MA/MPhil Development Studies

The primary objective in designing this graduate programme in development studies to provide policy-makers with effective tools and techniques for careful, comprehensive and skillful analysis of the socio-economic and political environment, in order to arrive at more accurate analysis of constraints on development, and subsequently direct policy-making in a manner that helps remove those constraints.

It is thus expected that upon the successful completion of the courses under the Development Studies programme, which will in the main, be directed at problem-solution, participants will be in a position at different levels analysis, formulate and direct policy-making to:

Development Concerns in Ghana
The study and Practice Of Development

Admissions

To gain admission into the MA Programme, the following are required: a good first degree, preferably second class lower or better in the Social Sciences/Humanities from University of Ghana or any recognized/accredited University. A minimum work experience of 2 years in any development planning-related institution; this includes national service.

For admission into the MPhil Programme, applicants must have successfully completed the MA Programme with at least an average grade of B+ and must display adequate research experience or potential.

In both cases, interviews will be conducted to arrive at the final selections.

How to Apply

Kindly follow this link to access more details on the online application form for completion and submission:

http://admission.ug.edu.gh/applying/postgraduate/how-apply-graduate-programmes

Entry Requirements

MA Programme:

A good first degree (at least Second-Class Lower Division) in the Social Sciences/Humanities from the University of Ghana or any recognized/accredited University;

Evidence of certificate, transcript, curriculum vitae, proposal, and personal background information;

Applicants are required to write an entrance examination and go through an interview to be admitted to the programme.

MPhil. Programme

Applicants must have successfully completed the MA Development Studies Programme with at least an average grade of B+ and must display adequate research experience or potential.

Applicants must submit a certificate, transcript, curriculum vitae, proposal, and personal background information.

Target Group

The graduate courses in development studies will be directed mainly at upper middle-level policy-makers. These are generally mid-career public servants employed by the different departments and ministries concerned with development policy and programmes.

Aside from this group, the courses are also expected to be beneficial to project officers in both commercial and development banks; non-governmental developmental organizations; including those sponsored by donor agencies and church groups, etc.; aspiring university teachers and researchers; and local government development personnel.

Degrees to be awarded and requirements

Two types of graduate degrees will be awarded:  The first is a Master’s (Development Studies) degree after completing successfully 8 core courses, 2 elective courses, and a dissertation.  This programme will be recommended for staff of public institutions such as the National Development Planning Commission, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, Ministry of Local Government and other public institutions involved with development planning.  After completing the Master’s Programme, candidates who obtain an average grade of B+ or higher may be given admission into an M. Phil Programme.  The second is an M. Phil (Development Studies) degree will be awarded after the completion of 1 elective course, a seminar and a thesis.  The M. Phil programme will be recommended for students planning to make a career in teaching/research and may therefore intend to pursue doctorate degrees later.

Duration

The M.A. programme will run for 12 months in each year, and the M. Phil programme will run for another 12 months after the M.A. programme.

Graduation Requirements

a) M. A. Programme

The total credit hours required to complete the M.A. programme is 42.

The breakdown is as follows:

Core Courses 24 credit hours

Elective 6 credit hours

Dissertation 12 credit hours

b) M.Phil Programme

The additional credit hours required to complete the M. Phil programme is 36.

The breakdown is as follows: