MPhil/MSc AND PHD PROGRAMMES
MPhil/MSc PROGRAMMES
INTRODUCTION
The Department of Earth Science has over the years mounted graduate programmes in various areas of the geosciences. During the process of running these programmes, it became apparent that there was a need for the Department to reorganize and revise them to meet current and contemporary challenges. The present extensive re-organization of the Department’s graduate programmes is to meet requests from industry and other end-users of our products and to accommodate global trends. The key thrust in the revision of the programmes stems from the inability of some of the students to complete MPhil programmes they are registered for after the completion of the first year of course work while other students show lack of research capacity during the second year of research.
The courses have been redesigned to reposition the Department to meet the challenges of the day, and also to allow students to window into specific areas of interests at the graduate level. The redesigning is also to introduce new codes to the courses to reflect the Department’s new name. The revised programmes are development-based aimed at strengthening the students in the chosen areas of specialization. The Department proposes two-phased graduate level courses for all graduate programmes. This means that a student interested in MPhil in any of our programmes must first complete a Master of Science (MSc) degree in that area before enrolling in MPhil. Thus, the Department will offer Master of Science (MSc) programmes by coursework, followed by research-based Master of Philosophy (MPhil). The widening of scope of the courses in the Department is to ensure diversification of our programmes beyond the scope of geology. The ultimate goal is to significantly increase intake of students taking courses in diverse areas in the earth sciences at the graduate level.
ENTRY REQUIREMENT
The entry point for all Master of Science programmes is a good Bachelors degree (with at least Second Class Lower Division equivalent). Students who wish to do the MSc programme will pursue a one year course work and a project and, graduate with MSc degree. However, MSc students in the Department who have completed the required coursework component with a minimum cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 at the end of the second semester and wish to transfer directly to the MPhil programme in same field may be considered. Such students will not be required to write the Project. Instead, such students would be required to proceed to the thesis option which will be for one academic year. Similarly, students who graduate with MSc degree may return later to be admitted to the thesis option, covering a one-year research work and graduate with MPhil degree provided they meet the conditions for such admission.
PHD PROGRAMMES
INTRODUCTION
The Doctor of Philosophy degree in Earth Science requires original research in a specific area of Earth Science, demonstration of broad knowledge in the following fields: Geology, Applied Geology, Applied Geophysics and Applied Geochemistry.
The successful candidate must demonstrate a breadth of understanding in Earth Science, as well as a depth of understanding in his or her chosen area(s) of emphasis. Potential students must show an ability to do creative research. This research should be carried out during a significant period of time (i.e. during at least one year or three semesters in residence). Thus, each successful PhD candidate will produce a significant piece of original research, presented in a written dissertation and defended in an oral examination. This work should be of such scope and quality that least one journal article can be derived from it.
Upon successful completion of the programme students will be awarded PhD in Earth Science with any one of the following options, depending on thesis area: Geology, Applied Geology, Applied Geophysics and Applied Geochemistry
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Admission to PhD programme in the Earth Science shall be a good Master’s degree (i.e., MPhil or MSc) in the relevant field. However, candidates with a good first degree may also apply. Such first degree holders shall take Level 600 courses in the first year. On completion of the Level 600 courses, they will be assessed, and may progress into PhD depending on performance.
DURATION OF PROGRAMME
The duration for the completion of PhD degree shall normally be four years for full-time master degree entrants and six years for part-time master degree entrants.
REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION
The following are the credits that a registered student is required to earn in order to graduate:
Coursework 18-24 Credits
Seminars 12 Credits
Thesis/Dissertation 45 Credits
Total 75-81 Credits