The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme involves a 3 –year thesis /research work into a problem in the area of specialisation. There is no course work for PhD students but where necessary, a student may be required to take some prescribed courses at the masters’ level. Students at this level start the thesis/ research work from the first year and are expected to complete after 3 years before the award of a PhD Degree.
Rationale
Unsustainable land use in coastal areas in Ghana driven by rapid infrastructure development, e.g. port expansion, oil and gas development are impacting the productivity of coastal areas. In addition, poor management and overexploitation of coastal natural habitats and ecosystems threaten coastal life-supporting systems. Climate change–related events such as sea-level rise, land subsidence, storm surge, and increased coastal flooding contribute to the vulnerability of coastal areas. The PhD programme in ICZM is therefore designed to build the needed human resource capacity to respond to these challenges.
PhD Programme Structure
Candidates admitted with Bachelor’s degree and/or a taught Master’s degree (e.g., MSc) will pursue a 4-year PhD programme; candidates admitted with research-based Master’s degree (e.g. MPhil) will pursue a 3-year PhD programme.
PhD programmes are offered only in full-time mode. The periods of study are as follows:
|
Degree |
Total Period of Study |
*Course work |
Normative Duration of Research |
|
3-year PhD |
36 months |
- |
24 months |
|
4-year PhD |
48 months |
2 semesters |
24 months |
*This applies only to candidates admitted with Bachelor’s degree for 4-year PhD programme; they will be required to take courses on discipline-specific knowledge and research skills. Candidates admitted with a taught Master’s degree will undertake 4-year research.
Supervisors may recommend appropriate courses to equip students for their research work and thesis writing. Candidates for 3-year PhD programme may be recommended to audit requisite courses.
The total credit load for each PhD programme is as follows:
|
PhD Programme Structure |
Credits |
||
|
Year I |
Semester I |
Courses |
15 |
|
Semester II |
Courses |
15 |
|
|
Sub-total |
30 |
||
|
Years II |
Semester I |
Thesis [preparation and defence of research proposal (6 credits); literature review and reconnaissance/pilot (6 credits)] |
12 |
|
Seminar |
3 |
||
|
Semester II |
Thesis [data collection] |
12 |
|
|
Seminar |
3 |
||
|
Sub-total |
30 |
||
|
Years III |
Semester I |
Thesis [data collection] |
12 |
|
Seminar |
3 |
||
|
Semester II |
Thesis [data collection and analyses] |
12 |
|
|
Seminar |
3 |
||
|
Sub-total |
30 |
||
|
Years IV |
Semester I |
Thesis [data analyses and thesis write-up] |
12 |
|
Seminar |
3 |
||
|
Semester II |
Thesis [thesis write-up, submission and defence] |
12 |
|
|
Seminar |
3 |
||
|
Sub-Total per Year |
30 |
||
|
|
|||
|
*Total (Minimum Credits) |
120 |
||
*Total credit for candidates admitted with MPhil (3-year PhD) will be 90.
The goal of the PhD Programme in Integrated Coastal Zone Management is to train high-level professionals with the needed technical and scientific competencies to engage in research, extension and training in marine and coastal resources management.
At the end of the programme, graduates will be equipped to:
- suggest technical policy advice to government and coastal-related industries
- lead enforcement of regulatory efforts at all levels of coastal management
- provide solutions to help sustain the social and economic assets of coastal areas
- engage in teaching and research in coastal resources management in academia.
You can find jobs in the following areas:
- Government agencies like Fisheries Ministry
- NGOs engaged in aquatic environmental campaign
- Industries in fish processing and canning
- Firms engaged in commercial fishing.
Candidates applying for admission into the PhD programme in Integrated Coastal Zone Management must hold a good research-based Master’s degree in a relevant natural/social science discipline, from a recognised university.
Target Group
- Master’s degree holders in relevant Biological and Social Science fields.
- Professionals with relevant background in the coastal and marine industry- government, private and NGO sector.
Expected Output
- Trained high-level manpower for teaching, research and extension in the areas of Integrated Coastal Zone Management in tertiary institutions.
- High-level personnel with managerial capacities in the coastal zone management and related fields produced.
- Graduates capable of training lower level personnel in coastal zone management produced.
Progression Requirements
- Students pursuing 4-year PhD must pass all required course work (grade C minimum)
- All students should present their research proposals successfully in a seminar
- All students must make good progress on the research activities and submit biannual progress report to the Department and UCC School of Graduate Studies (SGS)
- All students must participate in at least 75% of the regular seminars organized by Department and SGS.
Graduation Requirements
A candidate will be considered successful if his/her PhD thesis:
- Passes both internal and external assessment (60% minimum score)
- Is successfully defended in a viva voce (60% minimum score).
In addition, candidates must satisfy all SGS and UCC requirements for graduation.
A good M.Phil or MSc. degree in Chemistry from a recognized university
The specific objectives of the programme are to: Provide graduates with requisite knowledge in chemistry to contribute meaningfully national development. Equip graduates with practical skills applicable in the chemical industry. Train graduates capable of undertaking higher level chemical research
This is a two-year programme leading to MPhil degree in Chemistry. The first two semesters are devoted to course work and the last two semesters for research and thesis writing on a topic related to chemistry.
1. Holders of a good B.Ed degree from any recognized university, and should have taught for not less than two (2) years after completion of their degree programmes.
2. Holders of a good B.A or B.Sc degree must, in addition, hold a Postgraduate Diploma in Education(PGDE) or Postgraduate Certificate in Education(PGCE) from the University of Cape Coast or any recognized university and must have taught for not less than two(2) years after completion of their degree programme.
3. Applicants for MPhil in Educational Planning who have knowledge in Economics at the first degree level in addition to (1) and (2) above, will have an advantage.
4. MPhil in Administration in Higher Education: In addition to requirements under (1) and (2) above, applicants who have worked as administrators in Higher Educational Institutions for not less than two years will have an advantage.
5. Candidates would have to pass a selection interview.
The department offers Ph.D programmes in Theoretical Physics, Meteorology and Atmospheric Physics, and Laser and Fiber Optics.
A good M.Phil or MSc. degree in Physics or Engineering from a recognized university
The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) program admits students who have obtained good undergraduate degrees and wish to pursue advanced studies in preparation for doctoral level or for employment in specialized areas of the private and public sectors that require strong research foundation and analytical skills. The program lasts for two years
A good first degree in Physics or Engineering Physics from a recognized university
A background in meteorology and atmospheric physics will prepare an individual to work in organisations such as Meteorological Services and institutions with a focus on environmental issues. It also prepares you for advanced studies in the programme or its related fields.
Current trends in technological development has brought meteorology and atmospheric physics to the forefront of science as it has become obvious that we have problems disposing of our inventions; the result is environmental degradation. Consequently, we are faced with the issues of global warming and ecological modifications of our environment. There is therefore a need to understand and predict the weather for various applications in industry, agriculture, and aviation among others. In addition, there is the need to enhance environmental sanity on our sea waters during petroleum exploration. However, there is a shortfall in the number of individuals with the requisite knowledge and skills in meteorology and atmospheric physics to help address these problems. In view of the above challenges, the Ghana Meteorological Services (GMet) has to address its manpower needs by liaising with the Department of Physics of UCC in addressing the knowledge gap. The two institutions (UCC & GMet) signed an agreement to have the programme started and students have been going for internships at GMet
The Minimum Admission Requirement into the programme in the University of Cape Coast for WASSCE applicants is aggregate 36. For SSSCE applicants, the minimum requirement is aggregate 24. i. Candidates must have credit passes in six (6) subjects with overall aggregate of 36/24 at the WASSCE / SSSCE level, respectively. ii. Three of the six subjects must be core subjects: English Language, Mathematics, Integrated Science or Social Studies and the other three must be relevant electives which include Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics. iii. For purposes of admission, a credit pass in: (a) WASSCE means A1 – C6 (b) SSSCE means A - D. iv. HND holders in Meteorology or Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering with at least Second Class, Lower Division shall start from level 300.
Engineering Physicists find employment in a large variety of areas. With a background in EP, you could find yourself designing new photonics devices, developing a new microscope system, building and testing remote sensing equipment, creating ‘smart’ or self-assembling materials, simulating microelectronics processes, or inventing microscopic or nano machines. In these capacities, you could be working with a team composed of Engineers from other disciplines, scientists or medical professionals. Engineering Physicists perform research and development in high-tech industries in the field of telecommunications, microelectronic, lasers and novel material. Because many engineering physics graduates aspire to careers in the University and Industrial research communities, further studies in applied science or engineering are often pursued.
Engineering Physicists apply Physics to engineering problems in a variety of disciplines. Professional Engineering Physicists therefore possess competence in physics fundamentals, in mathematics and in engineering practice and design. They also possess the very fundamental skill of being able to adapt what they know to entirely new ways of doing things. EP has applications in many areas ranging from medical research to satellite development to oceanographic prospecting. Because EP students develop a thorough understanding of fundamentals of physics and the application of this knowledge to practical problems,
A good Higher National Diploma (HND) in Engineering (preferably First or Second class) from a recognized Polytechnic or institution of Engineering
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme involves a 3 –year thesis/ research work into a problem in the area of specialisation. There is no course work for PhD students but where necessary, a student may be required to take some prescribed courses at the masters’ level. Students at this level start the thesis/ research work from the first year and are expected to complete after 3 years before the award of a PhD Degree.
Rationale
Fisheries play a very important role in the economy of Ghana. Currently, it employs about three million people and contributes 2.6% of gross domestic product. Recent monitoring information indicates that the fisheries are in a state of decline which calls for urgent management actions to reverse the trend. National institutions mandated to oversee development and management of the sector are constrained by a shortfall in high level personnel to direct and undertake research on the multispecies fishery of the country. The PhD programme in fisheries science is therefore meant to enhance the research and analytical skills of the students through long term studies on selected fish and shellfish species to generate information for sustainable management of the fishery.
PhD Programme Structure
Candidates admitted with Bachelor’s degree and/or a taught Master’s degree (e.g., MSc) will pursue a 4-year PhD programme; candidates admitted with research-based Master’s degree (e.g. MPhil) will pursue a 3-year PhD programme.
PhD programmes are offered only in full-time mode. The periods of study are as follows:
|
Degree |
Total Period of Study |
*Course work |
Normative Duration of Research |
|
3-year PhD |
36 months |
- |
24 months |
|
4-year PhD |
48 months |
2 semesters |
24 months |
*This applies only to candidates admitted with Bachelor’s degree for 4-year PhD programme; they will be required to take courses on discipline-specific knowledge and research skills. Candidates admitted with a taught Master’s degree will undertake 4-year research.
Supervisors may recommend appropriate courses to equip students for their research work and thesis writing. Candidates for 3-year PhD programme may be recommended to audit requisite courses.
The total credit load for each PhD programme is as follows:
|
PhD Programme Structure |
Credits |
||
|
Year I |
Semester I |
Courses |
15 |
|
Semester II |
Courses |
15 |
|
|
Sub-total |
30 |
||
|
Years II |
Semester I |
Thesis [preparation and defence of research proposal (6 credits); literature review and reconnaissance/pilot (6 credits)] |
12 |
|
Seminar |
3 |
||
|
Semester II |
Thesis [data collection] |
12 |
|
|
Seminar |
3 |
||
|
Sub-total |
30 |
||
|
Years III |
Semester I |
Thesis [data collection] |
12 |
|
Seminar |
3 |
||
|
Semester II |
Thesis [data collection and analyses] |
12 |
|
|
Seminar |
3 |
||
|
Sub-total |
30 |
||
|
Years IV |
Semester I |
Thesis [data analyses and thesis write-up] |
12 |
|
Seminar |
3 |
||
|
Semester II |
Thesis [thesis write-up, submission and defence] |
12 |
|
|
Seminar |
3 |
||
|
Sub-Total per Year |
30 |
||
|
|
|||
|
*Total (Minimum Credits) |
120 |
||
*Total credit for candidates admitted with MPhil (3-year PhD) will be 90.
The goal of the PhD Fisheries Science programme is to produce high-level human resource for the fisheries sector.
The specific objectives are to:
- produce highly-skilled personnel to address issues in the fisheries sector;
- produce high-level personnel capable of creating and disseminating relevant knowledge to promote the sector; and
- train personnel capable of facilitating policy formulation to support growth of the sector.
You can find jobs in the following areas:
- Government agencies like Fisheries Ministry
- NGOs engaged in aquatic environmental campaign
- Industries in fish processing and canning
- Firms engaged in commercial fishing.
Candidates applying for admission into the PhD Fisheries Science programme must hold a good research-based Master’s degree in Fisheries Science, Biology or any related field of study
Target Group
- Master’s degree holders in Fisheries Science, Biology and related fields
- Professionals in the fishing industry: both government and private
Expected Output
- Trained high-level manpower for teaching, research and extension in tertiary and other research institutions.
- High-level personnel with managerial capacities in the fishing industry and related fields produced.
Progression Requirements
- Students pursuing 4-year PhD must pass all required course work (grade C minimum)
- All students should present their research proposals successfully in a seminar
- All students must make good progress on the research activities and submit biannual progress report to the Department and UCC School of Graduate Studies (SGS)
- All students must participate in at least 75% of the regular seminars organized by Department and SGS.
Graduation Requirements
A candidate will be considered successful if his/her PhD thesis:
- Passes both internal and external assessment (60% minimum score)
- Is successfully defended in a viva voce (60% minimum score).
In addition, candidates must satisfy all SGS and UCC requirements for graduation.
-
The Ph.D programme is expected to give practical meaning to the hands on training in Tourism. A substantial amount of time and resources is devoted to field studies and seminars in order to strengthen these components of the programme, especially at this level where students have to demonstrate the capacity to undertake independent work.
The Department encourages interdisciplinary work and many research projects cover such areas as Tourism Administration and Management, Eco Tourism, Tourism Marketing, Event Tourism, Hospitality Administration and Management, Service Quality issues, Human Resource Management, Tourism Safety and Security, Leisure and Disability, Tourist Behaviour, and other related areas.
Objectives
The objectives of the programme is in consonance with those of the International Geographic Union (1992), which are to:
Assist students to understand and respect all peoples, their cultures, values and their ways of life; Empower students to develop an affinity for and understanding of the increasing global inter-dependence of peoples and cultures; Develop in students skills and attitudes that will enable them participate in solving the problems of their communities, their countries and the world at large; Introduce students to relevant skills that will be useful to them in their daily lives as well as become aware of the international and environmental impacts of their decisions; Enable students adapt knowledge gained in decision-making roles in society which require local, national and international perspectives and competence; Enable students achieve personal and professional growth within geographic education; and Enable students to acquire skills and perspectives for life-long learning.
The aim of the Ph.D programme, like the other programmes offered by the Department, is to provide students with the necessary tools to think critically and analytically as well as function independently in the competitive global world.
Candidates applying for the programme must have at least an M.Phil or M A (research) degree in Tourism and Hospitality or related disciplines.
Programme Structure
Students admitted into the programme would within the first eight months prepare a proposal and defend it at a departmental forum. If the proposal is accepted, the students are given supervisors to work with for the next ten (10) months within which they have to submit at least three chapters of the work for assessment by a panel of examiners drawn from the Department including the supervisors (Table 1). The panel will submit a written report on the quality and relevance of each including recommendations to the Departmental Examiners’ Committee. The Committee studies the recommendations and submits a report on each one of them through the Head of Department and Dean to the Graduate Board indicating whether the students should progress or withdraw from the programme.
Students who successfully complete the first phase are invited to continue to write up their theses for examination. This should cover the rest of the 18 months. Notwithstanding the information above, all Ph.D students are expected to present at least three seminar papers before completing their study. These should cover issues from the field work, summary of the study findings and thirdly a presentation on a topic of the student’s own choice but outside the thesis.
In the course of the research, a student could be asked to audit M.Phil or even undergraduate courses if they are deemed by the supervisors to be relevant to his/her study.
Career opportunities abound (mostly in laboratory settings) in teaching and consulting in engineering physics or related technical and professional fields. The training giving to our students also prepares them for real world applicability of skills in a multitude of industrial, educational, and research disciplines.
The Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics teaches the science that underlies engineering and prepares students for engineering design and development 84 employment or further graduate studies. Engineering physics is a field that provides broad training in physics and mathematics and basic training in engineering and design. The practitioner of engineering physics is involved in the development of new devices and products using sophisticated physical concepts in areas where technology is changing rapidly and where the boundaries of several traditional engineering disciplines overlap.
Our programme will inspire you to push the existing barriers of technology and break new grounds in engineering physics and its related areas. The interdisciplinary nature of the programme provides students with a strong grounding in engineering design and the application of physics principles to practical engineering problems as well as routine problems in engineering, and the flexibility to exploit basic knowledge in any branch of science and technology using analytical and experimental skills.
The Minimum Admission Requirement into the programme in the University of Cape Coast for WASSCE applicants is aggregate 36. For SSSCE applicants, the minimum requirement is aggregate 24. i. Candidates must have credit passes in six (6) subjects with overall aggregate of 36/24 at the WASSCE / SSSCE level respectively. ii. Three of the six subjects must be core subjects: English Language, Mathematics, Integrated Science or Social Studies and the other three must be relevant electives which include Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics. iii. For purposes of admission, a credit pass in: (a). WASSCE means A1 – C6 (b). SSSCE means A - D