Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental and Social Sciences Research Methods
Rationale
The postgraduate Diploma in Social Science Research Methods is a new programme that
makes research training, skills and methods a distinct discipline and a profession.
Research training and skills is a valuable tool in knowledge generation and dissemination.
Part of Africa‘s slow development has been attributed to the poor attention given to
research by policy makers in government and the little resources availed to research and
researchers. This is evidenced by the very small research output from Africa.
Governments are now beginning to address this issue but our colleges and universities
continue to treat research training as a component of their mainstream courses. This
course addresses this problem by making research a discipline in itself and giving the
prominence and significance
Programmme Objectives
The programme aims at producing professionals versed in a range of social science
research methods employed in development, natural resource conservation and the social
sciences in general. The programme will provide the students with the skills and
knowledge necessary for carrying out social science research projects. Students are given
thorough training in quantitative, qualitative, and reflective and practitioner research
methods used in the social sciences. This will include data collection, analysis and
reporting methods. Students can choose to specialize in any of the above. It is useful for
social science researchers and persons interested in research degrees such as Ph.D. The
reflective and practitioner research methodologies are of particular importance to
government and NGO personnel interested in participatory project monitoring and
evaluation.
Admission Requirement
All university rules and regulations governing postgraduate diploma programmes shall
apply. Admission shall be open to holders of a first degree in any discipline.
Programme Structure and duration
The training for the postgraduate diploma in Environmental and Social Science Research
Methods shall extend for a period of not less than 9 months and a maximum of 12 months
for full time students and a period of 24 months for part-time students. The programme
will be offered in three semesters, with two semesters of course work and one semester of
Research Project. A student must take and pass at least 36 Credit Factors CF. of prescribe
courses and complete research Project in order to qualify for the award of postgraduate
diploma. The programme code will be ESRM, meaning postgraduate diploma in
Environmental and Social Science Research Methods, followed by 4 digits.
First digit0. denotes diploma, Second digit7. denotes postgraduate, Third digit will be
interpreted as follows:
0-denotes core course
2-denotes basic course
3-denotes optional course
denotes sequence of course in the programme
Examination regulations
All examinations for the Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental and Social Science
Research Methods shall be conducted in accordance with examination regulations as
stipulated in Egerton University Statute XXIX.
Grading
The grading of examination for Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental and Social Science
Research Methods shall be in accordance with Egerton University Statute XXIX.
Graduation Requirements
To graduate with a Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental and Social Science Research
Methods a student shall be required to take and pass all required courses within the
stipulated time.
Degree Classification
The classification for Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental and Social Science
Research Methods shall be in accordance with Egerton University Statute XXIX for
undergraduate students