Skip to main content

PhD in Social Policy Studies

intro

PhD in Social Policy Studies

Interested in pursuing advanced academic and professional careers in social policy? The PhD in Social Policy Studies at CSPS may be just right for you!

The coursework-based PhD programme began in 2014 to address the absence of higher-level training opportunities and the growing needs for advanced studies in social policy research to meet the developmental requirements for Ghana and the rest of the sub-Saharan African region.

APPLY NOW for the 2023-2024 academic year which begins in September 2023. 

This year we are offering a scholarship to one PhD appilcant who will be part of a research project and write a thesis with a focus on Frameworks and Incentive Systems for Sustainable Land Management. See here for details and to apply. 

Visit the website of the School of Graduate Studies for admission requirementsapplication instrutions and to apply through the online portal

 

Start date

Teaching will begin in September 2023.

Application deadline

30 June 2023

Duration

4 years

Minimum entry requirement

MA/MSc/MPhil in Social Policy or related disciplines with at least a second class upper

Location

University of Ghana, Legon Campus

The minimum entry requirements for the PhD in Social Policy Studies programme is masters in a related discipline or a very good first degree (at least a second class upper).

Admission to the PhD programme is very competitive. Meeting the minimum entry requirement does not guarantee you an offer of admission; candidates must pass an entrance examination and interview.

Find out more about post-graduate admissions here.

The PhD programme in Social Policy Studies is fee-paying.  The tuition fees you will need to pay will depend on whether you are a Ghanaian or international student.

Find out more about fees in the College of Humanities here.

The PhD in Social Policy Studies at CSPS is a four-year programme that provides students with both a analytical and research skills in the rea of policy.  The course is most relevant for individuals who want to pursue research and professional careers in social policy.

The programme has three main components: course work, seminars and a thesis.  There is also a six-month experiential learning period.

 

Courses

Year 1

(Semester 1)

Core Electives

Philosophy of the Social Sciences 

Financing Social Policy

Comparative Social Policy Theories

Human Capital Development 

Comparative Health Policies

Year 1

(Semester 2)

Advanced Quantitative Analysis & Data Management 

Advance Qualitative Analysis & Data Management

Advanced Public Policy Analysis

Poverty, Vulnerability and Social Inclusion

Contemporary Spatial Issues in Social Policy

Year 2

Experiential Learning & Seminar Presentations 

Thesis Writing

 
Years 3 & 4

Thesis writing

Seminar Presentations

 


Note: Beginning in the second year, students undertake independent research on a chosen topic under the guidance of supervisors.  To obtain a PhD, students must submit an original thesis and defend this thesis in an oral examination.

 

Interested? Contact us for more information at csps.ug.edu.gh