University of Liberia

Graduate School

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Gender and Security Studies

Program Overview

This program is an exploration of how gender and Security interface both conceptually and practically. The program has come at a time when many organizations working in post-conflict settings are attempting to understand how to plan projects so that they facilitate peace and human security while redressing deep-rooted inequities, including gender-based inequality. The goal of gender equality has been established in the peace-building policies and programs of many donor agencies and organizations, yet there has not been adequate analysis of how gender equality can be realized in a post-conflict setting while promoting social and political stability. This crucial course stems from the realization that there is increasing literature on why women’s issues are integral to peace- building and security, but less on the gender dimensions of security, and the various dimensions to operationalize gender equality and security studies.
The course further recognizes that what is lacking in most approaches is recognition of the potential contradictions and barriers to linking gender equality with security studies and how these can be dealt with.

This Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degree program in Gender and Security Studies is the outcome of the various consultative meetings between the International Academy for Gender and the Peace and Pan-Africa Gender and Peace Research Group. The Ph.D. program is a response to the demands and challenges faced by students who are continuing their education, and professionals who are working in the military, para-military Agencies, multi-lateral or bilateral institutions, Non-governmental Organizations, and private enterprises.

Mission & Vision Statements

Mission

To be the leading gender and peace sensitive program that sustain equality and inclusiveness.

Vision

To promote and support teaching, research and outreach that works to contest the historical, on-going and pervasive gender-based oppressions within society.

Core Values & OBJECTIVES OF THE COURSE

We are committed to promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls, and removing any barriers that prevent full participation of women and girls in the public and political life.
We believe in full and inclusive participation by all and that every man, woman or community has the right and responsibility to contribute their talents, skills and resources to the work we do, for and with them.
We are committed to promoting full and equal access to social services, education, legal and health care services, economic opportunities, and decent work for everyone.
We believe that community participation is an essential part of the process of good local governance, and community development.

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degree program expects to:

Respond to the demands of personnel in military and para-military Agencies in Africa and beyond.
Respond to the demands and challenges faced by students who are continuing their education and mid-career professionals who are working in Government, multi-lateral or bi-lateral institutions, Nongovernmental Organizations and private enterprises.
Empower men and women to become more effective players in the Processes of peace, with the clear understanding that conflict, violence, and war have a variety of impacts upon men and women and that while comparable, are not the same.
Provide a solid education in the prevention, management, and resolution of conflicts, including post-conflict interventions from a gender perspective.
Offer a theoretical and practical approach to the field of Gender, Peace and Security Studies, using materials drawn from the fields of Anthropology, Development Studies, Economics, History, Human Rights, Law, Natural Resources, Political Science, Religion, and Sociology.

Engagement & Partnerships

We consider partnership as one of our key organizing principles. Accordingly, we are committed to developing, maintaining and, nurturing partnerships, including alliances and linkages with institutions and individuals who identify with our vision and mission.
In addition, we build the capacity of Military, para-military Agencies, other corporate Institutions, Government, International Development Agencies, using a variety of operational methodologies that range from workshops, conferences, colloquia, symposia, and seminars, which attract participation from both within and outside Africa. Also, through partnership with other academic institutions, the program offers a range of academic and short courses in specialized areas of Gender, Peace and Security Studies.

Currently, the program is in partnership with the International Academy for Gender and Peace in Nigeria

Why Ph.D. in Gender & Security Studies?

The completion of this program signifies an advanced understanding of the themes inherent in the study of Gender, Peacebuilding, and Security Studies. It equips students with the ability to recognize theoretical frameworks and emerging empirical trends regarding the gendered dimensions of warfare, peace, and security, as encapsulated within existing scholarly literature.
The Ph.D. program in Gender and Security Studies delineates the roles of institutional actors, processes, and initiatives aimed at addressing the gendered nature of armed conflict and fulfilling the requirements for establishing equitable post-war societies, as well as preventing the recurrence of violence.

This program is structured to facilitate the execution of analytical writing assignments, employing technical knowledge and a scientific methodology concerning pertinent topics covered in the curriculum, all within specified time constraints. Furthermore, it seeks to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of key issues related to advancing gender equality across various sectors, with particular emphasis on the security sector.

Customizable Curriculum

The Doctor of Philosophy ( Ph.D.) Degree program is composed of twelve (12) intertwining courses constituting forty-four (44) credit hours, and a thesis that offers a combination of theoretical and practical knowledge, incorporating historical and current events from around the world, which constitutes thirty (36) credit hours. The program is distributed over a six–term timeline (three (3) terms for intertwining courses and three (3) terms for thesis ), and students must complete a total of 80 credits, including a written thesis.
Courses will be taught intensively, under the guidance of highly qualified Professors, in order that course participants can work through completing a dissertation. In order to earn the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Gender and Security Studies, students must complete the coursework and a dissertation.

Application Procedures

1. Please complete the form in BLOCK LETTERS with a non-refundable fee of USD 250 to the bank account number ___________________, which will cover various costs, including entrance examination.
2. ONLY original academic transcripts DULY addressed to The Dean, College of Graduate Studies, University of Liberia, will be accepted.
3. ONLY original O’Level Certificate(s) will be accepted where applicable.
4. WASSCE/NECO/A’Level: All candidates MUST have a minimum of five (5) credit passes at not more than two sittings, which MUST include English Language and Mathematics.
5. Statement of Purpose: This applies to ALL Graduate programs. The Statement of Purpose is your opportunity to convey your motivation and enthusiasm for your chosen program.
6. Three letters of reference.
7. Two passport-size photos and a CV to be uploaded.
8. Will need to fill out the application form
9. Submitting Your Application: To submit your application, fill in all required fields in this form and submit it.
10. Applications received without COMPLETE supporting documents will not be processed.
11. Applicants must pass the aptitude test and submit all required documents to be accepted for the program.

YOU MUST BE PREPARED TO PROVIDE ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS AT THE TIME OF REGISTRATION.

Please click the link below to access the online application form

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degree program is offered through blended learning. The program accepts full-time and part-time students. Full-Time students are expected to take eight courses (four courses per semester) in the first two semesters, and four courses (Two courses per semester) in the last two semesters. Part-time students are expected to take at least two courses per semester to enable them to complete the program in no more than five years.

Classes, seminars and presentations are scheduled during weekends from 10:00 A.M to 7:00 P.M, while individual research works are carried out during weekdays from Monday to Friday at the University of Liberia, Capitol Hill campus.

Academic Schedule

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Gender and Security Studies
Total 80 Credit Hours

1st Semester Courses (15 Credits)

Course Title	Code	Credits
Emerging Perspectives in National Security	GSS 901	4
Gender and Security in the 21st Century	GSS 903	4
Cyber Security Policy and Governance	GSS 905	3
Gender Mainstreaming in Peace keeping And Conflict Resolution	GSS 907	4
Total Credit hours for 1st Semester		15

2nd Semester Courses (15 Credits)

Course Title	Code	Credits
Current and Emerging Threats to Africa's Regional Security	GSS 902	4
United Nations Security Council Resolutions	GSS 904	4
New Patterns of Regional Security Cooperation	GSS 906	3
Gender and Security	GSS 908	4
Total Credit hours for 2nd Semester		15

3rd Semester Courses (14) Credits)

Course Title	Code	Credits
Advanced Research Methods	GSS 909	4
Non-violence and Conflict Transformation	GSS 911	3
Globalization and International Security	GSS 913	3
Gender and Security Risk Management	GSS 915	4
Total Credit hours for 3rd Semester		14

4th Semester Courses (15 Credits)

Course Title	Code	Credits
Thesis Writing with supervisors (Chapters 1,2,3 & Table content)	GSS 910	15
Total Credit hours for 4th Semester		15

5th Semester Courses (15 Credits)

Course Title	Code	Credits
Thesis Writing (Chapters 4,5 and Table content)	GSS 917	15
Total Credit hours for 5th Semester		15

6th Semester Courses (6 Credits)

Course Title	Code	Credits
Thesis completion and defending (Conclusion, Recommendation, References and Appendices and Thesis Defense)	GSS 918	6
Total Credit hours for 6th Semester		6

Total Credits for All Semesters: 80

University of Liberia

Graduate School