Graduate Admission

Overview

The Department of Agricultural Extension at the University of Ghana offers a range of graduate programmes designed to develop advanced knowledge, research capacity, and professional skills for individuals working in agriculture, rural development, and related fields. The department’s graduate programmes—M. Agric Extension, MPhil. Agricultural Extension, MSc. Extension and Livelihood Studies, and PhD. Agricultural Extension—blend rigorous academic training with practical experience to address contemporary challenges in agricultural innovation, communication, entrepreneurship, gender and development, and sustainable livelihoods. Students engage with courses such as Communication and Extension Methods for Innovation, Livelihoods and Climate Change, Value Chain Development and Commercialization of Agriculture, and Gender Planning and Development. The programmes prepare graduates to lead in research, policy, and practice within Ghana’s dynamic agricultural and development sectors.

 

Aims & Objectives

The graduate programmes aim to produce highly skilled professionals and researchers capable of generating and applying knowledge to enhance agricultural productivity, promote sustainable livelihoods, and support inclusive rural development. The specific objectives are to:

  • Strengthen students’ theoretical and practical understanding of agricultural extension, communication, and development work.
  • Build research capacity to design, conduct, and disseminate evidence-based studies addressing agricultural and rural development challenges.
  • Integrate cross-cutting themes such as gender, climate change, indigenous knowledge, and innovation systems into agricultural practice and policy.
  • Equip students with leadership, analytical, and managerial skills for effective planning, implementation, and evaluation of extension and livelihood programmes.
  • Prepare graduates to assume influential roles in academia, government, international development, and the private sector.

 

Career Prospects

Graduates from the department’s programmes are well-positioned for leadership and specialist roles across diverse sectors. Career opportunities include positions in:

  • Government ministries and agencies, such as the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.
  • Non-governmental and international development organizations focusing on agricultural extension, climate resilience, gender, and rural entrepreneurship.
  • Research and higher education institutions as lecturers, policy analysts, and research consultants.
  • Agribusiness and rural development projects, managing value chains, innovation systems, and community empowerment initiatives.

Typical career roles include Agricultural Extension Specialists, Development Consultants, Project Managers, Policy Analysts, Research Scientists, Lecturers, and Programme Coordinators. The advanced analytical and management skills gained from these programmes enable graduates to contribute to sustainable agricultural transformation in Ghana, Africa, and globally.

Tuition Methods

The department employs a combination of academic, participatory, and research-oriented approaches to enhance learning outcomes. Teaching methods include:

  • Lectures and seminars focusing on theoretical frameworks and current issues in agricultural extension and development.
  • Workshops and tutorials designed to build practical skills in communication, facilitation, and participatory development methods.
  • Research projects and theses that strengthen students’ capacity to generate and apply evidence-based knowledge.
  • Fieldwork and experiential learning involving collaboration with rural communities, NGOs, and agricultural institutions.
  • Case studies and group projects that encourage teamwork, innovation, and problem-solving.

 

Entry Requirement

Admission into the department’s graduate programmes follows the general regulations of the School of Graduate Studies, University of Ghana.

  • M. Agric Extension
    Applicants must hold a good Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agricultural Extension, or a related discipline from a recognized university. Relevant professional experience in agriculture or rural development is an added advantage. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview.
  • MPhil. Agricultural Extension
    Applicants must possess a good first degree (at least Second Class Upper) in Agriculture, Agricultural Extension, or a related field. Candidates may be required to submit a research proposal and attend an interview.
  • MSc. Extension and Livelihood Studies
    Applicants should hold a good Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Rural Development, Social Sciences, or related disciplines. The programme welcomes professionals seeking to strengthen their knowledge in livelihoods, entrepreneurship, and community development. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview.
  • PhD. Agricultural Extension
    Applicants must have a relevant Master’s degree in Agricultural Extension or a closely related field, along with demonstrated research competence. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview and required to submit a detailed research proposal aligned with the department’s thematic areas.

All applicants must also meet the University of Ghana’s general admission requirements and demonstrate proficiency in English, where applicable.

 

 

APPLICATION DEADLINE - Dates provided by the School of Graduate Studies apply.