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Doctoral research on institutions, public administration and development outcomes in African contexts. Methods coursework followed by an original, supervised dissertation. Delivered online across African time zones. African Future University delivers this award fully online across African time zones. There is no campus. Assessment is identity-checked and the academic standard is the same for every student. This is an academic doctoral award; where a field has a licensing or registration route, that remains a matter for your professional body or regulator. You will work through the material as a practitioner-researcher: applied methods, real or anonymised cases, and a supervised capstone or dissertation as the final component. Faculty mark whether you noticed the constraints a slide deck usually hides. PhD Governance & Development is taught as one award, not a list of unrelated modules. The published length is 3–5 years, and the credit total is 60. Students move from Public Policy Processes & Institutions through Public Policy Processes & Institutions; Political Economy & Development; Statistics & Data for Policy; Ethics, Positionality & Public Value; Impact Evaluation & Causal Methods; Cost-Benefit Analysis & Public Budgeting, and finish on Writing Briefings & Board Papers. Each course has a question, a method, and a submission. In this field, students say who decides, under which rule, and draft a note a professional could read. Reading is a statute or instrument, a case or policy paper, and a commentary. The artefact a marker expects is a memo or draft clause with sources and a revision note. The award is built so that a graduate can do the following in practice: Analyse a policy problem with the right method — evaluation, cost-benefit, political economy Read a budget and an expenditure line for what it actually funds Design an implementation plan that survives contact with a delivery unit Teaching assumes the student can read a source, attempt a problem before the seminar, and revise after feedback. Attendance at live seminars is part of the design. The capstone or final course must use the methods of the earlier courses; a project that ignores them does not pass. This course is academic. It does not admit the student to practise law and it is not a qualifying law degree. The pages for each course name the topics that are examined. Those topics are the syllabus. A brochure line is not a substitute for them.
The programme carries 60 credits, structured as doctoral coursework followed by supervised research. Delivery is tuition-free aside from the examination fee. Transcripts use letter grades and a GPA scale consistent with African Future University awards. No professional-body logo is used in marketing to imply endorsement.
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Tuition is free. Examinations are free. There is no exam fee. Study from anywhere in the world.
| Code | Course | Credits · hours |
|---|---|---|
| AFX70901 | Public Policy Processes & Institutions Public Policy Processes & Institutions (AFX70901) is a 3-credit course on PhD Governance & Development, with 30 notional learning hours. By the end, students can say who decides, under which rule, and draft a note a professional could read, using Public Policy Processes & Institutions as the working context rather than a generic management example. The course is taught in three movements. First, students establish the terms and the decision the course is about. Second, they apply the method to a case, dataset, text, or design and compare it with a weaker alternative. Third, they revise the work after feedback and state what the conclusion cannot support. Preparation uses a statute or instrument, a case or policy paper, and a commentary. Seminar time is for the decision, not for reading the materials aloud. Assessment is a memo or draft clause with sources and a revision note. A pass requires a clear method, evidence a marker can check, and an explicit limit. Credit is not awarded for summary alone. This course is academic. It does not admit the student to practise law and it is not a qualifying law degree.
| 3 · 30 h |
| AFX70902 | Political Economy & Development Political Economy & Development (AFX70902) is a 3-credit course on PhD Governance & Development, with 30 notional learning hours. By the end, students can say who decides, under which rule, and draft a note a professional could read, using Political Economy & Development as the working context rather than a generic management example. The course is taught in three movements. First, students establish the terms and the decision the course is about. Second, they apply the method to a case, dataset, text, or design and compare it with a weaker alternative. Third, they revise the work after feedback and state what the conclusion cannot support. Preparation uses a statute or instrument, a case or policy paper, and a commentary. Seminar time is for the decision, not for reading the materials aloud. Assessment is a memo or draft clause with sources and a revision note. A pass requires a clear method, evidence a marker can check, and an explicit limit. Credit is not awarded for summary alone. This course is academic. It does not admit the student to practise law and it is not a qualifying law degree.
| 3 · 30 h |
| AFX70903 | Statistics & Data for Policy Statistics & Data for Policy (AFX70903) is a 3-credit course on PhD Governance & Development, with 30 notional learning hours. By the end, students can define a measurable question, fit a method that can be checked, and report where it fails, using Statistics & Data for Policy as the working context rather than a generic management example. The course is taught in three movements. First, students establish the terms and the decision the course is about. Second, they apply the method to a case, dataset, text, or design and compare it with a weaker alternative. Third, they revise the work after feedback and state what the conclusion cannot support. Preparation uses a dataset description, a methods note, and one published evaluation. Seminar time is for the decision, not for reading the materials aloud. Assessment is a project note with the question, the method, the result, and the limitation. A pass requires a clear method, evidence a marker can check, and an explicit limit. Credit is not awarded for summary alone.
| 3 · 30 h |
| AFX70904 | Ethics, Positionality & Public Value Ethics, Positionality & Public Value (AFX70904) is a 3-credit course on PhD Governance & Development, with 30 notional learning hours. By the end, students can say who decides, under which rule, and draft a note a professional could read, using Ethics, Positionality & Public Value as the working context rather than a generic management example. The course is taught in three movements. First, students establish the terms and the decision the course is about. Second, they apply the method to a case, dataset, text, or design and compare it with a weaker alternative. Third, they revise the work after feedback and state what the conclusion cannot support. Preparation uses a statute or instrument, a case or policy paper, and a commentary. Seminar time is for the decision, not for reading the materials aloud. Assessment is a memo or draft clause with sources and a revision note. A pass requires a clear method, evidence a marker can check, and an explicit limit. Credit is not awarded for summary alone. This course is academic. It does not admit the student to practise law and it is not a qualifying law degree.
| 3 · 30 h |
| Code | Course | Credits · hours |
|---|---|---|
| AFX70905 | Impact Evaluation & Causal Methods Impact Evaluation & Causal Methods (AFX70905) is a 3-credit course on PhD Governance & Development, with 30 notional learning hours. By the end, students can read a set of figures, build a small case, and state which assumption moves the result, using Impact Evaluation & Causal Methods as the working context rather than a generic management example. The course is taught in three movements. First, students establish the terms and the decision the course is about. Second, they apply the method to a case, dataset, text, or design and compare it with a weaker alternative. Third, they revise the work after feedback and state what the conclusion cannot support. Preparation uses financial statements, a recognition note, and a risk report. Seminar time is for the decision, not for reading the materials aloud. Assessment is a recommendation that separates the decision, the numbers, and the risk. A pass requires a clear method, evidence a marker can check, and an explicit limit. Credit is not awarded for summary alone. This course does not confer an accounting, audit, or financial-services licence.
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| Code | Course | Credits · hours |
|---|---|---|
| AFX70909 | Sector Policy Design & Implementation Sector Policy Design & Implementation (AFX70909) is a 3-credit course on PhD Governance & Development, with 30 notional learning hours. By the end, students can say who decides, under which rule, and draft a note a professional could read, using Sector Policy Design & Implementation as the working context rather than a generic management example. The course is taught in three movements. First, students establish the terms and the decision the course is about. Second, they apply the method to a case, dataset, text, or design and compare it with a weaker alternative. Third, they revise the work after feedback and state what the conclusion cannot support. Preparation uses a statute or instrument, a case or policy paper, and a commentary. Seminar time is for the decision, not for reading the materials aloud. Assessment is a memo or draft clause with sources and a revision note. A pass requires a clear method, evidence a marker can check, and an explicit limit. Credit is not awarded for summary alone. This course is academic. It does not admit the student to practise law and it is not a qualifying law degree.
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| Code | Course | Credits · hours |
|---|---|---|
| AFX70913 | Research Design for Policy Research Design for Policy (AFX70913) is a 12-credit course on PhD Governance & Development, with 120 notional learning hours. By the end, students can say who decides, under which rule, and draft a note a professional could read, using Research Design for Policy as the working context rather than a generic management example. The course is taught in three movements. First, students establish the terms and the decision the course is about. Second, they apply the method to a case, dataset, text, or design and compare it with a weaker alternative. Third, they revise the work after feedback and state what the conclusion cannot support. Preparation uses a statute or instrument, a case or policy paper, and a commentary. Seminar time is for the decision, not for reading the materials aloud. Assessment is a memo or draft clause with sources and a revision note. A pass requires a clear method, evidence a marker can check, and an explicit limit. Credit is not awarded for summary alone. This course is academic. It does not admit the student to practise law and it is not a qualifying law degree.
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Modules are assessed through a published mix of coursework, applied projects, and examinations. Exam windows are announced in advance so students in other time zones are not forced into overnight sittings. Alternative arrangements are available where documented.
The published duration is 3–5 years. Teaching language: English + French assessment options. Actual time-to-complete depends on mode and any recognised prior learning.
This is a fully online award. You study from your country. No student visa and no campus relocation are required.
Degree tuition for this award is published as £0 / tuition-free on the online pathway. Examination or administrative fees may apply at checkout — never an annual tuition invoice. Check the Fees page for any extras.
Requirements are grouped on this page (academic, English, documents, research). Equivalent qualifications are considered. English may be waived after prior English-medium study.
Assessment is typically a mix of coursework, projects, and examinations. Doctoral awards include a thesis or dissertation and an oral examination. Details sit in the programme specification and module outlines.
Recognition of the award for local employment, professional licence, or ministry attestation is decided by your employer or regulator. African Future University publishes verification pages for certificates. We do not claim automatic equivalence in every country.
Start an application on this website. Progress is saved from the first step. Admissions: admissions@afutureuni.com.
Recognised & Accredited
| 3 · 30 h |
| AFX70906 | Cost-Benefit Analysis & Public Budgeting Cost-Benefit Analysis & Public Budgeting (AFX70906) is a 3-credit course on PhD Governance & Development, with 30 notional learning hours. By the end, students can say who decides, under which rule, and draft a note a professional could read, using Cost-Benefit Analysis & Public Budgeting as the working context rather than a generic management example. The course is taught in three movements. First, students establish the terms and the decision the course is about. Second, they apply the method to a case, dataset, text, or design and compare it with a weaker alternative. Third, they revise the work after feedback and state what the conclusion cannot support. Preparation uses a statute or instrument, a case or policy paper, and a commentary. Seminar time is for the decision, not for reading the materials aloud. Assessment is a memo or draft clause with sources and a revision note. A pass requires a clear method, evidence a marker can check, and an explicit limit. Credit is not awarded for summary alone. This course is academic. It does not admit the student to practise law and it is not a qualifying law degree.
| 3 · 30 h |
| AFX70907 | Qualitative Inquiry for Policy Qualitative Inquiry for Policy (AFX70907) is a 3-credit course on PhD Governance & Development, with 30 notional learning hours. By the end, students can say who decides, under which rule, and draft a note a professional could read, using Qualitative Inquiry for Policy as the working context rather than a generic management example. The course is taught in three movements. First, students establish the terms and the decision the course is about. Second, they apply the method to a case, dataset, text, or design and compare it with a weaker alternative. Third, they revise the work after feedback and state what the conclusion cannot support. Preparation uses a statute or instrument, a case or policy paper, and a commentary. Seminar time is for the decision, not for reading the materials aloud. Assessment is a memo or draft clause with sources and a revision note. A pass requires a clear method, evidence a marker can check, and an explicit limit. Credit is not awarded for summary alone. This course is academic. It does not admit the student to practise law and it is not a qualifying law degree.
| 3 · 30 h |
| AFX70908 | Administrative & Survey Data Administrative & Survey Data (AFX70908) is a 3-credit course on PhD Governance & Development, with 30 notional learning hours. By the end, students can define a measurable question, fit a method that can be checked, and report where it fails, using Administrative & Survey Data as the working context rather than a generic management example. The course is taught in three movements. First, students establish the terms and the decision the course is about. Second, they apply the method to a case, dataset, text, or design and compare it with a weaker alternative. Third, they revise the work after feedback and state what the conclusion cannot support. Preparation uses a dataset description, a methods note, and one published evaluation. Seminar time is for the decision, not for reading the materials aloud. Assessment is a project note with the question, the method, the result, and the limitation. A pass requires a clear method, evidence a marker can check, and an explicit limit. Credit is not awarded for summary alone.
| 3 · 30 h |
| 3 · 30 h |
| AFX70910 | Delivery Units, Performance & Accountability Delivery Units, Performance & Accountability (AFX70910) is a 3-credit course on PhD Governance & Development, with 30 notional learning hours. By the end, students can read a set of figures, build a small case, and state which assumption moves the result, using Delivery Units, Performance & Accountability as the working context rather than a generic management example. The course is taught in three movements. First, students establish the terms and the decision the course is about. Second, they apply the method to a case, dataset, text, or design and compare it with a weaker alternative. Third, they revise the work after feedback and state what the conclusion cannot support. Preparation uses financial statements, a recognition note, and a risk report. Seminar time is for the decision, not for reading the materials aloud. Assessment is a recommendation that separates the decision, the numbers, and the risk. A pass requires a clear method, evidence a marker can check, and an explicit limit. Credit is not awarded for summary alone. This course does not confer an accounting, audit, or financial-services licence.
| 3 · 30 h |
| AFX70911 | Regulation, Governance & Transparency Regulation, Governance & Transparency (AFX70911) is a 3-credit course on PhD Governance & Development, with 30 notional learning hours. By the end, students can say who decides, under which rule, and draft a note a professional could read, using Regulation, Governance & Transparency as the working context rather than a generic management example. The course is taught in three movements. First, students establish the terms and the decision the course is about. Second, they apply the method to a case, dataset, text, or design and compare it with a weaker alternative. Third, they revise the work after feedback and state what the conclusion cannot support. Preparation uses a statute or instrument, a case or policy paper, and a commentary. Seminar time is for the decision, not for reading the materials aloud. Assessment is a memo or draft clause with sources and a revision note. A pass requires a clear method, evidence a marker can check, and an explicit limit. Credit is not awarded for summary alone. This course is academic. It does not admit the student to practise law and it is not a qualifying law degree.
| 3 · 30 h |
| AFX70912 | Communications & Stakeholders Communications & Stakeholders (AFX70912) is a 3-credit course on PhD Governance & Development, with 30 notional learning hours. By the end, students can say who decides, under which rule, and draft a note a professional could read, using Communications & Stakeholders as the working context rather than a generic management example. The course is taught in three movements. First, students establish the terms and the decision the course is about. Second, they apply the method to a case, dataset, text, or design and compare it with a weaker alternative. Third, they revise the work after feedback and state what the conclusion cannot support. Preparation uses a statute or instrument, a case or policy paper, and a commentary. Seminar time is for the decision, not for reading the materials aloud. Assessment is a memo or draft clause with sources and a revision note. A pass requires a clear method, evidence a marker can check, and an explicit limit. Credit is not awarded for summary alone. This course is academic. It does not admit the student to practise law and it is not a qualifying law degree.
| 3 · 30 h |
| 12 · 120 h |
| AFX70914 | Writing Briefings & Board Papers Writing Briefings & Board Papers (AFX70914) is a 12-credit course on PhD Governance & Development, with 120 notional learning hours. By the end, students can say who decides, under which rule, and draft a note a professional could read, using Writing Briefings & Board Papers as the working context rather than a generic management example. The course is taught in three movements. First, students establish the terms and the decision the course is about. Second, they apply the method to a case, dataset, text, or design and compare it with a weaker alternative. Third, they revise the work after feedback and state what the conclusion cannot support. Preparation uses a statute or instrument, a case or policy paper, and a commentary. Seminar time is for the decision, not for reading the materials aloud. Assessment is a memo or draft clause with sources and a revision note. A pass requires a clear method, evidence a marker can check, and an explicit limit. Credit is not awarded for summary alone. This course is academic. It does not admit the student to practise law and it is not a qualifying law degree.
| 12 · 120 h |