The Africa Centre of Excellence in Coastal Resilience (ACECoR) established under the World Bank Africa Centre of Excellence ( ACE) for Development Impact Project and hosted by the Centre for Coastal Management, University of Ghana Cape Coast, Ghana, invites suitably qualified national, regional and international applicants into its MPhil and PhD degree program.
MPhil and PhD students admitted to the ACECoR programme are eligible for a scholarship award to facilitate completion of the programme. The scholarships cover tuition, accommodation, monthly stipends and field research grants as well as other material and technical support. The scholarship will support students to present their innovative research results at local/international conferences and cover publication fees for research papers submitted to high impact journals. Continued funding support is contingent on academic output based on annual performance reviews.
University of Ghana Information
Established in 1948, University of Ghana is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Legon (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants), Greater Accra. This institution has also branch campuses in the following location(s): Korle-Bu, Accra City. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the National Accreditation Board, Ghana (National Accreditation Board, Ghana), University of Ghana (UG) is a very large (uniRank enrollment range: 30,000-34,999 students) coeducational higher education institution. University of Ghana (UG) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation degrees), bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study matrix below for further details. This 71 years old higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic record and grades. The admission rate range is 30-40% making this Ghanaian higher education organization a very selective institution. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
Eligibility Criteria
The ACECoR scholarships are available to all African nationals who meet admission requirements of the University of Cape Coast. Priority will be given to female applicants as well as applicants from West and Central African countries.
MPhil
The minimum admission requirement for the MPhil programmes is a first degree (Second Class Lower Division or equivalent) in a relevant Science or Engineering discipline, from a recognised university. In addition, the applicant must demonstrate strong interest in research, development and innovation in science and technology, as well as the ability to work optimally and independently in an international multidisciplinary environment.
PhD
The minimum admission requirement for the PhD programmes is a two- year master’s degree with research in a relevant Science or Engineering discipline or equivalent qualification from a recognised university. In addition, the applicant must demonstrate strong interest in research, development and innovation in science and technology, as well as the ability to work optimally and independently in an international multidisciplinary environment.
There are no restrictions based on age, gender, religion, nationality, ethnicity, disability and political orientation of the candidates.
Offered Benefits
ACECoR scholarships do not include visa fees or travel tickets. However, there will be administrative assistance with visa applications and airport pickup.
Duration of Award:
- Masters: The ACECoR MPhil programmes are designed as intensive modular courses with a research component. Students admitted to the programmes spend a 12-month period of learning on course modules and another 12 months on research.
- PhD: The ACECoR PhD programmes are designed as 36-month intensive full-time research programmes. Students in the programme spend 24 months on field research and data collection and 12 months for organising and writing their thesis, including attending relevant seminars and conferences to gain critical knowledge and/or present preliminary research results.
Dual Degree Option
Successful applicants have the option to pursue a dual degree awarded by University of Cape Coast and University of Rhode Island (USA). For further details visit: ACECoR Dual Degree Option
Application Process
For the 2023/2024 academic year intake, prospective candidates should apply to the listed MPhil and PhD Degree Programmes at University of Cape Coast (Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, and the Department of Applied Economics). Applicants must qualify for admission to master’s and doctorate programmes at University of Cape Coast (visit https://ucc.edu.gh/admission-notices/post-graduate-regular-programmes).
To apply, purchase the UCC admissions voucher and login to the online registration portal https://www.uccghanaportal.com/ with the PIN and SERIAL numbers (note that international students do not need a voucher). Access the graduate admissions brochure at https://sgs.ucc.edu.gh/sites/default/files/brochure2021.pdf. In addition, applicants are required to fill the online scholarship application form on the ACECoR website https://acecoradmissions.ucc.edu.gh/.
Required Documents:
All candidates must submit the following (indicating the preferred area of specialisation):
- Completed Scholarship Application form
- Certified true copy of academic certificates and transcripts
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Statement of Motivation
- Two (2) letters of recommendation (at least one from a former lecturer/supervisor)
- A 2-3 page research proposal in the preferred area of specialisation