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The PhD in Data Science is a research doctorate for candidates who will advance methods or applications of data science under faculty supervision. Year 1 builds advanced statistical learning, causal inference, computational methods and research ethics; candidacy examination follows; subsequent years centre on original dissertation research contributing new knowledge. Research clusters include fairness-aware learning, causal ML for policy, large-scale inference and scientific machine learning.
Candidates with a AFU MSc Data Science or MSc Artificial Intelligence distinction may streamline coursework by agreement with supervisors. GPU compute and research seminar series support experimental work.
Faculty spotlight
Dr. Priya Sharma supervises causal ML; Dr. Yuki Tanaka leads computational and representation learning research groups.
Study online
Tuition is free. Examinations are free. There is no exam fee. Study from anywhere in the world.
| Code | Course | Credits · hours |
|---|---|---|
| PHDS701 | Advanced Statistical Learning Modern statistical learning theory and practice for research.
| 6 |
| PHDS702 | Causal Inference & Experimental Design Identification, experiments and quasi-experiments for research.
| 6 |
| PHDS703 | Scalable Data Systems & Computational Methods Systems and algorithms for large-scale research computation.
| 6 |
| PHDS704 | Doctoral Research Ethics & Scientific Writing Ethics, open science and publication craft for doctoral candidates.
| 6 |
| Code | Course | Credits · hours |
|---|---|---|
| PHDS801 | PhD Candidacy Examination Comprehensive examination and proposal defence.
| 0 |
| PHDS802 | Doctoral Dissertation Research Original supervised research culminating in a defendable dissertation.
| 36 |
Modules are assessed through a published mix of coursework, applied projects, and examinations. Exam windows are announced in advance so students in other time zones are not forced into overnight sittings. Alternative arrangements are available where documented.
The published duration is 3–5 years. Teaching language: English. Actual time-to-complete depends on mode and any recognised prior learning.
This is a fully online award. You study from your country. No student visa and no campus relocation are required.
Degree tuition for this award is published as £0 / tuition-free on the online pathway. Examination or administrative fees may apply at checkout — never an annual tuition invoice. Check the Fees page for any extras.
Requirements are grouped on this page (academic, English, documents, research). Equivalent qualifications are considered. English may be waived after prior English-medium study.
Assessment is typically a mix of coursework, projects, and examinations. Doctoral awards include a thesis or dissertation and an oral examination. Details sit in the programme specification and module outlines.
Recognition of the award for local employment, professional licence, or ministry attestation is decided by your employer or regulator. African Future University publishes verification pages for certificates. We do not claim automatic equivalence in every country.
Start an application on this website. Progress is saved from the first step. Admissions: admissions@afutureuni.com.
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