Survey reveals strategies to increase PhD production

By Peta Lee. Are African universities doing enough to encourage and support doctoral studies? A recent survey of eight institutions indicated increased vigour in their efforts to do so, particularly over the past five years. Measures included expanding and enhancing support structures for postgraduate students, establishing partnerships and beefing up networks, improving capacity at multiple levels through training and networking, and setting high expectations and clear guidelines for performance. Most of the universities also offered financial incentives, like tuition waivers. More...