Welcoming the Inaugural Cohort of PhD Students in Applied Linguistics
Earlier this week, NUST officially launched its newly introduced PhD in Applied Linguistics by Research programme at a ceremony that was part of a four-day seminar. The first cohort consists of candidates who underwent a rigorous selection process, as expected for a programme at this level.
This marks the inaugural PhD programme developed and implemented by the Faculty of Commerce, Human Sciences, and Education (FCHSE). The programme focuses on key research areas such as second language teaching and learning, sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, computational linguistics, forensic linguistics, and linguistic artificial intelligence, among others. "Graduates of this programme will be well-equipped to pursue careers as academics and researchers in tertiary institutions in Namibia and beyond. They will also acquire competencies applicable across various sectors, including corporate, public, private, and non-profit organisations," said Programme Coordinator, Prof Haileleul Zeleke Woldemariam.
In his address to the candidates, Prof Omotayo Awofolu, Acting Director of Research and Postgraduate Development in the Directorate of Research, Innovation, and Partnerships (DRIP), emphasised the importance of doctoral research in Applied Linguistics for both Namibia and the global community. Over the three-year programme, candidates will work closely with their supervisors to develop research proposals in these and other specialised areas within Applied Linguistics.
