Overview

Philosophy

Doctor of Philosophy in Geospatial Engineering is a varied and exciting technology discipline that requires design, computational and measurement skills utilized through field work, lab experiments and computer modeling.

Rationale

Geomatics Engineers get to solve an engaging variety of problems in applications ranging from satellite positioning to environmental monitoring with a common attribute: spatial location. Our world-renowned Department of Geomatics Engineering offers such opportunities through the research-oriented Geomatics Engineering (PhD Thesis) program for graduate students who want to pursue a research career in academia, industry or government.

Objectives

  1. Equip students with the relevant skills and knowledge to pursue careers in the Geospatial Engineering industry as practitioners and educators.
  2. Provide students with comprehensive knowledge of the functionality and applications of Geospatial Engineering technology.
  3. Expose students to the design and implementation of Geospatial Engineering projects.
  4. Equip students with the relevant skills and knowledge to carry out research in Geospatial Engineering.

Schedule of Intakes

The Department admits new students at the beginning of every academic calendar year (which is usually September)

Application Information

You will be required to enter some basic information, including your email address and to choose a password. We will then send you an email to the address you entered, so that we can validate your account. When you have clicked on the validation link (sent to you in the email), you will be able to log in to the application system using the "Login" box below

For instructions on how to apply click here

To apply online here

Mode of Delivery

  • Face-to-Face Mode

This is through lectures and tutorials using notes, electronic presentations, instruction manuals, group discussions, practical laboratory demonstrations and fieldwork.

  • Open, Distance Learning and e-Learning

In case of delivery through ODeL, special arrangements shall be made for the practical laboratory, field work and computing sessions. Where not feasible alternative arrangements will be made to do them on campus. 

  • Blended Learning

This is a hybrid of face to face with Open, Distance Learning and e-learning.

Contact of Support Persons

Main Campus, American Wing Building.

2nd Floor, Room AW310

Tel: +254204913525 (DL),
+254203318262 Ext 28399

 Email:surveying@uonbi.ac.ke

Notable Alumni

Application Information

Application for admission are open throughout the year through the online platform. The requirements for submitting your application are detailed in the link provided (https://application.uonbi.ac.ke/).

Mode of Delivery

  • Face-to-Face Mode

This is through lectures and tutorials using notes, electronic presentations, instruction manuals, group discussions, practical laboratory demonstrations and fieldwork.

  • Open, Distance Learning and e-Learning

In case of delivery through ODeL, special arrangements shall be made for the practical laboratory, field work and computing sessions. Where not feasible alternative arrangements will be made to do them on campus. 

  • Blended Learning

This is a hybrid of face to face with Open, Distance Learning and e-learning.

Admission Requirements

Admission and Intake is slated for September of every academic year for the following groups:
The minimum University of Nairobi general admission requirements for Doctoral Studies shall apply:

  1. The following shall be eligible to apply for registration for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the university:- either
    1. A holder of a Masters degree from the University of Nairobi in Geospatial Engineering or related disciplines, or
    2. A holder of a Masters degree or equivalent academic qualifications of another institution recognized by the University of Nairobi Senate as of comparable status.

In either case, the applicant should be able to produce evidence, to the satisfaction of Senate, of his capacity to carry out original research.

  1. Subject to the approval of Senate, Faculties may formulate regulations requiring applicants to have obtained such academic or equivalent qualifications as are considered necessary for registration within the academic area of interest of the Faculty and may require applicants to submit to such tests or interviews as the Faculty regulations permit.


The language of instruction is English. For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level

Attachment Opportunities

  • GIS (Geographical Information Systems) Officer
  • Geomaticist (at companies like KenGen)
  • Geospatial Data Analyst
  • Assistant Geospatial Data Analyst
  • Geospatial Data Management Officer (County governments hire Geospatial Data Management Officers from time to time)
  • Survey assistant (this usually needs a diploma in geospatial engineering in Kenya though you can also be hired with a Diploma in Surveying)
  • GISCoordinator
  • GISProject Manager

Career Prospects

  • Environmental Management
  • Educational Institutions
  • Spatial Data Management
  • Remote Sensing
  • Planning and Urban Development
  • Business Mapping
  • Land Mapping
  • Land Planning
  • GIS and GPS Applications
  • Cartography
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN GEOSPATIAL ENGINEERING (F806)  YEAR 1   YEAR 2   YEAR 3    TOTALS 
TUITION            540,000             540,000         540,000            1,620,000
ICT SERVICES - (PER YEAR)                7,000                 7,000             7,000                 21,000
THESIS EXAMINATION                     -                        -             50,000                 50,000
REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250)                4,500                 4,500             4,500                 13,500
ID CARD ( PER YEAR)                1,000                 1,000             1,000                   3,000
CAUTION - (ONCE)                5,000                      -                     -                     5,000
MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR)                6,500                 6,500             6,500                 19,500
ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR)                2,000                 2,000             2,000                   6,000
LIBRARY (PER YEAR)                5,000                 5,000             5,000                 15,000
STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR)                1,000                 1,000             1,000                   3,000
EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000)                     -                        -                     -                           -  
Grand TOTAL            572,000             567,000         617,000            1,756,000

Submission of the Thesis and Examination of the Candidate

At least three months before a thesis is submitted, a candidate shall give notice in writing to the Director of the Board of Postgraduate Studies with copies to the Dean of the Faculty and Chairman of the Department and an abstract outlining the general scope of work.

  1. Every thesis submitted for examination shall be in quadruplicate and in loose form, and must include a declaration by the candidate confirming that the thesis has not been submitted for a degree in any other institution of higher learning and that the contents of the thesis are the original work of the candidate. Every thesis shall bear the signature of the supervisor(s) indicating that the thesis has been submitted with his knowledge.
  2. The final version of the thesis (6 copies) after examination and approval for the award of the degree must be in bound form. All six copies shall remain the property of the University of Nairobi.

A thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy must make a distinct contribution to the knowledge and show an understanding of the subject and display originality of thought. It must also include a complete bibliography or references to the materials used in its preparation, whether published or otherwise; and it must also conform to the regulations for the submission of thesis of the University of Nairobi.

The Senate shall, on the recommendation of the Board of the Faculty concerned, appoint in respect of each candidate presenting a thesis, a Board of Examiners consisting of:-

      1. Dean of the Faculty as Chairman
      2. An external examiner
      1. Two internal examiners one of whom must not have supervised the candidate.
      1. Two other persons competent in the candidates area of research, and at least one external to the Department, and
      1. A representative of the Board of Postgraduate Studies.

The external examiner and the internal examiners shall each be required to submit to Board of Postgraduate Studies within two months, an independent written assessment of the thesis indicating:-

  1. whether or not the thesis is adequate in form and content;

 

  1. whether or not the thesis reflects an adequate understanding of the subject and show display for original thought and significant contribution to knowledge and in consequence;
  1. whether or not the degree should be awarded;
  2. whether or not the thesis make significant contribution to the existing knowledge.

Within a month of the receipt of all examiners reports, the Board of Postgraduate Studies in consultation with the Dean of the Faculty concerned shall convene a meeting of the Board of Examiners at which the Examiners reports, other academic matters arising from the thesis, and the candidates defence shall be considered.

A consolidated report and appropriate recommendation shall be prepared for submission to Senate through the Board of Postgraduate Studies within two weeks. Provisional results shall be released to the candidate after the meeting only where the recommendation of the Board of Examiners is unanimous.

Candidates shall be required to present themselves for oral examinations and the Dean shall inform them of the time and place of the meeting of the Board of Examiners.

Where the recommendation of the Board of Examiners is unanimous for or against the award of the degree, and where such unanimous recommendation is consistent in all respects with the reports of the external examiner and the results of an oral examination, the Director of Board of Postgraduate Studies shall forward such recommendation to the Vice-Chancellor for approval on behalf of the Senate.

Where the recommendation of the Board of Examiners is not unanimous, or the recommendation is not consistent in material respects with the matters referred to in regulation 22 it shall be referred to the full Board of Board of Postgraduate Studies for an appropriate recommendation to Senate.

The Senate may, on advice of the Board of Examiners and Board of Postgraduate Studies permit a candidate to re-submit a thesis for re-examination in a revised form once only.

Provided that a candidate whose thesis referred under this sub-section shall be required to re-submit it within twelve months.

A thesis accepted by the University of Nairobi and subsequently published in part of, in whole and in whatever form, shall bear the inscription "Work forming part of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy of the University of Nairobi".

Geospatial