Regulations and Structure of the Post-Graduate Programmes

Duration and structure

The duration of the PGDE is one year (12 months) on full-time basis or 2 years (24 months) on part-time basis.

The PGDE shall consist of coursework, Teaching Practice and Research Project. Coursework shall consist of six (6) courses to be drawn from areas of Educational Research, Educational Foundations, Curriculum & Instruction, Teaching Practice and Research Project.

Eligibility for admission

Candidates applying for admission to the PGDE should normally have a B.Sc. degree (with Credit) obtained from the Copperbelt University or any other University in Zambia, Africa and abroad, provided that they have acquired a specialization in any one of the discipline in the area of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics.


Admission for PGDE studies

• Candidates applying for admission to the PGDE should normally have a BSc degree (with Credit) obtained from the Copperbelt University or any other University in Zambia, Africa or equivalent from abroad, provided that they have acquired a specialisation in any of the discipline in the area of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics.
• In special cases candidates may also be considered for admission if they provide proof of possessing a relevant degree and working experience.

Admission for MSc studies

• Candidates seeking admission to the Master of Science degree in the School of mathematics and natural Sciences should normally possess a BSc degree (with credit) obtained from the Copperbelt University or from any other recognised University in Zambia, Africa or equivalent from abroad.
• In special cases candidates may also be considered for admission if they provide proof of possessing a relevant degree and working experience.

Admission for PhD studies
 

• This degree is completed through supervised research and submission for thesis.
• Candidates seeking admission to the PhD study programme must possess a Masters degree of the Copperbelt university or any other recognised University in Zambia, Africa and abroad.

Assessment
Assessment shall consist of continuous assessment and a written examination each with a weighting of 50%.

Continuous assessment in each course which shall be weighted 50% shall consist of all prescribed components of coursework such as tests and assignments. The final written examinations shall carry 50%.

A pass mark in each course, Teaching Practice, and the Research Project shall be a mark of 50% or better.

Candidates may apply to repeat the failed courses.


Regulations and Structure of the Master of Science (MSc)

The School shall offer the Master of Science (MSc) with specialisation in the following:
 

• Master of Science in Biology or Biology Education.
• Master of Science in Chemistry or Chemistry Education
• Master of Science in Mathematics or Mathematics Education.
• Master of Science in Physics or Physics Education.

The MSc shall be two years on a fulltime basis and three years on part-time basis.

Structure of the MSc

Coursework shall comprise of four (4) courses which shall be as follows:
 

1. For the MSc in Mathematics or Science Education two courses shall be in Education and two courses shall be drawn from a list of courses in either the discipline of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics.
2. For the MSc in Mathematics or Science subjects the four courses shall all be in either the discipline of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics.

To fulfil the requirements of the MSc in the School, students shall conduct supervised research in the relevant discipline to culminate in a Dissertation.

The Dissertation research shall be guided by an approved Supervisory Committee. This Committee shall consist of the Principal Supervisor, one or two academic members of staff in the University or a Senior Lecturer/Researcher from another recognized University or Research Institute to be approved by the Copperbelt University.

Assessment

Assessment of courses shall consist of   continuous assessment and a written examination each with a weighting of 50%.

The Dissertation in partial fulfilment of the degree shall have a weight of 40% towards the degree. To successfully complete the degree, a minimum pass mark of 50% in the Dissertation is required.


Regulations for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The PhD programme will be undertaken by research.  The minimum duration for the PhD shall be a minimum of three (3) academic years after the official registration by the candidate. 

With express permission of the University Senate the thesis must be submitted not more than four (4) years after the initial registration for full-time candidates, and not more than eight (8) years after the initial registration for part-time candidates.   

To fulfil the requirements of the PhD in the School, students shall conduct supervised research in the relevant discipline to culminate in a Thesis.

The development of the Thesis shall be guided by an approved Supervisory Committee. This Committee shall consist of the Principal Supervisor, one or two academic members of staff in the University or a Senior Lecturer/Researcher from another recognized University or Research Institute to be approved by the Copperbelt University.