Graduate Admission

Overview

The Department of Animal Science at the University of Ghana offers a comprehensive suite of postgraduate programs tailored to meet the diverse needs of the agricultural sector, ranging from professional management to high-level scientific research.

Below is an overview of the three primary graduate pathways:

1. Master of Agriculture (MAgric)

This is a 1-year professional degree designed for individuals seeking advanced practical knowledge rather than a career in pure research.

  • Best for: Farm managers, extension officers, and agricultural entrepreneurs.
  • Key Feature: Often described as "tailor-made," allowing students to focus on practical management and the application of existing scientific techniques to industry problems.
  • Structure: Primarily coursework-based with a shorter project report rather than a full research thesis.

2. Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

The MPhil is a 2-year research-oriented degree that serves as the standard path for those interested in academic or specialized technical roles.

  • Best for: Aspiring researchers, lecturers, and technical consultants.
  • Structure:
    • Year 1: Intensive coursework covering core advanced sciences and research methods.
    • Year 2: Full-time independent research culminating in a supervised thesis.
  • Core Focus: Mastering the scientific method, data analysis, and specialized laboratory or field techniques.

3. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The PhD is a 4-year terminal degree focused on original contribution to the field of Animal Science.

  • Best for: High-level academic careers, lead scientists in research institutes, and policy advisors.
  • Structure: * Includes advanced coursework and comprehensive examinations.
    • The majority of the program is spent on a major, original research project (Dissertation) that addresses a significant gap in agricultural knowledge.
  • Expectation: Graduates are expected to become authorities in their specific area of specialization.

Areas of Specialization

Across all three programs, students can choose to specialize in several high-demand disciplines:

Discipline

Key Focus Areas

Animal Nutrition

Feed formulation, proximate analysis, and energy metabolism.

Breeding & Genetics

Genotype classification, genetic improvement, and biodiversity.

Animal Physiology

Reproductive health, growth mechanics, and environmental adaptation.

Meat Science

Processing technology, quality control, and food safety.

Range & Forage Science

Pasture management and sustainable grazing systems.

Microbiology & Immunology

Disease prevention and animal health management.

 

 

Aims & Objectives

The primary goal is to foster a deep understanding of animal biology and production systems. The programs aim to:

  • Advance Food Security: Develop strategies to increase the efficiency of animal protein production (meat, milk, and eggs) to meet the growing global demand.
  • Promote Sustainable Practices: Research methods that minimize the environmental footprint of livestock farming while maximizing output.
  • Drive Innovation: Use biotechnology and modern analytical techniques to solve complex issues in animal health and nutrition.

Specific Educational Objectives

Students moving through the MAgric, MPhil, and PhD tracks work toward several key technical and professional milestones:

1. Mastery of Specialized Disciplines

The curriculum is designed to give students a high level of expertise in their chosen area of focus.

  • Animal Nutrition: Developing the skill to conduct proximate analysis and determine metabolizable energy in various feed ingredients.
  • Genetics & Breeding: Understanding the relationship between different genotypes and phenotypic traits to improve herd quality.
  • Physiology & Health: Mastering the internal mechanisms of animals to improve reproductive efficiency and disease resistance.

2. Research Proficiency

For MPhil and PhD candidates, a major objective is the ability to design and execute independent research. This includes:

  • Formulating research questions that address real-world agricultural gaps.
  • Applying statistical models to analyze data from trials.
  • Contributing original findings to the global scientific community through peer-reviewed publications.

3. Leadership and Extension Skills

The programs aim to produce more than just scientists; they seek to develop leaders who can:

  • Communicate Science: Translate complex research data into "best practice" advice for local farmers and stakeholders.
  • Policy Influence: Provide evidence-based recommendations to government bodies for the repositioning of animal agriculture.
  • Professional Ethics: Uphold high standards in animal welfare and research integrity.

4. Technical and Digital Competence

In an increasingly digital world, the programs emphasize the use of technology in agriculture, from using specialized software for genetic mapping to managing digital research databases and departmental information systems

 

Tutition Method

Lectures, group assignments, case studies/reviews, class presentations, project work, field visits and seminars.

 

Entry Requirement

1. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR MPHIL/MAGRIC ANIMAL SCIENCE

1.1 MPhil Animal Science (2-Year Programme)

  • Candidates must hold a good first degree in Animal Science, Agriculture, or a related field from a recognized university.
  • Candidates may be admitted directly into the programme after departmental screening (written/oral examination and interview).
  • Candidates should demonstrate strong research potential (e.g., undergraduate project work, publications, or research experience will be an advantage).

1.2 MAgric (1-Year Programme)

  • Candidates must hold a good first degree in Agriculture, Animal Science, or a related discipline from a recognized university.
  • Candidates should demonstrate capability to undertake graduate-level coursework and independent writing.

2. PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

2.1 MPhil Animal Science (2 Years)

  • Year 1: Students shall audit prescribed Level 600 courses. Candidates must pass all required courses to progress to Year 2.
  • Year 2: Students shall undertake thesis research in consultation with a supervisor(s).

Credit Requirements for Graduation:

  • Coursework: 18–24 credits

 

  • Seminar (I & II): 6 credits

 

  • Thesis: 30 credits

 

  • Total Credits: 54–60

 

2.2 MAgric (1 Year)

  • Year 1: Students shall audit prescribed Level 600 courses.
  • Extra 3 months: Candidates shall complete and submit a long essay/dissertation for assessment.
  • Credit Requirements for Graduation:
  • Coursework: 18–24 credits
  • Seminar (I): 3 credits
  • Long Essay/Dissertation: 6 credits
  • Total Credits: 27–33

3. ASSESSMENT AND PROGRESSION

3.1 MPhil Animal Science

  • Students must pass all Level 600 coursework in Year 1 before progressing to thesis research in Year 2.
  • A thesis proposal must be developed and defended before commencement of research.
  • Students shall present progress reports/seminars in the course of their research.
  • Successful completion and defense of the MPhil thesis is required for graduation.

3.2 MAgric

  • Students must pass all coursework within the stipulated 9 months.
  • A long essay/dissertation, supervised by a senior member, must be submitted within 3 months after completion of coursework.
  • The long essay/dissertation will be examined and defended orally.

4. DURATION OF PROGRAMMES

  • MPhil Animal Science: Two (2) academic years full-time.
  • MAgric: One (1) academic year full-time.

5. REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION

  • MPhil Animal Science: Candidates must obtain the required 54–60 credits, including successful defense of a thesis.
  • MAgric: Candidates must obtain the required 27–33 credits, including submission and defense of a long essay/dissertation.

In all cases, the University of Ghana Regulations in the Graduate Handbook shall apply.

  1. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR PhD ANIMAL SCIENCE

Two main categories of students will be expected to enrol for PhD programmes at UG: 

  1. Candidates applying with a first degree; and,
  2. Candidates applying with a Master’s degree. 

The admission requirements and progression in the PhD programme for the two categories of applicants are outlined below: