Understanding Postgraduate studies
Choose your path: specialized expertise or professional development
There are two types of master’s degrees: those that focus on research (thesis-based) and those that are intended to prepare you for advanced professional practice (course-based). Your choice will depend on your own study preferences and professional goals.
If you are self-motivated and interested in developing your knowledge in a specialized area of research, thesis-based study is ideal. With this option, you can pursue research at the PhD level, work closely with a leader in your field and undertake a substantial research project. *
The course-based path may appeal to you if you are more interested in advancing your professional skillset. Some course-based master’s degrees are intended for students who have recently completed a bachelor’s degree, while others may require prior work experience for admission.
After completing a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree is normally the next step, though it’s sometimes possible to move directly into a PhD.
*Note: Some course-based research degrees allow you to pursue a PhD.
Graduate supervisors
Who is a supervisor?
A supervisor is a college member who oversees your research and the development
of your thesis.
When do I need one?
Some postgraduate programs require students obtain a supervisor prior to
application, whereas other programs will assign a supervisor upon admission.
The student/supervisor relationship
Your supervisor’s research interests should be similar to your own, and they
should be prepared to provide mentorship throughout your time in grad school.
Admission requirements
Applicants must hold or obtain the following minimum qualifications to be admitted to the Postgraduate School:
- Admission is open to candidates having a Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent with at a third class degree of Mountain Top University or any other University recognized by the Senate of Mountain Top University. Minimum duration of study for the award of the Postgraduate Diploma degree is one academic session for full-time.
- Mountain Top University or any other University recognized by the Senate of Mountain Top University. Candidates with a good first degree with a minimum of Second Class Lower Division from Mountain Top University, or any other university recognized by the senate of Mountain Top University may apply. Minimum duration of study for the award of the Masters degree is two academic sessions for full-time.
- Candidates seeking admission to the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) degree Programme of Mountain Top University must (in their relevant discipline) possess the Bachelor and Masters Degrees of Mountain Top University or any other University recognized by the Senate of Mountain Top University. To qualify for direct entry into the Ph.D degree programme, a candidate must have a minimum CGPA of 4.00 on a 5.00 point scale or equivalent (60%) in the Master’s (M.A/M.Sc/M.Eng/M.Tech) degree result. Candidates who postgraduated with CGPA of 3.50–3.99 on a 5.00 point scale or equivalent (55–59%) in the Master’s degree may be considered for M.Phil/Ph.D programme. Mountain Top University shall award M.Phil degree to M.Phil/Ph.D candidate who fails to meet up with a minimum CGPA of 4.00 upon the completion of coursework examination. Such candidate shall proceed to write a long essay/dissertation and upon successful defence of the dissertation would be awarded an M.Phil degree in the respective discipline.
- The M.Phil/Ph.D programme is intended to prepare candidates for the Ph.D degree. Candidates with professional Master’s degrees are not eligible for the Ph.D programme except they obtained M.Sc degrees in the relevant fields. The minimum duration of study for the award of Ph.D degree is three academic sessions for full-time mode.
Postgraduate School vs. your program
The Postgraduate School sets out the minimum qualifications for admission. However, postgraduate program requirements may call for higher scores, additional documentation and testing.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee entry into a postgraduate program as admission is competitive.
Find your program of interest to view its admission requirements.
Application process
- Choose a postgraduate program of interest and check its admission requirements
- Find a potential postgraduate supervisor, if required by the postgraduate program
- Prepare your documentation
- Calculate your tuition and fees
- Start your application online
Documents you will need
- Transcripts
- Study proposal
- Curriculum vitae
- Reference letters
- Standardized test score
Learn how to apply
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