The University Capacity Development Programme (UCDP) is a novel project aimed at enhancing the quality and approach to doctoral training at six distinguished South African higher education institutions: the University of Johannesburg, North-West University, the University of Pretoria, Nelson Mandela University, Cape Peninsula University of Technology and Durban University of Technology. This initiative pivots on a decolonial and collegial approach to foster a holistic learning experience. The aim is to strengthen doctoral training across six South African higher education institutions using a decolonial and collegial model.
Programme Partners
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Durban University of Technology
Objectives of the Programme
- Transition from the traditional apprenticeship model to a novel decolonial approach, emphasising collaboration.
- Focus on cultivating doctoral graduates primed to enrich the nation’s knowledge economy.
- Initiate research collectives and hubs dedicated to nurturing a supportive, collegial, and stimulating research environment.
- Encourage research that transcends institutional boundaries and disciplinary silos, targeting high-level research outputs.
Key Project Activities
Benefits of participation
Supervisors:
- Develop skills and be part of a new model of supervision.
- Adopt a cohort model, sharing supervisory responsibilities to ensure consistent and collective guidance.
Doctoral Candidates:
- Be a part of a nurturing cohort, meeting periodically for collective writing sessions and mutual support.
- Gain access to an advanced seminar series, enhancing research abilities.
- Networking with peers and academics from five other South African universities.
- Secure opportunities to host webinars and symposia to share knowledge and increase their professional visibility.
Events
UCDP hosts regular supervisor workshops online with distinguished professors as well as larger workshops, conferences and symposiums. The project also provides training opportunities such as ATLAS.ti.
Resources
- Open access information
This transformative project is an invitation to both supervisors and doctoral candidates eager to embrace a contemporary and enriching doctoral training experience.
For more information about the programme, contact:
Programme manager: Prof Sadiyya Haffejee sadiyyah@uj.ac.za
Research assistant: Nosoyiso Fikani nosoyisof@uj.ac.za