Apply for Doctoral Programme Climate Change and Education

The program is a West African international programme with focus on academic and transdisciplinary research, building graduate-level scientific capacity that will serve the policymakers in West Africa with science-based advice on adaptation to climate change impacts and land use management. The programme is available to only West African citizens with good and strong academic background in any undergraduate discipline of study. The programme will be fully funded by German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) together with West Africa member country contributions. The mission of the programme is to provide information and knowledge services at the local, national, and regional levels to West African member countries to cope with the adverse impacts of climate change.

Objectives

• The main objectives of the programme are to:
  • train West African leaders on climate change education in order to enhance the adaptation capabilities of policy makers and vulnerable communities in West Africa
  • enhance climate change education at the basic, secondary, tertiary, and higher education institutions in West Africa
  • provide climate education services to NGOs that serve the underprivileged communities in West Africa.

Program Specifications

• The training consists of both academic and research components. At the beginning, the selected applicant will be sent for a 4-month language (English or French) course in either Ghana (for English Language) or Togo (for French Language). The academic component lasts for 6 months with 24 different Modules run once every week. The research component lasts for 24 months with 6 months added for research data analyses and Dissertation writing. There will be funding for the student to travel to any academic institution in Germany for 6 months for laboratory work and experiential learning.

Benefits

• The successful applicant will receive a monthly stipend to take care of accommodation and living expenses.
• Full tuition for the successful applicant will be paid by WASCAL.
• Research funds will also be made available to students after approval of their research proposal by their advisor/supervisor, the DRP Coordination and WASCAL headquarters.
• A four-month English language courses for Francophone and Lusophone students at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana and French language courses for Anglophone students at University of Lome, Togo.
• 3-6 months travel to Germany for data analysis with a monthly allowance during the stay in Germany.
• A new laptop on loan for the duration of the programme.

Eligible Countries

• The programme is open to applicants from, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea Conakry, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, The Gambia, and Togo.

Eligibility Criteria

• A BSc. degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.00 (i.e. B+) or better.
• Any other equivalent qualification from any other institution recognized by The University of The Gambia Senate.
• A qualification in an education discipline would be an added advantage.
• Holders of a master’s degree in any field of study with a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average B+.
• The applicant’s age should not be more than 40 years of age at the end of December 2024.
• Have a good English Language proficiency (both written and spoken)
• Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.

Application Requirements

• Student’s copy of official transcripts
• Updated CV
• A one-page motivational letter
• Completed application form.

For more information, visit WASCAL.