Background of the Directorate of Postgraduate Studies

The Directorate of Postgraduate Studies (DPGS) is the central administrative unit responsible for overseeing, coordinating, and supporting all postgraduate activities at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM). Its mandate covers a broad range of functions, including admissions, registration, examinations, teaching, and the overall management of postgraduate training.

The origins of the DPGS date back to 1981, when it was established as a department within the Office of the Chief Academic Officer (CACO). In response to the growing demand for postgraduate education, it was reorganised in 2006 into the School of Graduate Studies (SGS), tasked with administering and coordinating postgraduate studies across the University. However, with the rapid expansion of postgraduate programmes and enrolment, and as part of the University Restructuring Programme, the UDSM Council at its 69th meeting in 2009 approved the re-establishment of the DPGS, replacing the SGS. This transition retained all the functions of the former School while introducing additional responsibilities, including fostering an enabling environment for postgraduate research and learning.

A significant part of the DPGS mandate is to oversee the conferment of higher doctoral degrees—Doctor of Laws (LL.D.), Doctor of Literature (D.Lit.), and Doctor of Science (D.Sc.)—in accordance with the University’s regulations for higher doctorates.

Over the past three decades, postgraduate education at UDSM has experienced remarkable growth. The student population has risen from about 100 in 1993/1994 to over 5,000 in 2023/2024. Similarly, the number of postgraduate programmes has expanded from 48 to over 270. Currently, the University offers 13 Postgraduate Diploma programmes, 164 Master’s degree programmes, and 93 PhD programmes. Of these, 18 PhD programmes are delivered through coursework and dissertation, while the rest follow the research and thesis route.

Postgraduate studies at UDSM span a wide spectrum of disciplines, including basic and applied sciences, education, social sciences, humanities, and professional fields such as engineering, medicine, law, and business administration. In addition, a PhD by research can be undertaken in any academic department, provided the applicant meets the qualifications and that supervisors and research facilities are available in the chosen field.