PhD & Research Pathways
- Programs
- PhD & Research Pathways
Millar Institute for Transdisciplinary and Development Studies (MITDS) Broos Institute for Afrocentric Studies and Research
Overview:
The PhD & Research Pathways programme at MITDS aims to foster original, impactful, and community-centered research rooted in Afrocentric and Pan-African philosophies. This programme encourages critical scholarship and supports doctoral candidates to develop advanced research competencies, with opportunities for intercontinental collaboration between Africa and Europe.
Supervision Model
MITDS’s supervision model is designed to be collaborative, community-oriented, and academically rigorous. Key features include:
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Primary Supervisor:
A subject-matter expert responsible for guiding research direction and methodology. -
Co-Supervisor (Optional):
Offers interdisciplinary or thematic support, especially on projects spanning multiple research areas. -
Community Mentor:
Engaged from the field to bridge academic insights with real-world and indigenous contexts. -
Quarterly Review Panels:
Provide structured feedback and ensure academic and ethical standards are being met. -
Decolonial Lens:
Supervisors are trained to support research that challenges dominant paradigms and affirms African epistemologies.
Proposal Process
To embark on the PhD journey, prospective candidates are expected to follow the stages outlined below:
1. Concept Note Submission
A 2–3 page outline detailing the proposed research topic, objectives, context, and motivation.
2. Preliminary Review
Internal assessment by the Research Committee for thematic alignment and feasibility.
3. Full Proposal Development
Supported by workshops on methodology, research ethics, and Afrocentric research practices.
4. Proposal Defence (Colloquium)
Candidates present to a panel including supervisors, external experts, and community stakeholders.
5. Ethical Clearance & Field Planning
Upon approval, candidates secure ethical approval and begin pre-field preparation.
Research Themes
Our transdisciplinary PhD programme encourages diverse research that resonates with African realities and global justice movements. Priority themes include:
- Traditional ecological knowledge and sustainable practices
- Community-based innovation systems
- Holistic development models
- Afrocentric philosophy and epistemology
- Language revival and cultural transmission
- Diasporan studies and identity politics
- Climate adaptation from indigenous perspectives
- Land rights, agrarian justice, and food sovereignty
- Urbanization and community resilience
- African governance systems and participatory democracy
- Decolonial political theory and activism
- Reparations and restorative justice frameworks Education, Knowledge Systems & Youth
- Culturally relevant pedagogy and curriculum design
- Youth-led community transformation
- Decolonization of higher education
International Exposure
Doctoral candidates will have the opportunity to present at international conferences, participate in cross-continental seminars (in the Netherlands and Ghana), and publish in Afrocentric research journals.