University of Cape Coast Opens Applications for 2025/2026 MPhil and PhD Programmes | UCC Masters, M.PHIL, PhD Programmes, Duration and Fees
The University of Cape Coast (UCC), in collaboration with the School of Graduate Studies and the College of Education Studies, is pleased to announce the opening of applications for admission into regular Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programmes for the 2025/2026 academic year.
These postgraduate programmes are specially designed for tutors in Colleges of Education across Ghana and other interested candidates with Master of Arts (MA), Master of Education (MEd), Master of Science (MSc), or equivalent qualifications who wish to further their studies through a flexible academic structure. This arrangement ensures that teaching and learning responsibilities at the Colleges are not disrupted while tutors pursue their advanced degrees.
The academic year commences in August 2025. The University has put in place effective strategies to ensure that all students complete their programmes within the stipulated durations. Interested applicants are invited to purchase a scratch card to begin the online application process.
Sale of Application Scratch Cards
Scratch cards can be purchased from the following centres:
- Cash Office, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast
- UCC Accra Office, Tesano – Payment through Ghana Commercial Bank, Kaneshie Industrial Area Branch (Account Name: Accra Guest House – University of Cape Coast, Account No.: 1201130006903)
- Kumasi Workers College, Amakom
- All Ghana Post Offices at Regional and District Capitals
- I-J Consult, Millennium City, Kasoa
- All UCC College of Distance Education (CoDE) Study Centres – Payment via GCB Bankers Draft to “The Registrar, University of Cape Coast”
The cost of the scratch card is GH¢320.00 for Ghanaian applicants. The deadline for the sale of scratch cards and submission of completed application forms is Friday, 18 July 2025. All completed applications must be submitted to:
The Deputy Registrar
School of Graduate Studies
University of Cape Coast
Cape Coast
Entry Requirements
For PhD programmes, applicants must hold an MPhil or research-based MA/MEd/MSc/MBA in a relevant field. Candidates with non-research master’s degrees must have a CGPA of at least 3.5 and not more than one grade C+, including a B+ or better in Research Methods. Additional requirements include academic transcripts, three referee reports (one from a former lecturer), a 3-5 page research proposal, and potentially an interview.
For MPhil programmes, candidates must have at least a second-class honours degree or a non-research master’s degree with a CGPA of 2.5 or better. Applicants must also submit academic transcripts, two referee reports, a 2-3 page proposal, and may be required to pass a selection interview.
Programme Duration and Structure
PhD programmes span three years (36 months) and include one year of coursework and proposal development, followed by two years of thesis research and writing.
MPhil programmes last two years (24 months), with the first year focused on coursework and proposal development and the second year dedicated to thesis research.
Applicants with non-research degrees may be required to take additional courses during the programme.
Target Groups
These programmes are targeted at:
Tutors in the Colleges of Education in Ghana
Individuals seeking to teach in tertiary institutions
Heads of public and private institutions seeking academic advancement
Available Programmes
Graduate degree programmes are available in various Faculties, Schools, and Departments including:
- Faculty of Arts – Programmes in Ghanaian Languages, English, French, and Literature
- Faculty of Science and Technology Education – Programmes in Physical Education, Vocational and Technical Education, Science Education, Mathematics and ICT Education
- Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Education – Programmes in Curriculum and Teaching, Arts Education
- Faculty of Educational Foundations – Programmes in Basic Education, Psychology, Guidance and Counselling
- School of Educational Development and Outreach – Programmes in Educational Planning and Administration
- School of Agriculture – Programmes in Agricultural Engineering, Animal Science, Crop Science, Soil Science, Agricultural Economics and Extension
- School of Biological Sciences – Programmes in Conservation Biology, Entomology, Aquaculture, Fisheries Science, and Environmental Science
- School of Physical Sciences – Programmes in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics
Each programme may have specific additional entry requirements, including prior academic background and relevant professional experience. Applicants are encouraged to review the admission brochure carefully.
Contact Information
For more information, contact the School of Graduate Studies at:
Telephone: 03321 32480 Ext 230 or 237, 03321 35351, or 0207087976
Email: graduatestudies@ucc.edu.gh
Applicants are reminded to indicate the name of their institution or college at the back of their EMS envelope when submitting their application.
The University of Cape Coast remains committed to excellence in research, teaching, and academic development. Prospective students are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to advance their academic and professional goals through UCC’s world-class graduate education