About Programme: 

The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) programme is a two year in duration, comprising coursework in the first year and thesis/research work in the second year.

Rational

Ghana is a protein-deficient country in which fish forms more than 60% of animal protein intake. There is however, a yawning fish demand gap that currently stands at about 450, 000 MT annually. Aquaculture had been recognised to have a great potential and offers the best long-term solution to the ever-increasing deficit in fish supply in Ghana. But lack of human capacity to support a thriving aquaculture development is one of the major limitations in the national effort to bridge the gap in fish demand and supply. The Department of Fisheries and aquatic Sciences therefore proposes to mount the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Aquaculture to address this problem. 

Entry Requirements: 

Prerequisites: 

1.  Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences with a Second Class Lower Division or higher
                                                                           OR
2. Bachelor's degree in Fisheries related course with a Second Class Lower Division or higher
3. In addition, candidates must pass an oral interview

 
Specific requirements for graduation: 
The course work assessment during the first year is based on assignments, reports from practical work as well as quizzes. These form 40% of the total exam mark. The End of Semester examinations constitute 60% of the total mark. A thesis research in the second year will starts after successfully completing the course work. Departmental seminar presentations are held to ascertain students’ progress and to allow faculty and other students make relevant inputs. The thesis is subjected to both external and internal review after submission by the student. If successful, an oral examination (viva) is held for the student. Upon successful defence, the department then recommends to the School of Graduate Studies to consider awarding the candidate for an award of MPhil degree in Aquaculture.

Target Group

1. First degree holders in Biological sciences and related fields. 
2. Workers in the aquaculture and fishing industry

Expected Output

1. Trained middle-level manpower to assist with teaching, research and extension in tertiary and other research institutions.
2. Personnel with managerial capacities in the aquaculture industry produced.
3. Graduates capable of training lower-level personnel in aquaculture institutions on aquaculture data collection produced.

 Progression Requirements 

For progression from Year 1 to Year 2, students should:

• Obtain a minimum grade of C in all first year courses 
• Present their research proposals successfully in a seminar  
• Must make good progress on the research activities and submit one progress report to the Department and UCC School of Graduate Studies (SGS)
• Must participate in at least 75% of the regular seminars organized by Department and SGS

Graduation Requirements 

Candidates will be considered successful if his/her MPhil thesis:

• Passes both internal and external assessment (60% minimum score)
• Is successfully defended in a viva voce (60% minimum score)

In addition, candidate must satisfy all SGS and UCC requirement.

Goal / Aim / Objectives: 

The main goal of the MPhil programme in Aquaculture is to produce a high level personnel to develop and sustain a vibrant aquaculture industry in Ghana. The specific objectives are to:

1. Equip the students with knowledge and hands-on skills in aquaculture 
2. Train the students in the relevant research and teaching skills 
3. develop in the students, competencies in problem solving and policy formulation in aquaculture 
4. Develop aquaculture entrepreneurial skills in the students.

Career Opportunities: 

You can find jobs in the following areas:

1. Government agencies like Fisheries Ministry
2. NGOs engaged in aquatic environmental campaign
3. Industries in fish processing and canning
4. Firms engaged in commercial fishing.