The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is one of the biggest universities in Nigeria. It is special because students do not need to attend classes every day. Instead, they study at their own pace and from any place in Nigeria. This makes it a good choice for people who work or have other things to do but still want to continue their education.
NOUN offers many postgraduate courses. These courses help people get more knowledge and skills after they finish their first degree. If you want to study for a master’s degree or a PhD, NOUN has many options for you.
What is a postgraduate course
A postgraduate course is a higher level of education that comes after a first degree. A first degree is also called a bachelor’s degree. People who finish a bachelor’s degree and want to study more can go for a postgraduate course.
There are two main types of postgraduate courses:
1. Master’s degree: This is the first level of postgraduate study. It takes one to two years to complete.
2. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD): This is the highest level of education. It takes at least three years to finish.
Some postgraduate courses also offer a postgraduate diploma (PGD). This is not a master’s degree, but it is higher than a first degree. It is for people who want to improve their skills in a specific field.
Why choose NOUN for postgraduate studies
There are many reasons why people choose NOUN for their postgraduate studies. Here are some of them:
1. Flexible learning: NOUN allows students to study at their own pace. There are no strict classroom schedules.
2. Study from anywhere: Students can study from any part of Nigeria. There is no need to move to another city.
3. Lower cost: NOUN is more affordable than many other universities in Nigeria.
4. No strike: NOUN does not go on strike like other public universities. This means students can complete their studies on time.
5. Good for working people: People who work can study without leaving their jobs.
Faculties offering postgraduate courses at NOUN
NOUN has different faculties that offer postgraduate courses. These faculties cover many areas of study. They include:
1. Faculty of Agricultural Sciences
2. Faculty of Arts
3. Faculty of Education
4. Faculty of Health Sciences
5. Faculty of Law
6. Faculty of Management Sciences
7. Faculty of Sciences
8. Faculty of Social Sciences
Each faculty has different postgraduate courses. Below, we will look at the courses available in each faculty.
Faculty of Agricultural Sciences
The Faculty of Agricultural Sciences offers courses that help students learn more about farming, food production, and the environment. Some of the postgraduate courses in this faculty include:
1. Postgraduate Diploma in Agricultural Extension and Management
2. Postgraduate Diploma in Crop Production and Protection
3. Master of Science in Agricultural Extension and Rural Development
4. Master of Science in Crop Production and Protection
Faculty of Arts
The Faculty of Arts focuses on subjects like history, languages, and communication. Some of the postgraduate courses in this faculty include:
1. Postgraduate Diploma in Christian Theology
2. Master of Arts in Christian Theology
3. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Christian Theology
Faculty of Education
The Faculty of Education trains students to become better teachers and education experts. Some of the postgraduate courses in this faculty include:
1. Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE)
2. Master of Education (M.Ed) in Educational Administration and Planning
3. Master of Education (M.Ed) in Guidance and Counselling
4. Master of Education (M.Ed) in Science Education
5. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Educational Administration
Faculty of Health Sciences
The Faculty of Health Sciences helps students learn more about health, diseases, and how to take care of people. Some of the postgraduate courses in this faculty include:
1. Postgraduate Diploma in HIV/AIDS Education and Management
2. Master of Public Health (MPH)
Faculty of Law
The Faculty of Law is for people who want to learn more about law and legal studies. Some of the postgraduate courses in this faculty include:
1. Master of Laws (LLM)
2. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law
Faculty of Management Sciences
The Faculty of Management Sciences offers courses for people who want to work in business, finance, and management. Some of the postgraduate courses in this faculty include:
1. Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration
2. Master of Business Administration (MBA)
3. Master of Science (MSc) in Public Administration
4. Master of Science (MSc) in Business Administration
Faculty of Sciences
The Faculty of Sciences offers courses in science and technology. Some of the postgraduate courses in this faculty include:
1. Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology
2. Master of Science (MSc) in Information Technology
3. Master of Science (MSc) in Environmental Science and Resource Management
4. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Information Technology
Faculty of Social Sciences
The Faculty of Social Sciences focuses on subjects like economics, political science, and mass communication. Some of the postgraduate courses in this faculty include:
1. Postgraduate Diploma in Mass Communication
2. Master of Science (MSc) in Mass Communication
3. Master of Science (MSc) in Economics
4. Master of Science (MSc) in Political Science
5. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Mass Communication
How to apply for NOUN postgraduate courses
If you want to study a postgraduate course at NOUN, you need to follow these steps:
1. Visit the NOUN official website.
2. Click on the postgraduate admission section.
3. Choose the course you want to study.
4. Fill out the online application form.
5. Pay the application fee.
6. Upload the required documents.
7. Submit your application.
After you apply, NOUN will review your application. If you meet the requirements, you will receive an admission letter.
Admission requirements for NOUN postgraduate courses
Each course has different admission requirements, but here are the general requirements:
1. For a postgraduate diploma, you need a bachelor’s degree or a Higher National Diploma (HND).
2. For a master’s degree, you need a bachelor’s degree with at least a second-class lower division.
3. For a PhD, you need a master’s degree in a related field.
How long does it take to complete NOUN postgraduate courses
The time required to complete a postgraduate course depends on the level of study. Here is a general guide:
1. A postgraduate diploma takes one year.
2. A master’s degree takes one to two years.
3. A PhD takes at least three years.
School fees for NOUN postgraduate courses
The school fees for NOUN postgraduate courses vary depending on the course. However, NOUN is more affordable compared to other universities in Nigeria. Students also have the option to pay in installments.
See Also: List of New Federal Universities in Nigeria
Conclusion
The National Open University of Nigeria offers many postgraduate courses in different fields. These courses are flexible and affordable, making them a good choice for people who want to continue their education without leaving their jobs or moving to another city. If you want to study for a postgraduate diploma, master’s degree, or PhD, NOUN has many options for you.
If you are interested in any of these courses, you can visit the NOUN official website and apply today.
