The University of Nairobi Senate has approved a framework to guide collaboration agreements on dual and joint degrees.
The dual and joint degree programmes are a form of higher education qualifications that are rapidly gaining traction worldwide in institutions of higher learning. Benefits to the respective institutions and students include providing local students with international exposure, enhancing quality for collaborating institutions, and offering opportunities to build strong academic and institutional research partnerships.
The approved framework developed by members of the Deans Sub-Committee on the Proposed Framework for the Award of Dual/Joint Degree Programme, outlines the procedures to be followed when engaging in a dual or joint programme UoN and the partner institutions. These degrees will only apply for Ph.D. and Master's students.
A dual degree is designed and delivered by two or more partner institutions. A student receives a qualification from each of the partner institutions. The student is required to meet the requirements of the institutions to be awarded a degree by each of the institutions.
On the other hand, joint degree programmes is designed and delivered by two or more partner institutions. A student receives a single qualification endorsed by each of the institutions.
Students will also have the option of a sandwich (split-site degree). This degree is an arrangement whereby two or more partner institutions enter into a partnership to register a student for the award of a degree programme by one partner institution and receive joint supervision and access to shared resources.
The Committee was chaired by Prof. William Ogara. The members include Prof. Karuti Kanyinga, Prof. George Chemining’wa, Prof. Christopher Gakuu, Dr. Ann A. Khasakhala, Dr. Wagoro Atieno, Prof. Willis Kosura, Prof. Daniel Olago, Mr. Michael Wangai, Mr. H.O.D Webuye, Mr. Tim Mweseli, and Ms. Janet Ombwayo.