The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) programme is a two-year duration programme, comprising coursework in the first year and thesis/research work in the second year.

Rationale

The importance of the fisheries sector in the economy of many developing countries cannot be overemphasised, given that it provides livelihoods for many coastal communities and contributes significantly to gross domestic product (GDP). Unfortunately, the fisheries in many of such countries are in a state of decline which calls for urgent management actions to reverse the trend. Institutions mandated to oversee the development and management of the sector are constrained by a shortfall in middle and high level personnel with both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise in fisheries science. The MPhil programme in Fisheries Science of the Department is therefore designed to give students a holistic training in this discipline and thus develop their competency to contribute to management of the sector.  

Trained middle-level manpower to assist with teaching, research and extension in tertiary and other research institutions.

Personnel with managerial capacities in the fishing industry and related fields produced.

Graduates capable of training lower-level personnel in fisheries institutions on fishery data collection produced.

Not Published

Admission Requirements:

Prerequisites:

1.  Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences with a Second Class Lower Division or higher
 
                                                       OR
2. 
Bachelor's degree in Fisheries related course with a Second Class Lower Division or higher

3. In addition, candidates must pass an oral interview

Specific requirements for graduation:

The course work assessment during the first year is based on assignments, reports from practical work as well as quizzes. These form 40% of the total examinations score. The End of Semester examinations constitute 60% of the total marks. A thesis/research work in the second year will start after successfully completing the course work. Departmental seminar presentations are held to ascertain students’ progress and to allow faculty and other students make relevant inputs. The thesis is subjected to both external and internal review after submission by the student. If successful, an oral examination (viva) is held for the student. Upon successful defence, the department then recommends to the School of Graduate Studies to consider awarding the candidate for an award of MPhil degree in Fisheries Science. 

Progression Requirements 

For progression from Year 1 to Year 2, students should:

• Obtain a minimum grade of C in all first year courses 
• Present their research proposals successfully in a seminar  
• Must make good progress on the research activities and submit one progress report to the Department and UCC School of Graduate Studies (SGS)
• Must participate in at least 75% of the regular seminars organized by Department and SGS

Graduation Requirements 

Candidates will be considered successful if his/her MPhil thesis:

• Passes both internal and external assessment (60% minimum score)
• Is successfully defended in a viva voce (60% minimum score)

In addition, candidate must satisfy all SGS and UCC requirement.