Are you planning to pursue graduate studies at the University of Ghana (UG)? Whether you’re aiming for a taught Master’s, an MPhil, or a PhD, it’s essential to know the specific departmental criteria. This guide breaks down the entry requirements for UG Master’s & PhD programmes, helping you prepare your application the right way.
General Admission Requirements
To begin, all graduate applicants must have a good first degree. Typically, this means at least a Second Class Lower Division from a recognized university. However, some departments may demand Second Class Upper or specific academic backgrounds.
Also, many PhD programmes require a research-based Master’s degree. In some cases, relevant work experience, interviews, or entrance exams may be required too.
College of Humanities
African Studies
MA: Second Class Division or better
MPhil: Progression based on MA performance
PhD: Must have an MPhil
Communication Studies
MA: First degree plus B+ average in UG’s Diploma in Communication
MPhil: Based on MA performance
Development Studies
Requires any first degree plus 2 or more years of work experience in a development field
Conference Interpreting
Requires multilingual fluency and an aptitude test
CV and a second-language application letter are mandatory
College of Basic and Applied Sciences
Biochemistry, Chemistry, and Physics
Require science-related degrees with strong subject background
PhD: Research Master’s is required
Environmental Science
Accepts both academic degrees and recognized professional qualifications
Statistics
MPhil and PhD applicants must show strong mathematical background
College of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences
Agribusiness & Agricultural Economics
Degree in Agriculture, Economics, Statistics, or Mathematics
PhD applicants must pass a comprehension exam after the first year
Home Science
Strong science background is needed for areas like Nutrition or Textiles
College of Health Sciences
Dietetics, Immunology, Microbiology
First degree in a relevant biological or medical field
Biochemistry background is essential in most cases
Nursing
Requires BSc Nursing plus 3 years of work experience and eligibility to register with the Nurses and Midwives Council of Ghana
School of Public Health
Programmes like MPH, Health Informatics, Applied Epidemiology, and Clinical Trials require:
A good first degree (Second Class Lower or better)
At least 3 years of professional experience
University of Ghana Business School (UGBS)
MBA Programmes
Applicants must have a good first degree
Three or more years of work experience is preferred
Strong quantitative background gives an advantage
MPhil Programmes
These are research-based and require strong academic performance
Faculty of Law
LLM in Human Rights, Oil & Gas Law, ADR
Must have a good first degree in Law
Progression to MPhil depends on performance and faculty recommendation
MA in Human Rights & Administration
Open to applicants from any discipline
Faculty of Engineering Sciences
MPhil & PhD in Agricultural or Nuclear Engineering
Requires degrees in Engineering or closely related fields
Some M.Eng programmes demand two years of work experience
Final Thoughts
Understanding the entry requirements for UG Master’s & PhD programmes helps you avoid mistakes and tailor your application. Always check department-specific conditions, as some may ask for:
Work experience
Subject prerequisites
Interviews or written exams
Supporting documents such as essays or CVs
Pro Tip: Contact your preferred department before applying to get updated advice or discuss your unique profile.
Key Takeaways
Most programmes require at least Second Class Lower
Some need relevant work experience or entrance assessments
PhD applicants must typically hold an MPhil or research-based Master’s
Special programmes (TESL, Interpreting, Nursing, etc.) have extra criteria
