Directorate of Postgraduate Studies
Director - Dr Gift Chipo Manhimanzi
Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Accounting (CUT), Master of Commerce Degree in Applied Accounting (GZU), Bachelor of Commerce Degree in Accounting (ZOU), Diploma in Education (Hillside Teachers’ College)
Values
- Excellence – Commitment to the highest standards in teaching, research, supervision, and academic output.
- Integrity – Upholding honesty, accountability, transparency, and ethical conduct in academic and professional activities.
- Innovation and Creativity – Encouraging original thinking, problem-solving, and the generation of new knowledge.
- Collaboration – Promoting teamwork, interdisciplinarity, and partnerships with local and global stakeholders.
- Respect and Diversity – Valuing inclusivity, cultural diversity, and mutual respect among students, staff, and partners.
- Lifelong Learning – Fostering continuous intellectual growth and professional development.
- Responsibility and Service – Commitment to societal impact, sustainable development, and addressing national and global challenges.
Guiding Principles
- Quality Assurance – Ensuring academic programs meet international standards through continuous review and improvement.
- Student-Centeredness – Placing postgraduate students at the core of the department's mission, providing supportive learning and research environments.
- Research-Led Education – Grounding teaching, supervision, and training in cutting-edge research and scholarship.
- Ethical Scholarship – Promoting responsible research practices, respect for intellectual property, and academic integrity.
- Knowledge Dissemination – Supporting the publication and sharing of research outputs that contribute to local and global knowledge.
- Equity and Inclusion – Providing equal opportunities and fostering a supportive environment for all students regardless of background.
- Global Relevance with Local Impact – Aligning postgraduate research and training with both global academic standards and local developmental needs.
- Continuous Improvement – Embracing feedback, monitoring performance, and adapting to emerging academic and societal trends.
The Directorate's Functions and Activities:
Academic Leadership
Review, development and initiation of academic policy, procedures and provision for graduate studies in the University.
Oversight and Administration
Ensuring that the relevant procedures for graduate students are followed and monitored regularly, and that appropriate provision is made for graduate studies, in line with regulations. Oversight and Administration entails that:
- Information relating to postgraduate courses laid out in the course template is clear, accurate and of sufficient detail to inform student choice;
- Admissions procedures are clear and consistently followed;
- Admissions criteria have been drawn up, including the use of references, written work, and interviews (where these are possible);
- Admissions decisions involve the judgement of more than one member of the academic staff with relevant experience and expertise;
- Admission offers make clear what the applicant must do: i) to take up the offer, ii) to request deferral of entry, or iii) if they fail to meet any conditions specified in the offer;
- The maintenance of appropriate entrance qualifications and standards is monitored;
- Students are admitted only for whom appropriate supervision is available, and when willingness to supervise has been assured
Advocacy
Representing graduate matters to the relevant responsible body at faculty/department level; and representing the faculty/department’s view to the relevant committees of the divisions, University and the colleges.
Policy Formulation and Implementation
- Develops and implements policies, regulations, and guidelines governing postgraduate training, supervision, and examination.
- Ensures alignment with the university's mission, vision, and strategic goals.
Admission and Enrollment Management
- Oversees the recruitment, admission, and registration of postgraduate students.
- Ensures transparent and merit-based selection processes.
Academic Program Coordination
- Coordinates design, review, and approval of postgraduate curricula.
- Ensures programs remain relevant, rigorous, and responsive to national and global needs.
Research Management and Support
- Facilitates research activities by providing structures, funding opportunities, and ethical oversight.
- Supports dissemination of research findings through journals, conferences, and seminars.
Supervision and Mentorship
- Regulates postgraduate supervision by setting guidelines and providing training for supervisors.
- Ensures effective mentorship and academic guidance to students.
Examination and Assessment
- Oversees the administration of examinations, thesis/dissertation defenses, and viva voces.
- Ensures assessment integrity, fairness, and adherence to quality standards.
Quality Assurance
- Monitors academic standards and research outputs of postgraduate programs.
- Conducts periodic evaluations to maintain international competitiveness.
Capacity Building and Professional Development
- Provides training workshops, seminars, and short courses for both students and faculty.
- Develops transferable skills among postgraduate students (research, teaching, entrepreneurship, leadership).
Collaboration and Partnerships
- Establishes and maintains academic, research, and professional partnerships with local and international institutions.
- Promotes interdisciplinary and collaborative postgraduate projects.
Resource Mobilisation
- Sources funding for postgraduate scholarships, research grants, and capacity-building initiatives.
- Manages available resources efficiently to support postgraduate training.
Student Welfare and Support Services
- Provides academic advising, counseling, and career support services.
- Ensures inclusivity and addresses student concerns.
Monitoring and Reporting
- Tracks postgraduate student progress, completion rates, and graduate outcomes.
- Reports to university management and external stakeholders on postgraduate performance and impact.