PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

Programme duration

The duration for the degree programme for full time students is four (4) years comprising one year (two semesters) of course work and three (3) years of research and writing a thesis. Part time students will also be admitted to the programme for a duration of five (5) years. Students admitted on part time basis must complete the coursework prior to assuming the part time status.

Coursework and research

The programme shall consist of two semesters of coursework which shall be completed within one academic year. Each candidate shall be required to take all core courses and choose at least three other courses, from amongst elective courses, so as to a attain a minimum of 60 credits in each semester. The minimum credits to be earned from course work is 120. All courses shall be offered in modular form and shall emphasize on participatory learning comprising a mixture of lectures, practicals, individual and group works and hands-on experiences.

The research component, culminating in the production of a thesis, shall be conducted in the remaining three academic years. 15 credits for development of concept note and 30 credits for full proposal, 240 from research work and 135 credits from thesis to make the total minimum of 540 credits required foe the award of PhD under the programme.

Internship

Each candidate is eligible for an optional internship programme for a period not exceeding six (6) months within the country or abroad, in the 2nd or 3rd year of study. Processing for an internship period shall be initiated by a proposal by the student. The proposal shall indicate, amongst other things, where the candidate shall be attached for the entire duration of the internship, the deliverables from the internship period and the source of funds. Students can only proceed to implement the internship programme after the proposal has been approval by the University following detailed guidelines that shall be provided to all candidates.

Exit levels and qualification for award of PhD

The duration for the degree programme for full time students shall be four (4) years comprising one-year (two semesters) of course work and three (3) years of research culminating in the preparation of a thesis. Fulltime students can be allowed to extend the study period to a maximum period of 6 years provided there are compelling reasons for extension. Part time students will also be admitted to the programme for a duration of five (5) years which can be extended to a maximum seven (7) years. Students admitted on part time basis must complete the coursework prior to assuming the part time status. There will be two exit levels

Postgraduate Diploma: All candidates, who shall have completed course work successfully, shall be eligible for the award of a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in Agro-ecology. Such candidates shall have passed all core courses and the elective courses required to make a minimum of 120 credits. Post Graduate Diploma graduates shall be eligible to continue with the research component. However, graduates who are unable to continue with the research component immediately may resume studies to complete the research component of the PhD within two years after attainment of the PGD beyond which candidates would be required to re-take the course work.

PhD: A candidate who shall have successfully completed both the course work and research shall be awarded the PhD Agro-ecology (Total 540 credits comprising of 120 credits for course work + 30 credits for research proposal development + 390 credits for research and thesis)