Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership and Policy
Duration
Three (3) academic years of full-time study. Each academic year consists of two (2) semesters of fifteen (15) weeks each, totalling six (6) semesters.
Mode of study
Online
Academic school
School of EducationProgramme overview
Designed to develop advanced scholarly expertise in educational leadership, policy formulation and analysis, institutional governance, strategic management and education systems transformation. The programme equips candidates to conduct original, rigorous research, critically evaluate educational policies, and generate evidence-based solutions to complex challenges in educational access, equity, quality and institutional effectiveness. It prepares graduates to advance educational scholarship, inform policy and practice, and lead transformative change in educational institutions and systems.
Expected outcomes
- PLO1: Analyse educational policies at local, national, and global levels to understand their impact on educational practices and outcomes.
- PLO2: Design rigorous empirical studies to address complex educational challenges, employing appropriate research methodologies and analytical techniques.
- PLO3: Utilize analytical frameworks to diagnose problems and develop strategic interventions in the educational field.
- PLO4: Demonstrate effective communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution skills necessary for leadership roles in educational settings.
Entry requirements
A candidate must satisfy the general University admission criteria for PhD/Doctorate programmes:
- A Masters Degree recognized by Open University of Kenya Senate in a relevant field.
Programme structure
The Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership and Policy is designed to take a period of three (3) academic years of full-time study. Each academic year consists of two (2) semesters of fifteen (15) weeks each, totaling six (6) semesters. The Doctorate degree programme shall consist of Six (6) semesters of a minimum of six hundred and thirty (630) instructional hours of course work and examination; in addition, the thesis shall carry 30 credits and be at least 50,000 words. Research shall constitute not less than one third (1/3) of the entire programme structure. The course units will be covered in a total of six semesters (3 years); the pass mark shall be 50% of the weighted mean and the candidate will be required to have attained at least 630 instructional hours from 11 credit units.
Assessment methods
Assessment of coursework shall be by continuous assessment and a written examination. Evaluation will be made up of the formative and summative types, consisting of:
- Continuous coursework assessment based on formal tests, term papers and other assignments, accounting for 50% of the total mark in each course; and
- A written examination which will constitute a 3-hour paper per course, accounting for 50% of the total mark in each course. The pass mark in each course
Global careers
- University Lecturer
- Educational Policy Researcher
- Education Policy Analyst
- Senior Education Administrator
- Educational Leadership Consultant
- Education Systems Specialist
- Education Policy Advisor
Application hub
Typical duration
Delivery mode
Online
Accreditation info
Fully accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and recognised globally for digital-first excellence.
School of Education
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Location
Nairobi, Kenya