Introduction to the Interdisciplinary Doctoral School in African Development

The Interdisciplinary Doctoral School in African Development at Université Senghor invites applications for a doctoral thesis project that is innovative, interdisciplinary, and aims to contribute to African or Haitian development.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, candidates must:

• Be no older than 40 years old when applying for a Université Senghor doctoral scholarship.
• There is no age limit for non-scholarship candidates who can finance their thesis through a public or private institution or by themselves. These candidates must provide a financing plan for the first year of their thesis (estimated at 3000/year for registration and attendance at the doctoral training in Alexandria for 3 months).
• Be a national of a French-speaking African country or Haiti and reside mainly in French-speaking Africa or Haiti.
• Hold a Master's degree (M2) or equivalent.

Required Documents

Candidates who meet these conditions must provide the following documents:

1. A detailed letter of agreement from a research laboratory/unit of an international university (other than Université Senghor) confirming its principle agreement for a thesis co-tutoring, as well as its availability to host and co-supervise the candidate's research work.
2. A detailed CV (including a photo ID, copy of passport, proof of residence, copy of main diplomas) presenting the candidate's academic and professional background, previous scientific productions, and any collaborations with public or private institutional partners involved in African or Haitian development.
3. A letter of motivation (up to 2 pages) explaining why the candidate wishes to pursue their thesis with Université Senghor and their professional perspectives.
4. A detailed and argued research project (up to 5 pages) focused on interdisciplinarity, innovation in its questioning and/or methodology, offering perspectives for improvement and development of the targeted communities. The project must clearly align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the development priorities of the African Union and the Francophonie.

Research Project Structure

The research project should be structured around the following points:

1. The first chapter (2-4 pages) should introduce the general thematic context where the subject is situated, leading to one or more specific problems related to the subject, and finally to one or two research questions.
2. The second chapter (1-2 pages) should outline the general methodology, specifying its originality, relevance, and feasibility.
3. The third chapter (1 page) should provide some operational perspectives that could result from the work, its appropriation, valorization, and contribution to sustainable development.
4. The bibliographic chapter (1 page) should index the bibliographic references and documents used, which seem relevant to the thesis application.

Areas of Interest

Université Senghor is particularly interested in projects related to:

• Cultural and creative industries
• Gender and development
• Climate and Environment
• African leadership for development
• Francophonie and development
• Health transitions in Africa

Scholarship Details

Selected candidates may benefit from a Université Senghor doctoral scholarship, with an allocation between 300 and 1000 euros per month, depending on the country where the research takes place and the research agenda. All candidates will be invited to stay in Alexandria for the doctoral training period (about 3 months), with their travel (air ticket) covered and living expenses supported by an allowance of 600 euros/month.

Application Process

The application dossier to be submitted online must include the following named documents:

1. A copy of an identity document justifying nationality
2. A copy of a residence justification
3. A detailed CV with a photo
4. A copy of the Master's degree diploma
5. The transcript of the Master's degree
6. A letter of motivation
7. The proposed research project
8. A letter of agreement from a hosting laboratory for thesis co-tutoring
9. 2 letters of recommendation from external persons with their coordinates
10. The planned financing plan

Final Notes

Candidates are advised to carefully review the eligibility criteria and required documents before submitting their application. The selection process is competitive, and only a limited number of candidates will be selected for the doctoral program.

Senghor University in Alexandria

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Overview:

Senghor University is an international university focused on French language and development. It offers various programs and services across multiple campuses, including one in Alexandria, Egypt. The university emphasizes practical skills, industry connections, and real-world experience for its students.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The university promotes a vibrant and inclusive community for its students. It offers various student activities, sports, and fitness options. The campus experience is designed to provide a supportive and professional environment for learning and development.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Practical Skills and Industry Connections:

The university focuses on providing students with practical skills and opportunities to build a network of industry contacts.

Real-World Experience:

Students have the chance to gain real-world experience through internships and other practical learning opportunities.

Supportive and Professional Environment:

The university provides a supportive and professional environment for students to learn and grow.

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Academic Programs:

The provided context does not offer specific details about the academic programs offered at the Alexandria campus. However, it mentions that the university offers 134 degree programs across various disciplines.

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Other:

The university has a strong focus on Francophonie and its operators, including the OIF, AUF, TV5 Monde, and the Université de la Francophone. It also has a dedicated alumni association, the Association internationale des diplômés de l’Université Senghor (Aidus), which aims to maintain the Senghor spirit and foster a professional network for development in Africa.