Doctor of Philosophy in History

The Department of Historical and Archaeological Studies has one of the longest-standing postgraduate programmes at the University of Zambia (UNZA) which has been running since the 1970s. The PhD in History programme was introduced in order to provide the highest level of academic training to graduates in the field of History. The programme conforms with the University of Zambia’s mission to provide quality and relevant higher education, research and innovation that shapes the future of society, as reflected in the University’s Strategic Plan for 2023-2027. It provides robust research-based training that equips graduates with critical skills to produce relevant historical knowledge through rigorous research and dissemination of their output to concerned stakeholders. Graduates of the programme are competent to engage other scholars around the globe on various academic issues. Therefore, the programme conforms with the University’s vision, which seeks to make UNZA a renowned University with global appeal that is driven by pursuit of knowledge, research, innovation, and responsiveness to societal needs.

Over the years, the programme has contributed significantly towards the provision of human resources that the country requires to attain national development. Therefore, it resonates with the University’s agenda to develop a pool of skilled personnel who are critical for attaining national development, as they possess knowledge of the past that is critical to understanding the present and projecting the future. Their knowledge is critical in informing the planning of economic, social and political development in the country. Graduates of the doctoral programme are highly competent experts in their field of historical research who produce critical knowledge that informs local and international programmes. They are also competent to serve in various capacities in government institutions and non-governmental organisations within and outside the country.

The PhD in History programme addresses Zambia’s need for human resources that are critical for enhancing social and economic development in conformity with the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP). The country requires adequate human resources, including experts in History, to undertake relevant research to inform policy making and implementation to contribute towards the attainment of the goals of the Plan and the Vision 2030. In line with the needs of stakeholders like the Ministry of Education, the programme is also important in providing a pool of historians required to serve as lecturers of History in various higher learning institutions. Since the Enactment of the Higher Education Act in 2013, there has been a surge in the number of public and private universities offering postgraduate programmes, including in the field of History. This has increased the need for highly trained personnel who can competently and innovatively serve as programme developers, course lecturers, researchers, and supervisors of postgraduate students in various universities. Therefore, this PhD programme is crucial to the success and quality of postgraduate programmes offered in various universities.

The programme is relevant as it produces up to date graduates who understand the past as well as current local and international dynamics that have influenced country’s development trajectory. The high-level graduates of this programme have over the years helped to articulate issues on national development, as well as innovation in the promotion of peace, national unity and social cohesion that are required for the country to develop and meet its aspirations. Therefore, the programme has continued to remain relevant to the agenda of national and international co-existence, peace and harmony.

The PhD in History programme has been well received by key stakeholders over the years because of its relevance and the important role that it has played in human resource development and in providing career development to graduates. In developing the programme, the biggest stakeholder consulted was the Government of the Republic of Zambia through the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Tourism, National Museums Board and National Heritage Conservation Commission. These government institutions desired to develop a pool of competent historians who can serve and bring innovation in various socio-economic sectors and propel the country’s development.

The aim of the PhD in History programme is to provide highly competent human resources who are capable of and committed to advancing historical knowledge, contributing to society’s understanding of the past, and addressing contemporary challenges through robust research, critical analysis, and engagement with the local and international stakeholders.

At the end of the programme, the student will be expected to:
i) Design relevant needs – based postgraduate programmes;
ii) Demonstrate understanding of philosophical issues in historical research;
iii) Evaluate different sources and methods in historical research;
iv) Conduct relevant historical research to advance historical knowledge;
v) Disseminate research output through seminar and conference presentations;
vi) Publish research output in books and credible academic journals;
Vii) Evaluate academic research conducted by other scholars;
viii) Apply skills learnt to instruct learners in higher learning institutions.