DOCTORAL TRAINING UNIT

DOCTORAL TRAINING UNIT

Welcome to the Doctoral Training Unit which houses the joint PhD in Agro-ecological Sciences at Mountains of the Moon University, in collaboration with Ghent University. We are delighted to launch a programme that is firmly rooted in research excellence and committed to addressing the pressing challenges facing agrifood systems and the environment.

The PhD in Agroecological Sciences is a doctoral programme by research designed to cultivate high-level expertise across diverse thematic areas, including soil science, crop and animal sciences, aquaculture, food systems, agro-processing, biodiversity conservation, natural resource management, climate change, environmental policy, and agricultural engineering. Through rigorous research and cross-cutting training, candidates are equipped to generate innovative, evidence-based solutions for sustainable development.

Our doctoral training environment is grounded in scientific excellence, interdisciplinarity, and global collaboration. By bridging MMU and Ghent University, this programme offers a unique opportunity for scholars to contribute to cutting-edge research while engaging with both local and international development priorities, and benefit from joint supervision and sandwich model of implementation.

We invite you to engage fully with the intellectual community of this programme, collaborate with peers and supervisors, and contribute to transformative research that advances food security, environmental sustainability, and resilient agrifood systems. Together, we are shaping the next generation of scientific leaders committed to sustainable agro-ecological transformation in Africa and beyond.

The programme which started in September 2025 with enrollment of the first cohort students, is now receiving and evaluating applications for the second cohort students who will commence studies in September 2026. click here for more details

1. Programme Overview

The Joint PhD in Agro-ecological Sciences focuses on the study of agrifood systems within the context of environmental conservation and sustainable development. The programme is research-based and is designed to equip scholars with advanced competencies in scientific research, innovation, and policy engagement aimed at addressing contemporary agricultural and environmental challenges.

The programme is implemented under a collaborative framework between Mountains of the Moon University (MMU), Uganda, and Ghent University (UGent), Belgium. Successful candidates will benefit from joint supervision by academic staff from both institutions and international research exposure.

The PhD programme is offered by research with limited structured coursework, except for mandatory cross-cutting doctoral training courses undertaken during the first year of study.

2. Areas of Specialization

Applicants may pursue research in any of the following thematic areas:

1. Agricultural Strand
   • Animal Sciences and Aquaculture
   • Crop Breeding and Biotechnology
   • Agro-processing
   • Food Science and Nutrition
   • Biosystems Engineering
   • Agricultural Economics
   • Agricultural Extension
   • Soil Science and Agronomy
2. Environmental Strand
   • Natural Resources Management
   • Biodiversity Conservation and Wildlife Management
   • Pollution and Waste Management
   • Climate Change and Atmospheric Studies
   • Environmental Law and Policy Studies
3. Programme Structure

The PhD programme follows a 1+3 training model:

• Year One: Candidates undertake mandatory cross-cutting doctoral courses at MMU facilitated jointly by experts from MMU and UGent. During this period, candidates also develop their doctoral research proposals under joint supervision.
• Progression Assessment: At the end of the first year, candidates undergo an evaluation in accordance with the doctoral training guidelines of both MMU and UGent to determine eligibility for continuation into the research phase.
• Research Phase: Upon successful progression, candidates continue with full doctoral research under joint supervision. Each candidate is required to spend a minimum of six months at UGent, either continuously or in phases, depending on the nature of the research.

4. Award of Degree

Upon successful completion of the programme, candidates will be awarded a joint doctoral degree:

• PhD in Agro-ecological Sciences from Mountains of the Moon University; and
• PhD in Biosciences Engineering from Ghent University,
  with mention of the area of specialization undertaken.

5. Eligibility Requirements
6. Applicants should possess:

• A Master’s degree in Agriculture, Environmental Sciences, Natural Resources, Biosciences, Engineering, or a related field from a recognized institution;
• Demonstrated research capability and interest in agro-ecological sciences;
• A preliminary research concept aligned with the thematic areas of the programme.

1. Application Requirements

Applicants should submit:

• Certified copies of academic transcripts and certificates;
• Curriculum Vitae (CV);
• A motivation letter;
• A preliminary research concept note/proposal;
• Two academic recommendation letters;
• Proof of English language proficiency where applicable.

6. Mode of Application

• Applications to the programme is submitted through the online Admission Portal of Mountains of the Moon University.
• For further information, applicants are encouraged to visit: How to apply 

7. Scholarship:

• After an applicant’s submission has been considered and a provisional admission has been issued, he/she is eligible to apply for any potential scholarship scheme managed by MMU/UGent. However, each applicant is encouraged to seek their own funding mechanism since the scholarship slots that may become available at MMU can only accommodate a limited number of students.

8. Eligibility Requirements

• A Master’s degree from a recognized University in any of the following fields: Animal Science, Aquaculture, Crop Sciences, Crop Breeding, Biotechnology, Soil Science, Agronomy, Food Sciences, Food Technology, Nutrition, Biosystems Engineering, Agriculture Economics, Agribusiness, Agricultural Extension, Agroecology, Natural Resource Management, Wildlife Studies, Land and Physical resources Management, Water Resources management, Biological sciences, Environmental Science, Physical Sciences, Geography, Science Education and or related.
• A research concept (synopsis) of 3-5 pages length (including but not limited to: background, the knowledge gap/problem statement, objectives, scope of study, and the approach/methodology/tools/experimental rig needed) should accompany the application. This is used to assess the suitability of the applicant for admission simultaneously at MMU and at UGent.
• Shortlisted applicants are invited for an interview to validate their suitability for enrollment into the PhD programme.

9. Application fee for admission

• The Application fee for Ugandans is UGX 200,000 and UGX 350,000 for international students.
• The application fees are non-refundable

    10. Tuition fees

• Tuition Fees per Semester: UGX 4,000,000
• Functional Fees per Year: UGX 2,000,000

11. Career Prospects

• Graduates of the Joint PhD Programme in Agro-ecological Sciences will be equipped with advanced knowledge and research skills for careers in academia, research, policy, innovation, and sustainable development.
• Career opportunities include university lecturer, academic researcher, research scientist, policy analyst, agroecology and climate-smart agriculture specialist, soil scientist, agronomist, biotechnology expert, food systems and nutrition specialist, conservation and biodiversity expert, environmental consultant, programme manager, technical advisor, entrepreneur in agribusiness and environmental enterprises, among others in government institutions, universities, NGOs, international organizations, and the private sector.

12. Contact Us

• Programme Cordinator

Mobile: +256 780 633 425, Email: cosmas.wacal@mmu.ac.ug

• Dean Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

Mobile: +256 782042699, Email: Joshua.wesana@mmu.ac.ug

Important links

1. Joint PhD Programme Shines as MMU Hosts Distinguished Scholars from Ghent University
2. MMU Launches First PhD programme in Agroecological Sciences
3. MMU Welcomes Ghent University Scholars to roll out a Joint PHD in Agroecological Sciences
4. Doctoral Training Unit