The philosophy of the PhD programme aligns with the University’s commitment to academic excellence, ethical scholarship, and societal transformation. The programme aims to advance knowledge through rigorous research while developing scholars capable of addressing complex challenges in peace, security, governance, and development.

The Peace, Conflict Resolution and Governance Studies Programme aims at equipping the graduate students at the Postgraduate Diploma, Masters’ and Doctoral levels with a broad- based knowledge in the major theories, concept and themes of Governance, Peace and Conflicts, sources and causes of conflicts, stages of conflicts, conflict analysis, conflict mapping, early warning mechanism, arms control, methods and processes of peace making and conflict resolution.

The objectives of the programme are to

1. Prepare and produce graduates with the requisite knowledge of governance, and contemporary politics.
2. Turnout graduates who are well-grounded and resourced to take up leadership tasks in governance, politics, public sector as well as organized private sector.
3. Graduate students who are capable of analysing the basic concepts, theories, themes and issues in peace studies and conflict resolution;
4. Produce graduates with demonstrable ability to identify specific context of the sources, causes and processes of conflicts;
5. Turnout graduates with demonstrable understanding of various approaches to conflict mapping and conflict analysis;
6. Graduate students who can identify and apply various methods of conflict management;
7. Produce graduates with demonstrable understanding and competent skills in evaluating, interpreting and solving conflict situations.

1. Candidates for admission into the PhD Peace, Conflict Resolution and Governance Studies programme are expected to possess one of the following:- an M.Sc in Peace, Conflict Resolution and Governance or related feilds; MA in History and International Studies; MSc Political Science; Development Studies;(for PCGS Governance Option) MA Religious Studies/Philosophy Studies (for PCGS Religion Option) from a university recognized by Senate of Redeemer’s University, with a weighted average of at least 60% or a CGPA of 3.5 on a 5 point scale or equivalent grade and MSc research dissertation from a recognised university.
2. In addition, all candidates must satisfy UME requirements for BSc. Peace, Conflict Resolution and Governance, Development Studies, BSc Political Science, BA History and International Studies, BA Religion/Philosophy of Credit Passes or its equivalent in five (5) O’ Level subjects including English Language and at least a pass in Mathematics at not more than two sittings. (A credit or pass in Mathematics is not required for Disciplines in Humanities)
3. In addition, all candidates must satisfy UME requirements for BA History and International Studies, BSc Political Science (or its equivalent) and BA Religious Studies/ philosophy (for PCGS religion option)
4. The regulations of Postgraduate College shall govern the award of PhD degree in Peace, Conflict Resolution and Governance Studies.

The PhD degree in Peace, Conflict Resolution and Governance Studies will be awarded to a candidate who is deemed to have satisfied the following conditions:

1. In addition to satisfying other University regulations, the student must have successfully presented two seminars: pre-field and post-field seminars on the thesis before the final thesis defence.
2. A thesis describing the original work carried out by the student while studying for the degree, written in the format specified by the College of Postgraduate Studies should be submitted at the end of the programme.
3. The title of the thesis should be submitted through the College Board of Postgraduate Studies using the PG school process regulations. The oral examination should also follow these regulations.
4. The thesis should have been adjudged to have significantly contributed to knowledge in the students’ chosen area of specialization and must not have been submitted for any higher degree elsewhere.
5. At least two (2) research articles. One should be published in a Scopus-indexed, internationally peer-reviewed journal while the second should be published in a redeemer’s University journal . This will be required before the oral examination of the candidate’s thesis.

Coursework Phase (First Two Semesters)

Candidates undertake coursework delivered through seminars, during which students present papers and engage in scholarly discussions.

Research Phase (Third to Sixth Semester)

• Independent research focused on the doctoral thesis

• Continuous supervision and academic evaluation

PCR 900: Thesis

Research Proposal, Pre-field seminar, Fieldwork, Post-field Seminar and Oral Defence.

FIC 901: Advanced Integration of Faith and Leadership

This course will equip postgraduate students to appreciate advanced leadership principles in the context of the Christian faith.  Students will critically engage with biblical truths, ethical leadership models, and psychological frameworks for personal and communal growth. The curriculum aims to prepare graduates for transformative leadership in ministry, academia, or secular fields.

FIC 902: Christian Identity in Secular Workplaces (2 Units)

This course will explore the Christian identity in the workplace and aims to empower students to navigate secular workplaces with integrity, creativity, and purposeful orientation. Racism, Gender Bias, and Economic Inequality in the work environment, coping mechanisms for burnout and failures, understanding the core concepts of Artificial intelligence, Data Privacy, and Digital Discipleship, navigating Cross-Cultural barriers in the global work place shall also be discussed.

PCR 901: Theories in Conflict Management (3 Units)

Conflict management theories can be categorized by approach, such as the Thomas-Kilmann Model (competing, collaborating, compromising, avoiding, accommodating), and by level of analysis, including individual psychological theories, social theories, and structural theories. Additionally, there are theories on conflict resolution, such as distributive versus integrative models, and different approaches to managing conflict within states or organizations. Definition of Conflict management, Approaches to Conflict Management, Conflict Management Styles, Communication and Conflict Management, Third Party Intervention: Mediation, Negotiation, Arbitration, African Traditional Conflict Management, Conflict Transformation, Peace building and Early Warning System, Peacemaking and Peacekeeping, Disarmament and Arms Control, Preventive and Multi-Track Diplomacy, Post Conflict Reconstruction, Ethnicity and Conflict Management, Culture, Identity and Conflict Management, Policy Making and Conflict Management, Sources of Conflict in Africa, Taxonomy of Conflict Worldwide, National and International Peace Institutions, United Nation and Peace Initiatives in Conflict Situations, UN Peace Initiatives in Africa, UN Intervention Strategies, Globalization, Civil Society and Conflict. Attenuating

PCR 902:  Peace and Security in a Global Context (3 Units)

Definition/Meaning of concepts like Peace, Security, Human Security, Theories of Security, Causes of Insecurity, Conflict and Internally Displaced Persons, Peace Enforcement, Disarmament, Public Safety, Security and Violence, Environmental Degradation and Safety, Refugee, Evolution of Strategic Study, Crisis Management and Bargaining, Prerequisite for Revolution, Nature of Limited War, War and its Resolution, Capacity Building, Peace-making and Peace Sharing, Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR), African Government and Crisis Management, National Decision Making, African Security and Relevant Strategy, United Nations and Conflict Resolution, African Union and Conflict Resolution, Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution.

PCR 903: Peace Building and Humanitarianism (3 Units)

Meaning/Definition of Conflict, Types of Conflict, Causes of Conflict, Stages of Conflict, Conflict Analysis, Mapping and Resolution, Basic Standards of International Law and Humanitarian Principles, Early Warning and Preventive Measures, Skills and Methods of Conflict Resolution, Women in Peace Building and Reconstruction, Protection of Civilian and Vulnerable Groups, Conflict Management, Humanitarian Intervention, Protection and Promotion of Rights, Peace Building/ Agents,Decommissioning and Demobilization of Combatants, Loss and Denial of Refugee Status, Community Peace Building and Protection of Rights of the Child, International Law and Peace Building, Confidence Building Mechanisms for Crisis Management, Anti-Terrorism and Peace Building during and after Conflict.

PCR 904: Research Methods in Peace and Conflict Resolution and Governance (3 Units)

Definition of Research, Research Overview, Types of Research, Tools of Research, Research Process, Definition/Meaning of Research Concepts such as: Theory, Hypothesis, Scope, Variables, Sample, Sampling and their types; Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods, Formulation of Research Topic, Research Design, Research Objective, Statement of Problem, Justification for theStudy, Literature Review, Theoretical Framework, Research Design, Sample Design, Frame and Size, Concept of Reliability and Validity; Meaning/Definition of Data, Types of Data, Importance of Data Collection, Problems of Data Collection, Data Analysis /Interpretation, Recommendation/Suggestion, Basic Features of Research Proposal, Problem to Investigate, Importance of Problems, Objectives, Process, Results/Findings expected, Result Beneficiaries.

The nature of scientific research, steps in the process and their application; types of research and forms of research design, data collection, measurement: reliability and validity; approaches to the analysis and interpretation of research data: quantitative and qualitative methods, presentation of findings, writing research proposal and their application in governance studies.