ST. PAUL'S UNIVERSITY The University of Choice!

We are pleased to announce a masters postgraduate research grant, with specific reference to research foucusing on the intersection of mental health and theological/religious issues, broadly conceived for MA Counseling Psychology (MACP) and Master of Development Studies (MDS) students.

The postgraduate research grants will be offered beginning in the September 2025 semester with specific reference to promising Masters postgraduate research students in the School of Social Sciences. The School will offer research grants to strictly cover the dissertation fees for two promising students.

The grants will be paid in two portions, in November 2025 and then again in April 2026, upon successful defence of the proposal and promising trajectory of completing the research by September 2026. Research topics could range from trauma, children/youth issues, gender, psychological approaches, conflict, community development, ministry and their intersection with mental health and mental health resilience in the context of religion, spirituality, theology or the church, in addition to other topics.

The deadline for application is 13 Oct 2025.

Eligibility /Selection Criteria

Only Masters Postgraduate students who have completed coursework and are in the dissertation phase can apply.

Requirement of student

Successful recipients of the research grants will be expected to follow the following trajectory:

1. Submit their thesis proposals by 30 Feb 2026
2. Successfully defend their proposals by 30 May 2026
3. Submit their final dissertation by 31 Aug 2026

The above timelines are subject to the department, school, and university academic procedures that will be communicated by the postgraduate office and the concerned academic department.

In addition, students will be required to:

1. Meet with their supervisors monthly
2. Share a monthly report to  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.and copy This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
3. Present their research in at least one postgraduate students' research clinic
4. Share their research in one academic conference with the help of their supervisor
5. Participate in administrative tasks that may be assigned by the project leader and/or supervisor

Application

To be considered for the above, students should apply by:

1. Writing a 1,000 (max) statement why you should be considered for the grant
2. Completing the postgraduate research concept form
3. Talking with potential supervisors, and proposing them through the supervisor nomination form
4. Sending your official provisional transcript attached to the application
5. 3-page CV illustrating current and previous leadership, ministry, and academic experience/achievements

The deadline for application is 13 October 2025

Confirmation

The School will communicate to the successful applicants by 7 November 2025. Successful candidates are expected to begin their research in November 2025.

Contact details

For more information on the research grant, kindly contact Dr. Kevin Muriithi Ndereba on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. A reading list/bibliography on mental health and theology is available upon request.

Relevant Documents

Download the Postgraduate Research Concept Form

APPLY

Apply through this LINK: https://forms.gle/acewnxSXXWhm7Mi77 

Deadline: 13 Oct 2025