deanspas@mut.ac.ke +254-798 959 217 / +254-771 370 824
Main Website

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Physics

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Physics is offered in the following five (5) areas of specialization;

  • Material Science
  • Solid State Physics
  • Geo and Space physics
  • Electronics and Instrumentations
  • Nuclear and Radiation physics

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PROGRAMME

The common regulations for admission requirements in all Ph.D. Degree programmes of Murang’a University of Technology will apply.   In addition, a candidate who is a holder of a relevant Master’s Degree with course work examination or without course work examination of Murang’a University of Technology or an equivalent from other Universities recognized by Murang’a University of Technology Senate and accredited by Commission for University Education (CUE) will be admitted to Alternative II (Thesis only) or Alternative I (With course work) of the PhD in Physics programme respectively. A candidate who opts for PhD by thesis only must have published at least one paper in the same field in a peer reviewed journal.

DURATION OF STUDY

The program of studies leading to the PhD in Physics programme at MUT will take a period of at least thirty-six (36) months but not more than seventy-two (72) months for full time students. Students enrolled into the programme on a part-time basis (Holiday mode) will complete it in at least forty-eight (48) months but not more than seventy-two (72) months.

EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES

The PhD in Physics degree programme is designed to utilize the various fields of Physics and geared towards producing graduates who will:

  1. Undertake research to suit the current trends in Physics and provide solutions related to Physics and work effectively and productively within a team.
  2. Demonstrate/develop competency in the responsible conduct of research
  3. Demonstrate ability to analyze data critically and to design research experiments independently.
  4. Communicate scientific information/research findings in both written and spoken form.
  5. Apply the acquired scientific knowledge and skills in institutions of higher learning, industries and other related organizations.
  6. Develop research proposals, carry out research and report in scholarly journals
  7. Supervise other researchers and students in their areas of specialization and related fields of Physics.

GOAL OF THE PROGRAMME

  • To enhance individual’s capacity and professional skills for positions involving research, teaching and results dissemination in international, regional and national institutions of research and higher institutions of learning in major areas of Physics.
  • To develop professionals needed for Physics research consultancy, extension and teaching in academic, public and private institutions in relation to human development as well as produce graduates who are competent in their areas of specialization in Physics.

MODE OF DELIVERY OF THE PROGRAMME

The two modules, Alternative I with course work and Alternative II without course work or by research only shall be delivered by face to face, blended and e-learning.

a). Full Time  

Students taking the programme on a full-time (weekdays or weekend) basis will complete the course in at least three (3) academic years.  There will be two (2) semesters course work for alternative I, after which the development of research work will commence.  For alternative II, development of research starts right from semester I of the first year.

b). Part Time

Students taking the programme on part-time (evening) basis, each academic year will comprise of three (3) sessions.  There will be three (3) sessions of course work for alternative I, after which the development of research work will commence. For alternative II, development of research starts right from semester I of the first year.

METHOD OF DELIVERY

There will be three (3) hours of lecture per week per programme unit for alternative I. All registered students will conduct intensive research and report their work in scientific journals during their PhD studies in their areas of specialization.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

The obligations for the students and faculty members are as follows:

  1. Alternative I

A student shall be required to:

    • Attend at least 2/3 of lectures to be allowed to sit for end of semester examinations
    • Develop a research proposal
    • Conduct research and make presentations in seminars/conferences
    • Provide Progress report per semester
    • Write and show published or acceptance of at least two (2) research papers in peer reviewed journals before submitting a research thesis
    • Present a research thesis to a panel in line with the post-graduate studies policy

  2.  Alternative II

            A student shall be required to:

    • Develop a concept paper within one month after registration.
    • Develop a research proposal within the first six months after registration.
    • Give two seminar presentations on emerging issues related to their topics of research.
    • Conduct research and make presentations in national and/or international seminars/ conferences every semester.
    • Provide Progress report per semester
    • Write and show published or acceptance of at least two (2) research papers in peer reviewed journals before submitting research thesis.
    • Present a research report to a panel in line with the post-graduate studies policy.

PROCEDURE FOR APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION TO THE UNIVERSITY

  1. Advertisements for applications for the courses/programmes are carried out through the press.
  2. Application fee will be charged as set out in the common regulations for admission requirements for Ph.D programmes.
  3. Payments should be made either in Cash or Bankers Cheque in favour of Murang’a University of Technology (MUT).
  4. Prospective applicants can also download application forms from the University website at www.mut.ac.ke, fill and post to the University, and include the money order of the application fee.
  5. Application forms will be accompanied by a letter of recommendation from a suitable academic referee.
  6. The opening and closing dates for receiving application forms will be determined by the MUT Senate from time to time.
  7. A candidate, who qualifies to join the programme, will register with the University to undertake Ph.D. in Physics.
  8. Registration will be done by payment of fees and completing the necessary procedures.

Accessibility Toolbar