University Staff Doctoral Programme recipients.
Phase 4 of USDP is a programme by the South African Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) rolled out by Tshwane University of Technology in partnership with THENSA, which aims to develop collaborative professional development opportunities for staff in higher education institutions in South Africa and the United States.
The bespoke THENSA programme prepares students to embark on a full PhD whilst continuing to work in their existing roles within their institution. Successful candidates are supported and supervised by expert academics, to develop key research skills, intercultural networking abilities whilst enhancing their international education research experiences.
Providing more insight on the programme, Dr Vathiswa Papu-Zamxaka, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Engagement said the project conducted in partnership with THENSA strives to transform the learning, teaching and research capacity - including that of the doctoral provision.
Dr Papu-Zamxaka explained that this excellent programme (as commented on by external evaluators) prepares students to embark on a full PhD whilst continuing to work in their existing roles within their institution. “Successful candidates are supported and supervised by expert academics, to develop key research skills, intercultural networking abilities whilst enhancing their international education research experiences. DHET awarded us funding for 50 Doctoral candidates of which 37 completed in 3 years and 10 will be completing this year.”
She added that the THENSA Cohort Model used for the programme was found to be both highly relevant and effective in meeting the needs of candidates and in addressing the wider needs in advancing PhD capacity at Universities of Technology (UoTs) and previously disadvantaged universities (PDI’s).
The programme provides the cohort with access to professional and experienced facilitators (both nationally and internationally) and supervisors across multiple disciplines and institutions. This is a major asset to the program and contributes to cross-fertilization of ideas and knowledge towards rich research production. The Participatory engagements and flexibility, together with technical support provided by the programme team are central to the success of the programme.