Faculty of Social Sciences Hosts Seminar to Enhance Research Skills Among Students

Today the 15th of March, 2024, the Faculty of Social Sciences hosted a research seminar for postgraduate and undergraduate students gathered in the new teaching facility. The workshops were attended by lecturers, H.O.Ds, the Faculty DEAN plus the third year students admitted in the faculty of social sciences.

The seminar aimed to equip students with essential skills and knowledge necessary for navigating the complicated areas of academic research.

Addressing the attendees, Professor Katusiime expressed the primary objectives of the seminar, stating, “We have organized these workshops to guide students through the various stages of initiating research projects, ensuring they can craft high-quality research proposals and dissertations.” He stressed the importance of providing students with the requisite support and confidence to engage in research endeavors, fostering a culture of academic excellence within the Faculty of Social Sciences.

The seminar featured a comprehensive curriculum designed to address key aspects of the research process. Facilitators, including esteemed professors from the Faculty of Social Sciences and Dr. Medard Twinamatsiko, a renowned Research Methodology expert and Senior Lecturer at Mbarara University of Science and Technology Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies, guided students through topics such as selecting a research topic, conducting literature reviews, research methodology, and avoiding common pitfalls in dissertation writing.

A diverse group of students attended the seminar, comprising 81 postgraduate students pursuing various programs such as Doctorate in Public Administration, Master in Social Work, and Master in Public Administration, among others. Additionally, 152 undergraduate students, primarily in their second and third years of study and majoring in disciplines such as Social Sciences, Social Work, and Public Administration, participated in the seminar.

Throughout the sessions, students were given enriching learning experience aimed at grounding them in the fundamentals of Social Science research, fostering confidence in crafting academic research proposals, cultivating professional relationships with supervisors, and managing time effectively to complete their studies in a timely manner.

Professor Katusiime expressed his optimism regarding the outcomes, stating, “At the end of the workshop, we expect students to emerge with a solid foundation in Social Science research, equipped with the necessary skills to excel in their academic pursuits.”

The Faculty of Social Sciences is committed to nurturing the next generation of scholars and researchers, empowering students to make meaningful contributions to the field of Social Sciences and beyond.