Africa Center for Doctoral Studies and Applied Research (ACD-SAR)
Welcome Message from the President
Welcome to the home of Africa’s premier doctoral innovation hub, where scholarship meets impact and learning becomes a tool for transformation.
At the Africa Center for Doctoral Studies and Applied Research (ACD-SAR), we are proud to pioneer a bold new vision for doctoral education on the continent. Born from the conviction that Africa’s intellectual capital must be harnessed through pathways that are academically rigorous, practice-based, and socially responsive, ACD-SAR stands as a beacon of interdisciplinary excellence and ethical leadership.
Professor De-Graft Owusu-Manu
Executive Vice Chancellor
70%
Projected Faculty Retirement Gap in African Higher Education
3 Pathways
MPhil, MA/MSc, and Professional Qualifications
2+ Years
Min. Professional Experience Required
Applied Doctoral Excellence: Pioneering Competency-Based, Entrepreneurial Research
- ACD-SAR promotes competency- and skills-based research
- ACD-SAR offers doctoral pathways that are both academically rigorous and practice-based
- ACD-SAR represents a model of open learning research-intensive university
- ACD-SAR integrates entrepreneurial University methodology to push to achieve results
Programmes And Accreditation
ACD-SAR offers a suite of transdisciplinary professional doctorates designed for reflective practitioners, senior executives, and change-makers. We run doctoral programmes that are not only academically rigorous, but also practice-based, interdisciplinary, and impact-oriented.
We offer both traditional PhD programmes and professional doctorate programmes (PhDr.) in strategic and emerging disciplines. These Programmes are rooted in real-world challenges and structured to generate actionable knowledge that transforms institutions, industries, and communities.
Check availability of our structured flagship programmes by discipline and partner institutions profile.
Earn a PhD or Professional Doctorate (PhDr) from one of the leading Universities across the Africa continent and around the world at your own flexible pace and space
Programmes
ACD-SAR Masterclass Academy
ACD-SAR Leadership Masterclass Academy (ALMA)
- The ACD-SAR Leadership Masterclass Academy (ALMA) is a unique interdisciplinary academy that attracts leaders at various management levels and young talents with leadership potentials into the academy for short-term (1 week) to long-term (three-months) transformational and self-actualization training.
- The ALMA career development programme combines research, leadership training, and networking opportunities for participants. World-class experts and professionals are drawn from industry and academia to facilitate the sessions.
- The programme is designed to serve as a launch pad leadership enhancement and for nurturing and implementing innovations across a broad horizon of business-related disciplines. Check the availability and enroll in one of the academy’s leadership programmes now.
- Academic Leadership Enhancement Training
- Political Leadership Enhancement Training
- Entrepreneurial Leadership Enhancement Training
- Sustainability Leadership Enhancement Training
- Business Leadership Enhancement Training
- Youth Leadership Enhancement Training
- Women Leadership Enhancement Training
- Church Leadership Enhancement Training
ACD-SAR Doctoral Masterclass Academy (ADMA)
- The ACD-SAR Doctoral Masterclass Academy (ADMA) is a unique interdisciplinary intensive academy that attracts postgraduate students at all levels, particularly doctoral students into the academy for short-term thus, one week. The ADMA provides advanced educational experience designed for doctoral students or early-career researchers; and other postgraduates students with focus on:
- Scouting for Scholarships, Topics and Supervisors
- Grantsmanship and Proposal Development
- Literature and Review
- Theoretical Underpinnings of Research
- Methodological Underpinnings of Research
- The Art of Scientific Writing and Publishing
- Choosing Where to Publish your work
The ACD-SAR Community of Practice
ACD-SAR is not a traditional campus; it’s a vibrant community of thinkers, innovators, and thought leaders. Our “campus life” focuses on professional networking, knowledge co-creation, and high-impact policy engagement.
Research & Innovation
Applied Research Projects
Our professional doctorates are anchored in work-based research that addresses real-world challenges.
01
Innovation Labs
ACD-SAR hosts transdisciplinary innovation labs that serve as collaborative spaces for ideation, prototyping, and co-creation.
02
Knowledge Hub
Our Knowledge Hub is a dynamic, open-access repository that amplifies the voices and insights of practitioner-researchers.
03
Scholarships And Funding
ACD-SAR is committed to democratizing access to advanced education, ensuring financial barriers don’t prevent high-impact professionals from pursuing their PhDr. or PhD. Our financial aid and scholarship initiatives are designed to support ethical leaders and scholar-practitioners from diverse backgrounds whose research aligns directly with African development priorities. Support opportunities may include fellowships, partial tuition waivers, or guidance on securing external financing, all aimed at facilitating access to our flexible, digitally enabled programs and fulfilling our mission to institutionalize doctoral education as a driver of sustainable development.
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Student Testimonials
You’ll find something to spark your curiosity and enhance
The PhDr. was the blueprint for my institutional reform; it wasn't just a degree. My thesis became the official policy framework for our ministry's digital transformation. The program is uniquely structured to ensure your research is implemented, not just shelved.
The two-mentor model is what makes ACD-SAR truly exceptional. Having an academic guide and a senior practitioner ensured my project was both scholarly and immediately scalable for real-world validation. This dedicated, applied focus is priceless for any senior executive.
As a high-level manager, I couldn't commit to a traditional campus PhD. ACD-SAR's blended, open learning model allowed me to integrate research into my professional life effectively. It truly respects Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and the value of professional experience I bring to the cohort.
The doctoral colloquia are powerful and deeply engaging. You’re not just studying; you’re networking with Chief Directors, Ministers, and industry leaders from across the continent. This is a true Community of Practice where ideas evolve into high-impact collaborative ventures.
The program pushes you beyond theory into an essential entrepreneurial mindset. My research didn't stop at findings; it led to the creation of an Innovation Lab within my organization. ACD-SAR teaches you to be a systemic solution architect, not just an academic observer.
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