Navigating Through Postgraduate Research: Experiences of Doctoral Studies Students in Kenyan Universities
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Date
2020
Authors
Itegi, Florence M.
Michubu, Mutuma W.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Journal of Innovative Research and Knowledge
Abstract
Doctoral degree is perceived as the pinnacle of educational achievement. More so, doctoral degree is a central
pillar in establishing the human capital needed for sustainable social, economic and political development
globally. In addition, many Universities across the globe have developed stringent measures to market and attract
students especially at the PhD level given the grey profile of established academia in their institutions of higher
education. Despite the rising number of students registering for PhD programmes; research has shown there is
concern about high level of non-completion, low completion rates and long tedious time for completion in many
institutions globally and in Africa Kenya included. The expansion of higher education institutions depends on
their level of throughput in form of PhD graduates to revamp their human capital base. However, high attrition
rates and consequent mental distress PhD studies causes to students raises the need to interrogate their
experiences focusing on factors determining completion rates. Specifically, the paper will focus on institutional
factors including policies, supervision and facilities. Student personal factors will include; demographic
variables, self-motivation, work-study conflicts and finance. The paper is based on review of literature and lived
experiences of the authors as once PhD students and later graduating as faculty and supervisors. The paper will
contribute to limited existing facts in field of doctoral studies and spotlight factors shaping the landscape of
doctoral.
Description
Research article
Keywords
Challenges, Completion, Doctoral Studies, Research and Supervision
Citation
Itegi, Florence & Mutuma, Wilson. (2020). Navigating Through Postgraduate Research: Experiences of Doctoral Studies Students in Kenyan Universities. 5. 1.