the dissertation.
g. The Advisory Committee shall submit semester reports of the student's progress to
the GSC through the Dean/Director of the respective Faculty/Institute.
h. The Dean/Director of the respective Faculty/Institute shall present such reports,
including comments from the GSC, to Senate.
1.4.2.4 Assessment
a. Course assessment shall normally consist of continuous assessment and end of
semester (or module) examinations in accordance with regulations contained in the
University Prospectus.
b. The methods for continuous assessment and examinations shall be determined by
the Faculty/Institute in accordance with the grading system provided in the
c. The combination of continuous assessment and end of semester (or module)
examination in the assessment will be determined by the Faculty/Institute. The
continuous assessment shall normally not exceed 50 percent of the total mark.
d. Performance in both continuous assessment and examination shall be in
accordance with the grading system given in regulations contained in the
e. Each course (or module) must be passed with a minimum mark of 60 percent (C+).
f. Examinations shall be conducted in accordance with the regulations in the
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g. Assessment of the dissertation is described in the University Prospectus.

a. At least twice a semester, the student shall hold scheduled meetings with the
Advisory Committee to monitor and assess progress towards the completion of the
dissertation.
b. The student's Advisory Committee, through the Dean/Director of the respective
Faculty/institute, shall submit semester reports to the GSC on progress towards
completion of the dissertation.
c. The Dean/Director of the respective Faculty/Institute shall present the reports,
d. Assessment of the dissertation is described in the current version of the University
Prospectus.
1.4.2.5 Progression
a. To be in good academic standing, a student must maintain a minimum grade point
average (GPA) of 2.6 (C+) throughout his/her studies. S/he must also satisfy other
specic Faculty/Institute requirements.
b. A student whose CGPA at the end of any semester (or module) falls between 2.3
and 2.59 inclusive will be put on probation. Such a student will need to raise his/
her CGPA to 2.6 at the end of the next semester or be discontinued.
c. A student whose CGPA falls below 2.3 at any time shall be discontinued.
d. A student must pass all required courses in order to proceed from coursework to
the dissertation.

a. Students in such programmes will be evaluated by written assessments of the
Advisory Committee every semester.
b. The student's Advisory Committee, through the Dean/Director of the respective
Faculty/institute, shall submit semester reports to the GSC on progress towards
completion of the dissertation.
c. The Dean/Director of the respective Faculty/Institute shall present the reports,
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1.4.2.6 Dissertation Proposal
All Masters degree students shall write and defend a dissertation proposal before their
Advisory Committee.

a. Students in such programmes shall take an oral Dissertation Proposal Defense
Examination no later than the end of the second semester of their programme.
b. The Dissertation Proposal Defense Examination shall comprise of two sections: the
written Proposal; and an oral defense of the written Proposal.
c. Dissertation Proposal Defense Examinations shall be graded by the two members of
the Advisory Committee.
d. A student will require a minimum average of 60 percent to pass a Dissertation
Proposal Defense Examination.
e. A student who is successful in the Dissertation Proposal Defense Examination shall
proceed to dissertation research.
f. A student who is not successful in defending the dissertation proposal the rst time
shall be given a second opportunity to do so. Failure at the second attempt will
lead to dismissal from the programme.

a. Students in such programmes shall take a Dissertation Proposal Defense
Examination during the rst semester of their programme.
b. The Dissertation Proposal Defense Examination shall comprise of two sections: the
written Proposal; and an oral defense of the written Proposal.
c. The Dissertation Proposal Defense Examination shall be graded by the two
members of the Advisory Committee.
d. A student will require a minimum average of 60 percent to pass a Dissertation
Proposal Defense Examination.
e. A student who is successful in the Dissertation Proposal Defense Examination shall
proceed to dissertation research.
f. A student who is not successful in defending the dissertation proposal the rst time
shall be given a second opportunity to do so. Failure at the second attempt will lead
to dismissal from the programme.
1.4.2.7 Dissertation
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All Masters degree students shall write a dissertation. The completed dissertation shall
be presented orally and defended before the student's Advisory Committee. Interested
members of the University community may attend the oral presentation of the
dissertation.
a. The dissertation must be written in English except in the case of students in a

particular language discipline taught at Africa University. Such students may apply
for permission to write a dissertation in the medium of the particular language
studies. Where this is done, the candidate will be required to include in English a
300-500- word summary of the dissertation.
b. A student is expected to work closely with his/her Advisory Committee to complete
the dissertation.
c. The completed dissertation shall be assessed by the two members of the Advisory
Committee and by an External Examiner appointed by the Vice Chancellor upon the
Assessment of the dissertation is described in the University Prospectus.
d. A minimum passing grade for a dissertation shall be an average of 60 percent from
the two members of the Advisory Committee and the External Examiner.
e. The student shall defend the dissertation in front of the Advisory Committee.
f. The dissertation defense shall be restricted to questions surrounding the
dissertation research.
g. A student who successfully defends the dissertation has completed the programme,
subject to revisions of the dissertation recommended by the Advisory Committee
and the External Examiner.
h. After revisions, the dissertation will be sent to the GSC through the Dean/Director
I. After review by the GSC, the Dean/Director of the respective Faculty/Institute shall
present the dissertation to Senate for nal approval.
j. A student who is not successful in the dissertation defense the rst time shall be
given a second opportunity to do so. If the student is unsuccessful on the second
attempt s/he will be discontinued from the programme.
1.4.3 Doctoral Degree Programmes

Depending on the Faculty/Institute, the University may offer (i) a Doctoral Degree by
Coursework and Research OR (ii) a Doctoral Degree by Research in the following
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academic Faculties/Institute:

Faculty of Theology
The decision on the type of doctoral degree, whether by Coursework and Research or
by Research will be made by Senate upon recommendation by the respective Dean/
Director through the GSC.

a. A candidate applying for admission into a Doctoral Degree programme at Africa
University must possess a Masters degree in the relevant eld of study. In addition,
the candidate must provide ofcial transcripts as evidence of (i) coursework in a
relevant eld of study at the Masters level AND (ii) a minimum Cumulative Grade
Point Average of 3.0 (B) or equivalent at the Masters level.
b. As part of the application process, all doctoral degree applicants must provide a
copy of their Masters degree dissertation as evidence of their research
accomplishments.
c. The Faculty/Institute Board may recommend for admission to the GSC, applicants
who obtained a Masters degree by research.
d. Applicants should submit with their applications a Motivation Statement written in
English.
e. As part of the application process, applicants may be required to have an interview
with the Faculty/Institute. If so, the interview will be conducted in English.
1.4.3.2 Structure of the Programmes

(i) Doctoral Degree by Coursework and Research
a. The duration of the programme shall normally be 3-5 years for full-time students.
The Dean/Director of a Faculty/Institute may recommend exceptions for
consideration by the GSC.
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b. Full time students shall normally take 9-12 credit hours per semester. Full time
students may take up to 15 credit hours per semester with the permission of the
Dean/Director.
c. Part time students shall normally take a maximum of 9 credit hours per semester.
d. The maximum duration of the registration period for full-time study shall not exceed
seven academic years.
e. The maximum duration of the registration period for part-time study shall not
exceed nine years.
f. The Programme of Study shall normally consist of prescribed lectures (or modules),
written examinations and a thesis.
There may be some variation in accordance with individual Faculty/Institute
requirements.
g. In order to graduate, a student must complete a minimum of 54 credit hours.
Additional credit hours may be required
to satisfy the requirements of an individual Faculty/Institute. A minimum of 12
credit hours will be reserved for the thesis.
h. The length of the thesis shall be determined by the student's Doctoral Committee.
i. A student who fails to complete the thesis within the specied period may apply
for an extension of registration period to the GSC through the respective Dean/
Director.
j. A student may not normally be permitted to break the continuity of his/her studies,
of one year on the approval of the GSC after a recommendation from the Dean/
Director of the respective Faculty/Institute.
k. A student may not normally be allowed to change from full-time to part-time or
vice-versa without the written consent of the GSC, upon the recommendation of
the Faculty/Institute Board.
(ii) Doctoral Degree by Research

a. The duration of the programme shall normally be 3-5 years for full-time students.
The Dean/Director of a faculty/institute may recommend exceptions for
consideration by the GSC.
b. The maximum duration of the registration period for full-time study shall not
exceed seven academic years.
c. The maximum duration of the registration period for part-time study shall not
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exceed nine years.
d. The Programme of Study shall normally consist of scheduled research and written
thesis chapters under the guidance and supervision of a Doctoral Committee.
e. The length of the thesis shall be determined by the student's Doctoral Committee.
f. A student who fails to complete the thesis within the specied period may apply
for an extension of registration period to the GSC through the respective Dean/
Director.
g. A student may not normally be permitted to break the continuity of his/her studies,
of one year on the approval of the GSC after a recommendation from the respective
Dean/Director.
h. A student may not normally be allowed to change from full-time to part-time or
vice-versa without the written consent of the GSC, upon the recommendation of the
Faculty/Institute Board.
1.4.3.3 Supervision
a. A student's doctoral programme will be supervised by a Doctoral Committee
comprised of three persons: a thesis advisor, who shall serve as the chair of the
committee and two members.
b. Each member of the Doctoral Committee must possess a doctorate degree.
c. The chair of the Doctoral Committee shall be an Africa University academic staff
from the student's Faculty/Institute. The chair must have a specialization in the area
of the student's research.
d. The second member of the Doctoral Committee may be an Africa University
academic staff from the student's Faculty/Institute OR an Africa University academic
staff from a cognate discipline outside the student's faculty/institute OR an Africa
University non-academic staff with teaching and or research experience/
specialization in the student's area of research.
e. The third member of the Doctoral Committee may be an Africa University academic
staff from the student's Faculty/Institute OR an Africa University academic staff from
a cognate discipline outside the student's faculty/institute OR an Africa University
non-academic staff with teaching and or research experience/specialization in the
student's area of research OR an academic staff from a cognate discipline in another
tertiary institution. In the last case, the appointment of the member to the Doctoral
Committee shall be approved by the GSC upon the recommendation of the Dean/
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Director of the relevant Faculty/Institute.
f. The student, in consultation with the Dean/Director of the respective Faculty/
Institute, must select his/her thesis advisor by the end of the rst semester of the
programme.
g. The student, in consultation with the Dean/Director of the respective Faculty/
Institute and his/her thesis advisor, must select the second member of the Doctoral
Committee by the end of the second semester of the programme.
h. The third member of the Doctoral Committee shall be appointed by the Dean/
Director of the respective Faculty/Institute.
i. A student will be expected to work with his/her Doctoral Committee to complete
the doctoral programme, whether by Coursework and Research or by Research.
j. The Doctoral Committee shall be responsible to guide the student through the
completion of the doctoral programme, whether by Coursework and Research or by
Research.
k. All theses shall be marked by the three members of the Doctoral Committee and an
External Examiner, appointed by the Vice Chancellor upon the recommendation of
the Dean/Director of the respective Faculty/Institute.
l. In certain disciplines and subject areas, the Doctoral Committee may seek
permission from the GSC to use a language other than English for the thesis.
1.4.4.4 Assessment
a. Course assessment shall normally consist of continuous assessment and end of
semester (or module) examination, in accordance with regulations contained in the
University Prospectus,
b. The methods of continuous assessment to examinations shall be determined by the
Faculty/Institute. The continuous assessment shall normally not exceed 50 per cent
of the total mark.
c. The combination of continuous assessment, term project and end of semester exam
in the assessment will be determined by the Faculty/Institute.
d. Performance in both continuous assessment and examination shall be in accordance
with the grading system provided in the University Prospectus.
e. Each course (or module) must be passed with a minimum of 70 percent (B).
f. Examinations shall be conducted in accordance with the regulations in the
16
g. Where a student is not showing satisfactory progress in his/her studies, the Faculty/
Institute may recommend to the Senate, through the GSC, for the student to be
discontinued.

a. At least twice a semester, the student shall hold scheduled meetings with the
Doctoral Committee to monitor and assess progress towards the completion of the
thesis.
b. Reports on progress towards the completion of the thesis shall be submitted each
semester by the Dean/Director of the respective Faculty/Institute to the GSC.
c. The Dean/Director of the respective Faculty/Institute shall submit the reports,
d. Assessment of the thesis is described in the University Prospectus.
e. Where a student is not showing satisfactory progress in his/her studies, the Faculty/
Institute may recommend to the Senate, through the GSC, for the student to be
discontinued
1.4.4.5 Progression
a. To be in good standing, a doctoral student is expected to maintain a minimum
GPA/CGPA of B (3.0).
b. A student whose CGPA at the end of any semester falls between 2.75 - 2.99,
inclusive, will be put on one semester's probation.
c. A student whose CGPA falls below 2.75 will be discontinued from the University.
d. A student must pass all required courses in order to proceed from coursework to
thesis research.

a. Students in such programmes will be evaluated by written assessments of the
Doctoral Committee every semester. The assessment will be sent to the GSC
through the Dean/Director for approval by Senate.
1.4.4.6 Thesis Proposal

All doctoral students shall write and defend a thesis proposal before their Doctoral
Committee.
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a. Students in such programmes shall write and defend a Thesis Proposal before their
Doctoral Committee.
b. Students shall take a Thesis Proposal Defense Examination no later than the end of
the third semester of their programme.
c. Thesis Proposal Defense Examinations shall be graded by the three members of the
Doctoral Committee.
d. A student will require a minimum average of 70 percent to pass a Thesis Proposal
Defense Examination.
e. A student who is successful in the Thesis Proposal Defense Examination shall
proceed to prepare for the Comprehensive Examination.
f. A student who is not successful in defending the thesis proposal the rst time shall
be given a second opportunity to do so. Failure at the second attempt will lead to
dismissal from the programme.

a. Students in such programmes shall write and defend a Thesis Proposal before their
Doctoral Committee.
b. Students shall take an oral Thesis Proposal Defense Examination during the rst
semester of their programme.
c. Thesis Proposal Defense Examinations shall be graded by the three members of the
Doctoral Committee.
d. A student will require a minimum average of 70 percent to pass a Thesis Proposal
Defense Examination.
e. A student who is successful in the Thesis Proposal Defense Examination shall
proceed to thesis research
f. A student who is not successful in defending the thesis proposal the rst time shall
be given a second opportunity to do so. Failure at the second attempt will lead to
dismissal from the programme.
1.4.4.7 Comprehensive Examinations

a. Students in Thesis Only Programmes shall not be required to take a Comprehensive
Examination
b. Students in Coursework and Research Programmes shall be required to take a
Comprehensive Examination.
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c. Depending on the requirements of the Faculty/Institute, the Comprehensive
Examination may be EITHER written only OR a combination of written papers
followed by an oral section.
d. The Comprehensive Examination shall be taken no later than four semesters into
the programme.
e. Questions for the Comprehensive Examinations shall come from the three members
of the Doctoral Committee, who shall grade and determine the outcome of the
exam.
f. To be successful in the Comprehensive Examination, a student must score a
minimum of 70 percent in each paper and in the oral section of the exam, when the
latter is required.
g. A student who is successful in the Comprehensive Examination shall proceed to
thesis research.
h. A student who is unsuccessful in the Comprehensive Examination the rst time will
be given an opportunity to retake it. Failure at the second attempt shall lead to
dismissal from the programme. The student may apply to another doctoral
programme of the University after a semester.
1.4.4.8 Thesis
All doctoral degree students must write a thesis. The completed thesis shall be
presented orally and defended before the student's Doctoral Committee. Interested
members of the University community may attend the oral presentation of the thesis.
a. The thesis must be written in English except in the case of students in a particular
language discipline taught at Africa University. Such students may apply for
permission to write a thesis in the medium of the particular language studies.
Where this is done, the candidate will be required to include in English a 300-500
word summary of the thesis.
b. A student is expected to work closely with his/her thesis advisor and members of
the Doctoral Committee to complete the thesis.
c. The completed thesis shall be assessed by the three members of the Doctoral
Committee and an External Examiner appointed by the Vice Chancellor upon
d. Assessment of the thesis is described in the current version of the University
Prospectus.
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e. A minimum passing grade for a thesis shall be an average of 70 percent from the
three Doctoral Committee members and the External Examiner.
f. The student shall defend the thesis in front of the Doctoral Committee and the
External Examiner, if required.
g. The thesis defense shall be restricted to questions surrounding the thesis research.
h. A student who successfully defends the thesis has completed the programme,
subject to revisions in the thesis recommended by the Doctoral Committee and the
External Examiner.
i. After revisions, the thesis will be sent to the GSC through the Dean/Director of the
respective Faculty/Institute
j. After approval by the GSC, the Dean/Director of the respective Faculty/Institute shall
present the thesis to Senate for nal approval.
k. A student who is not successful in the thesis defense the rst time shall be given a
second opportunity to do so. If the student is unsuccessful on the second attempt
s/he shall automatically be awarded an M. Phil.
l. A student, who is awarded an M. Phil, shall not be eligible to re-apply to the
University for a doctoral degree for at least a year.
20
1.5 Dissertation/Thesis Requirements
A student who qualies to proceed to this level after satisfying all the prerequisites at
the Masters or Doctoral level, whether by Coursework and Research or by Research
Only, shall be required to submit a dissertation/thesis within the registration period.
1.5.1 Format of Dissertation/Thesis

1.5.1.1 Binding
All dissertations are to be bound at a printer specied and approved by the university.
Please work with the library, your dean and supervisor to ensure that you use a
university-approved printer.
1.5.1.2 Spacing and Font

Typing must be double-spaced and on one side of good quality A4 bond paper only,
font size 12 and in Times New Roman.
Maps and illustrations can be done on a larger size paper. In the case of larger pages,
they must be folded so that the edges align with the rest of the dissertation and so
that only the left edge is bound into the spine.
1.5.1.3 Margins
The left margin must be 4.0cm from the left edge of the paper, the right hand margin
must be 2.5cm from the right edge, the top margin must be 2.5cm from the top of the
page and the bottom margin 2.5cm from the bottom of the paper.
1.5.1.4 Pagination:
All page numbers are to be centered at the bottom of the page.
The preliminary pages (sections preceding the introduction) are to be numbered in
lower case Roman numerals (i.e. “i”, “ii” etc.). The Title Page is page i, but the number
is not to be shown. Start numbering with the Abstract Page as page ii.
The body of the dissertation is to be numbered in Arabic numerals (i.e. “1”, “2” etc.).
The rst page of the Introduction is to be numbered as page1.
21
1.5.2 Organization of Dissertation/Thesis
Cover and Spine
Blank Page
Title Page (see sample title page below)
ii Abstract
iii Declaration Page
iv Copyright Page
v Acknowledgements
vi Dedication
vii List of Acronyms and Abbreviations
viii Denition of Key Terms
ix Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
List of Tables.
List of Figures
References
Appendices
1.5.2 Structure of the Dissertation/Thesis
1.5.2.1 Cover and Spine

1.5.2.1.1 The Cover shall be embossed in gold lettering containing the title of the
work, the name of the university and date of the work in 18 point font, Times New
Roman, bold, centered, all in upper case, in the middle of the cover, as in the
following example:
22
A CROSS SECTIONAL ANALYSIS OF INCOME
GENERATION AMONG SMALL AND MEDIUM SCALE
BUSINESSES IN SAKHUVA MARKET, MUTARE,
ZIMBABWE
AFRICA UNIVERSITY
A UNITED METHODIST RELATED UNIVERSITY
2016
The cover should have 4.5 cm margin on the left and 2.5 cm on the right. The words
should be spaced from top to bottom to balance neatly and ensure 2.5 cm margins at
the top and bottom.
1.5.2.1.2 The spine shall be embossed in gold lettering showing the following
information, equally spaced out in 18 point font, Times New Roman:
• the surname and initials of the student at the top (example, Magaya, T. M.)
• the degree for which the dissertation/thesis has been submitted in the middle
(example, MIP)
• the date of the degree at the bottom (example, 2017)
1.5.2.2 Blank Page

The rst page following the cover should be a blank page.
1.5.2.3 Abstract
Center the word 'Abstract' at the top of the page in 12 point font, Times New Roman,
bold. The abstract should be between 300-500 words and comprehensive
(SINGLE-SPACED, 12 POINT FONT, TIMES NEW ROMAN). DO NOT
ITALICIZE. The abstract should highlight the essential points of the
23
dissertation, the important results found and the conclusions reached. The Abstract
should be a single paragraph and not separated into sections.
1.5.2.4 Key Words

Include a list of 3-5 Key Words horizontally at the bottom of the Abstract: 12 point font,
Times New Roman
1.5.2.5 Declaration Page

Center the words 'Declaration Page' at the top of the page in 12 point font, Times New
Roman, bold. Every dissertation/thesis submitted must be accompanied by a
declaration by the candidate.
I declare that this dissertation is my original work except where sources have
been cited and acknowledged. The work has never been submitted, nor will it
ever be submitted to another university for the award of a degree – 12 point
font, Times New Roman. Do not bold - bold has been used here only for visibility.
The declaration shall be followed by spaces at the bottom for the names and signatures
of the student and the main supervisor, as follows:
________________________ ______________________________
Student's Full Name Student's Signature (Date)
________________________ ______________________________
Main Supervisor's Full Name Main supervisor's Signature (Date)
1.5.2.6 Copyright Page

Center the word 'Copyright ' at the top of the page in 12 point font, Times New Roman,
bold.
Each dissertation/thesis must have the following statement on the Copyright Page.
24
No part of the dissertation/thesis may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval
system, or transmitted in any form or by any means for scholarly purposes
without prior written permission of the author or of Africa University on
behalf of the author.' 12 point font, Times New Roman. Do not bold - bold has been
used here only for visibility.
1.5.2.7 Acknowledgments
Center the word 'Acknowledgment' at the top of the page in 12 point font, Times New
Roman, bold.
This page is to be used to recognize and acknowledge persons, if any, who supported
the student morally, emotionally and academically during the preparation of the
dissertation/thesis.
Acknowledgments are not required and are at the wish of the student.
1.5.2.8 Dedication Page

Center the words 'Dedication' at the top of the page in 12 point font, Times New
Roman, bold.
This page is to be used to dedicate the work to any person(s) or organization(s); 12
point font, Times New Roman.
A dedication is not required and is at the wish of the student.
1.5.2.9 List of Acronyms and Abbreviations

Center the words 'List of Acronyms and Abbreviations' at the top of the page in 12
point font, Times New Roman, bold.
List unusual acronyms and abbreviations in 12 point font, Times New Roman. The
acronym/abbreviation is to be left justied and separated from the explanation by a
TAB as in the example below.
AU Africa Union
ASEAN Association of South East Asian Nations
1.5.2.10 Table of Contents

Center the words 'Table of Contents' at the top of the page in 12 point font, Times New
Roman, bold.
The Table of Contents should correspond to the specic pages of headings and
25
subheadings, in the dissertation/thesis. If there are tables or gures or appendices,
these should be listed on separate pages and arranged in the order in which they
appear.
PLEASE CHECK PREVIOUS DISSERTATIONS/THESES AND WORK WITH YOUR SUPERVISOR

TO ORGANIZE THE TABLE OF CONTENTS.
1.5.2.10.1 List of Tables: On new page following the Table of Contents, 12 point font,
Times New Roman, bold; with the title centered and the list left-justied.
1.5.2.10.2 List of Figures: on new page following the List of Tables, 12 point font,
Times New Roman, bold; with the title centered and the list left-justied.
1.5.2.10.3 List of Appendices: on new page, following the List of Figures, 12 point
font, Times New Roman, bold; with the title centered and the list left-justied
1.5.2.10.4 Body of the Dissertation/Thesis

The rst page of Chapter One should follow the List of Appendices on a new page.
(See outline on section 5.5.5 below)
1.5.2.10.5 Bibliography, References and Citations

This comes immediately after the nal page of the nal chapter of the dissertation. It
should start on a new with the words List of References centered in 12 point font,
Times New Roman, bold.
The University-approved reference style is the APA Format.
1.5.3 Length of Dissertation/Thesis

The length of the Dissertation/thesis shall be in accordance with the requirements of
the Faculty.
1.5.4.Ethical Considerations
No plagiarism, i.e. only original research should be reported. Random samples of
Dissertations/Theses will be run through an anti-plagiarism software of the
University's choice.
26
1
2
3
4
5
6 1.5.5 Sample Title Page
7
8 2 lines or Press enter 2 times
9
10
11 Font: 14 AFRICA UNIVERSITY
12
(A United Methodist-Related Institution)
13 Font: 10
14
15 5 lines
16
17
18
19 Font: 14 CONTRIBUTION OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS ON QUALITY OF
20 CUSTOMERS SERVICE DELIVERY IN ZIMBABWE REVE NUE
21 AUTHORITY
22
23 2 lines
24
25
26 Font: 10 BY
27
28
3 lines
29
30
31
32
33 Font: 14 OWEN TATENDA MUCHATISI
2 lines
A DISSERTATION/THESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE

Font: 12 REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER IN PUBLIC SECTOR
MANAGEMENT IN THE FACULTY OF MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
3 lines
Font: 14 2016
NB. 2lines
· Font Times New Roman
· Page size A4
· Measurements in centimeters
· Line spacing on the whole page should be
1.15
27
1.5.6 Body of Dissertation/Thesis
As noted earlier, number pages of the body of the dissertation/thesis in
Arabic numerals (i.e. “1”, “2” etc.)
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Background to the Study
1.2 Statement of the Problem
1.3 Research Objectives
1.4 Research Questions
1.4 Assumptions/ Hypotheses
1.5 Signicance of the Study
1.6 Delimitation of the Study
1.7 Limitation of the Study
CHAPTER 2 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

2.1 Introduction
2.2 Theoretical Framework
2.3 Relevance of the Theoretical Frame to the Study
.
.
.
Summary
CHAPTER 3 METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
3.2 The Research Design
3.3 Population and Sampling
3.4 Data Collection Instruments
3.5 Pilot Study (If necessary) 3.6Data Collection Procedure
3.7 Analysis and Organization of Data
3.8 Ethical Consideration
3.9 Summary
28
CHAPTER 4 DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Data Presentation and Analysis
4.3 Discussion and Interpretation
.
.
Summary
CHAPTER 5 SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Introduction
5.2 Discussion
5.3 Conclusions
5.4 Implications
5.5 Recommendations
5.6 Suggestions for Further Research
REFERENCES
Use APA Format
APPENDICES
Each Appendix should start on a new page, with the title left-justied, as in the
example below:
APPENDIX 1: Questionnaire Survey Instrument
1.5.7 Submission of Dissertation/Thesis

A student who successfully defends the dissertation/thesis has completed the
programme, subject to revisions recommended by the Committee and the External
Examiner (s).
After revisions, the dissertation/thesis will be submitted to the Graduate Studies
Committee through the Dean/Director of the respective Faculty/Institute.
After review and approval by the Graduate Studies Committee, the Dean/Director of the
respective Faculty/Institute shall present the thesis to Senate for nal approval
1.5.7.1 The dissertation/thesis must be submitted in four loose-bound copies.
29
L E
+263 20 61785 (Fax)
M P
+263 20 67137 / 61611-8
A
P.O. Box 1320
Nyanga Road
S
Mutare, Zimbabwe
vc@africau.edu
www.africau.edu
30
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BOARD APPROVED

GENERAL REGULATIONS FOR GRADUATE STUDIES

1.2 Membership of the University Graduate Studies Committee (GSC)

1.3 General Regulations

1.3.2 Language Requirements

a. Successful completion of a minimum of two years of study at a university where

1.3.3 Transfer to Africa University from a Graduate Programme of Another

1.4. Graduate Programmes

1.4.1 Graduate Diplomas

1.4.1.1 Minimum Entry Qualications and Guidelines

1.4.1.4 Graduation Requirements

1.4.2 Masters Degree Programmes

Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources

1.4.2.2 Structure of the Programmes

(ii) Masters Degree by Research

(ii) Masters Degree by Research

(ii) Masters Degree by Research

(i) Masters Degree by Coursework and Research

(ii) Masters Degree by Research

a. The dissertation must be written in English except in the case of students in a

1.4.3 Doctoral Degree Programmes

Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources

1.4.3.1 Minimum Entry Qualications and Guidelines

1.4.3.2 Structure of the Programmes

(ii) Doctoral Degree by Research

(ii) Doctoral Degree by Research

(ii) Doctoral Degree by Research

1.4.4.6 Thesis Proposal

(ii) Doctoral Degree by Research

1.4.4.7 Comprehensive Examinations

1.5.1 Format of Dissertation/Thesis

1.5.1.2 Spacing and Font

1.5.2 Structure of the Dissertation/Thesis

1.5.2.1 Cover and Spine

1.5.2.2 Blank Page

1.5.2.4 Key Words

1.5.2.5 Declaration Page

1.5.2.6 Copyright Page

1.5.2.8 Dedication Page

1.5.2.9 List of Acronyms and Abbreviations

1.5.2.10 Table of Contents

PLEASE CHECK PREVIOUS DISSERTATIONS/THESES AND WORK WITH YOUR SUPERVISOR

1.5.2.10.4 Body of the Dissertation/Thesis

1.5.2.10.5 Bibliography, References and Citations

1.5.3 Length of Dissertation/Thesis

A DISSERTATION/THESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE

CHAPTER 2 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

CHAPTER 5 SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

APPENDIX 1: Questionnaire Survey Instrument

1.5.7 Submission of Dissertation/Thesis

1.5.7.1 The dissertation/thesis must be submitted in four loose-bound copies.

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