Postgraduate Handbook

Abstract

The Post Graduate Handbook is one of the vital policy documents of Bishop Stuart University meant to guide students and staff in the processes of management of the graduate programmes to ensure high quality standards. With acquisition of a Charter, BSU is taking its place on the academic stage through graduate training and research. The Post Graduate Handbook is based on the overall research agenda and research policy of BSU both of which spell out the focus and direction of the research activities to be undertaken at BSU. Being located in the cattle corridor that straddles more than 84,000 sq. Kms, (BSU) hosts vast scientific, ecological, socio-economic and social-cultural niches, that offer varied research and innovation opportunities to graduate students, staff and the general public. The challenge faced is to identify and prioritise the areas that need to be researched into, to generate information that may inform decisions and action, hence the need for a Graduate Handbook, which initiates the process of consultation on the subject of research. BSU strategic plan aims at ensuring efficiency, effectiveness and quality in all areas of research by putting emphasis on a productive research environment. Further emphasis is laid on excellence in innovative research and utilization of knowledge. The research and grant policy of BSU gives the major objective of undertaking research and projects, as a means to enhance the scientific, technological, social, economic and political development for the improvement of the living standards of the Ugandan people and beyond. The policy will aid decision making, setting goals and strategies, and providing a framework for developing innovative, quality management, accountability, and strategic direction for research and grants activities. The policy, also, outlines the levels of research to include: i) undergraduate, ii) Post-graduate, iii) Post-Doctoral, iv) Grants oriented and v) Commissioned. This handbook provides guidelines combining rules and regulations, plus material that are vital for graduate students and staff. BSU welcomes new students who have joined us and encourage others to do the same. At BSU, we have built sufficient capacity in form of human resource, supplemented by our partners, to handle a wide range of graduate programmes. The book is a must read for the intending students as it defines important policies, procedures, and practices that guide graduate education at BSU. The Handbook provides a necessary guide as the student navigates through the intricate graduate study journey. Graduate students are a very vital component of the University and its research in particular. BSU places high regard on the educational, social, technological, administrative and scientific aspects of graduate studies. This is in realization that graduate students of all categories bring in vibrant and dynamic research contributions to the University. It is on record that globally, more than half of the research is carried out by graduate students at all levels. Such contribution goes a long way to boost both institutional and individual academic growth. The information provided in the Post Graduate Handbook is a starting point of reference. More consultations at all levels will be very fruitful to those intending to engage in graduate research. Both students and staff are encouraged to internalise the contents of the Post Graduate Handbook in order to expedite the process of graduate training and to stay focussed. The handbook is designed to provide the basic requirements, rules and regulations pertaining to graduate work. Our God Reigns,