Sandwich Programmes for PhD Studies at the Agriculture - Environment Interface

Many young agricultural and environmental scientists seek employment following their first bachelors’ degree. Although they want to further pursue their studies with a Masters and PhD degree, they may be reluctant to do so if required to relinquish their full-time position. The concept of ‘sandwich’ programmes allows them to enrol in a post-graduate degree while retaining their current position. For this to be a ‘win-win’ situation for both the employer and the prospective student, they need to carefully negotiate the terms and conditions with both employer and university. Matters that need to be considered include the assignment of tasks, project topic for post-graduate study, residence requirement at the university, as well as credit for outputs and acknowledgement of inputs. Some scholarships are available for African students to pursue their degree overseas. However, the ‘south-south’ type of scholarships where the student can complete the required degree project in their home country should also be investigated. These programmes exist in many African universities, and have the advantages that the supervisors are more familiar with the situation within Africa than many of those from overseas. Sometimes the disadvantage is that an organisation must effectively hold a vacant post while the student employee completes the degree. Part of the ‘win-win’ situation is that the organisation provides a local supervisor for such a project which gives added value of experience and international exposure. In addition, the project used for the degree study programme should fit within the long-term vision and goals of the organisation and be seen as a capacity building activity in grooming someone to lead a new programme.