Doctor of Philosophy in Statistics – School of Pure, Health & Applied Sciences

Admission Requirements for the Programme

The common regulations for all doctorate degrees in the University and those of the School of Pure, Applied and Health Sciences shall apply. Holders of a Master’s degree in Statistics or an equivalent qualification from a university recognized by Murang’a University of Technology senate shall be eligible for registration for the Doctor of Philosophy in Statistics.

Duration of Study

Three (3) Academic Years

Mode of Delivery of the Programme

The programme shall be delivered through face-to-face lectures, e-learning, open and distance learning, blended, or any other mode approved by the Commission for University Education.

Expected Learning Outcomes of the Programme

Upon successful completion of the prescribed course of study, the Doctor of Philosophy in Statistics graduates should be able to:

Appraise the core principles of probability theory and statistical methods.
Design various kinds of research and innovative studies for sustainable technological development.
Analyze diverse types of data to address a particular research or innovative problem
Develop innovative statistical models using modern technological advancements for sustainable development.
Assess the appropriateness of the statistical theory, methodology, and applications involved in scientific research articles.
Communicate effectively the role of statistical theory and methods in data analysis to professional and lay audiences.

Philosophy of the Programme

The PhD in Statistics programme seeks to equip students with advanced theoretical, practical and research skills in the field of statistics as a key pillar for sustainable development.

Justification of the Need for the Programme

Murang’a University of Technology mission proposes to advance knowledge and technological transfer through teaching, training, learning, research, and innovation for sustainable development. With the advent of modern science and technology, the education system in the country has undergone drastic changes in the past four decades or so. The changes have affected many courses of study that are being governed by market demands. Employers are equally keen on the type of graduates being produced by Universities. This curriculum of Doctor of Philosophy in Statistics is therefore designed to meet these challenges and demands affecting labour market as dictated by both local and international demands. The program is also designed to combat shortage of advanced professionally trained statisticians in this country, Africa region and the world at large. The graduate programme in the Department of Mathematics and Actuarial Science is intended to guide candidates to work independently, arrive at new insights and contribute to research in a wide range of research projects in Statistics. It is tailored to allow the student to make a distinct contribution to the knowledge and understanding of statistics and afford evidence of ability to carry out original research in a well-defined problem in statistics. The programme shall also provide Doctor of Philosophy in Statistics graduates with real world situations full of various techniques of teaching, knowledge, skills, attitudes, and experiences that prepare them to meet challenges in the fields of teaching and learning process.

Regulations on Credit Transfer

There shall be no credit transfer to the PhD in Statistics programme.

Course Requirements

Obligation of the student.

The programme will be offered by coursework, examination, and thesis. Coursework shall consist of lectures attendance, tutorials, and seminars.
Students shall attend at least two thirds of the classes for all the courses registered to be eligible to sit for end of semester examinations.

Obligation of the lecturer.

A lecturer shall avail to the students a course outline and a schedule of any course requirement in the university prescribed format scheduled lecture.
Lecturers shall be required to attend all classes, administer continuous assessment tests (CATs) and a final examination, supervise theses, grade, and return them on time.
A lecturer shall meet the required contact hours within the teaching session prescribed in the university academic calendar
A lecturer should remain accessible for consultation to the students over the entire teaching session in which a course is taught.

Student Assessment Policy

The University’s common regulations regarding students’ assessment shall apply. However, the following assessment procedures shall be taken into consideration.

Continuous assessment

Continuous assessment shall be conducted within the semester comprising of assignments and sit in examinations. This shall constitute 40% of the total unit marks.

End of semester examinations

Students shall be required to take end of semester examinations pertaining to the course units registered during the semester. Each semester examinations shall constitute 60% of the total marks of each unit.

Thesis

The thesis shall be examined as 80% for the written document and 20% for the defence

Examination Regulations

All candidates shall be expected to abide by the University Examinations Regulation/Rules, articulated in the examinations policy provided to all students on reporting, detailing the examination malpractices, disciplinary action and mode of appeal.

Types of examinations

There shall be three types of university examinations namely-

Ordinary examinations

Examinations shall be moderated, approved and administered during the semester. All units shall be examined during the semester in which they are taken. Such examinations shall be called ordinary examination. A total maximum mark of 100% will be awarded which shall comprise of:

60 % for end of semester examinations
40% for continuous Assessment (Assignment and Tests).

The pass mark shall be 50%.

Re-sit examinations

A candidate who fails two (2) or less courses taken in an academic year shall be required to re-sit the examinations during ordinary end of semester examinations when next offered. A candidate shall be awarded a maximum score of 50% for master degree in each course passed at re-sit examination. Re-sit examinations shall be charged a fee that shall be determined by Senate from time to time.

Special examinations

A candidate who is not able to sit for an examination during the ordinary end of semester examinations due to reasons acceptable by Senate, shall be offered special examinations. Special examinations shall be accepted up to 100% of the total courses taken in an academic year.