NOUN Postgraduate Courses 2025 – Full List & Requirements

Explore the comprehensive list of NOUN Postgraduate Courses for 2025 (PGD, M.Sc, Ph.D). Get detailed admission requirements for each program at the National Open University of Nigeria and learn how to secure your spot.

Are you ready to take your academic and professional journey to the next level? The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) offers a wide array of postgraduate programs designed to equip you with advanced knowledge, specialized skills, and research expertise.

Whether your goal is career advancement, a deeper understanding of your field, or contributing new knowledge through research, NOUN’s flexible learning model makes it possible. For the 2025 academic year, NOUN continues to provide diverse Postgraduate Diploma (PGD), Master’s (M.Sc, M.A, MBA, etc.), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) courses.

This guide will give you a comprehensive overview of the available NOUN postgraduate programs and their specific requirements, helping you choose the perfect fit for your aspirations.

Why Choose NOUN for Your Postgraduate Degree?

NOUN stands out for several reasons, making it an attractive choice for postgraduate students:

  • Flexibility: As an Open and Distance Learning (ODL) institution, NOUN allows you to study at your own pace and from anywhere, making it ideal for working professionals and those with other commitments.
  • Affordability: Compared to many conventional universities, NOUN’s fee structure is often more accessible, breaking down costs into manageable semester-based payments.
  • Accessibility: With study centers nationwide, you can access support and conduct examinations conveniently.
  • Quality Education: NOUN’s programs are accredited, and its certificates are widely recognized, ensuring you receive a quality education.
  • Diverse Programs: A wide range of courses across various disciplines ensures there’s something for almost every academic interest.

General Admission Requirements for NOUN Postgraduate Programs 2025

Before diving into specific courses, it’s essential to understand the foundational requirements applicable to all postgraduate applicants at NOUN:

  1. O’Level Credits: A minimum of five (5) credit passes, including English Language and Mathematics, obtained at not more than two sittings in SSCE/GCE/NECO/NABTEB examinations. Some programs, particularly in Arts/Humanities, might accept a pass in Mathematics.
  2. Academic Transcripts: Official academic transcripts from all previously attended institutions (university/polytechnic) must be sent directly from the awarding institution to the Secretary, School of Postgraduate Studies, National Open University of Nigeria, Abuja. This is a critical step and often the cause of delays if not handled promptly.
  3. NYSC Certificate: For Nigerian graduates, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Discharge Certificate or Certificate of Exemption is required.
  4. Birth Certificate/Declaration of Age: A valid document confirming your date of birth.
  5. Passport Photograph: Recent passport-sized photographs.

NOUN Postgraduate Courses: Breakdown by Faculty and Level

Here’s a detailed, though not exhaustive, list of popular postgraduate courses offered at NOUN for 2025, along with their specific entry requirements.

📚 Further Reading

Please note that exact offerings can be updated, so always confirm on the official NOUN School of Postgraduate Studies website: https://nou.edu.ng/pg-school/ or https://www.nouonline.nou.edu.ng.

1. Faculty of Arts

  • PGD Christian Religious Studies
    • Requirements: Bachelor’s degree (minimum Pass) or HND (minimum Lower Credit) in a related discipline.
  • M.A. Christian Religious Studies (Various Options: Old Testament, New Testament, Church History, Philosophy of Religion, African Traditional Religion, Systematic Theology, Pastoral Theology)
    • Requirements: Bachelor’s degree (minimum 2:2) in Christian Religious Studies or related field, or a PGD in Christian Religious Studies.
  • Ph.D. Christian Theology (Various Options)
    • Requirements: Master’s degree (minimum 60% average or 4.0 CGPA on a 5-point scale) in Christian Religious Studies or related theological discipline. Research proposal and interview required.
  • M.A. English (Language, Literature in English, Comparative Literature)
    • Requirements: Bachelor’s degree (minimum 2:2) in English or Literature, or a PGD in a related field.
  • Ph.D. English Language
    • Requirements: Master’s degree (minimum 60% average or 4.0 CGPA on a 5-point scale) in English Language. Research proposal and interview required.
  • PGD Islamic Studies
    • Requirements: Bachelor’s degree (minimum Pass) or HND (minimum Lower Credit) in a related discipline.
  • M.A. Islamic Studies
    • Requirements: Bachelor’s degree (minimum 2:2) in Islamic Studies or related field, or a PGD in Islamic Studies.

2. Faculty of Education

  • PGD Education (PGDE)
    • Requirements: Bachelor’s degree (minimum Pass) in any discipline from a recognized university. This PGD is for non-education graduates seeking a career in teaching.
  • M.Ed. Educational Administration and Planning
    • Requirements: Bachelor’s degree (minimum 2:2) in Education or a PGD in Education.
  • M.Ed. Educational Technology
    • Requirements: Bachelor’s degree (minimum 2:2) in Education or a PGD in Education/Educational Technology.
  • M.Ed. Guidance and Counselling
    • Requirements: Bachelor’s degree (minimum 2:2) in Education (Guidance and Counselling) or a PGD in Guidance and Counselling.
  • M.Ed. Science Education
    • Requirements: Bachelor’s degree (minimum 2:2) in Science Education or a PGD in Education/Science Education.
  • Ph.D. Educational Administration
    • Requirements: Master’s degree (minimum 60% average or 4.0 CGPA on a 5-point scale) in Educational Administration or a closely related field. Research proposal and interview required.
  • Ph.D. Educational Technology
    • Requirements: Master’s degree (minimum 60% average or 4.0 CGPA on a 5-point scale) in Educational Technology or related field. Research proposal and interview required.
  • Ph.D. Science Education
    • Requirements: Master’s degree (minimum 60% average or 4.0 CGPA on a 5-point scale) in Science Education. Research proposal and interview required.
  • Ph.D. Mathematics Education
    • Requirements: Master’s degree (minimum 60% average or 4.0 CGPA on a 5-point scale) in Mathematics Education or related field. Research proposal and interview required.

3. Faculty of Law

  • PGD Legislative Drafting
    • Requirements: A Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree from a recognized university and must have been called to the Nigerian Bar.
  • LL.M (Master of Laws)
    • Requirements: Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree with a minimum of Second Class Lower (2:2) from a recognized university.
  • Ph.D. Law
    • Requirements: Master of Laws (LL.M) degree from an approved university with a weighted average of not less than 60% or a minimum CGPA of 4.0 on a 5.0-point scale. A qualifying examination or interview may be conducted.

4. Faculty of Management Sciences

  • PGD Business Administration
    • Requirements: Bachelor’s degree (minimum Pass) or HND (minimum Lower Credit) in a relevant discipline.
  • Master of Business Administration (MBA)
    • Requirements: Bachelor’s degree (minimum 2:2) in Business Administration, Management Sciences, or a related field; or a PGD in Business Administration.
  • M.Sc. Business Administration
    • Requirements: Bachelor’s degree (minimum 2:2) in Business Administration or a PGD in Business Administration.
  • Ph.D. Business Administration
    • Requirements: Master’s degree (minimum 60% average or 4.0 CGPA on a 5-point scale) in Business Administration or Management Sciences. Research proposal and interview required.
  • PGD Public Administration
    • Requirements: Bachelor’s degree (minimum Pass) or HND (minimum Lower Credit) in any discipline.
  • Master of Public Administration (MPA)
    • Requirements: Bachelor’s degree (minimum 2:2) in Public Administration or related field; or a PGD in Public Administration.
  • M.Sc. Public Administration
    • Requirements: Bachelor’s degree (minimum 2:2) in Public Administration or a PGD in Public Administration.
  • Ph.D. Public Administration
    • Requirements: Master’s degree (minimum 60% average or 4.0 CGPA on a 5-point scale) in Public Administration or related field. Research proposal and interview required.
  • PGD Entrepreneurship
    • Requirements: Bachelor’s degree (minimum Pass) or HND (minimum Lower Credit) in any discipline.
  • M.Sc. Entrepreneurship
    • Requirements: Bachelor’s degree (minimum 2:2) in relevant discipline or a PGD in Entrepreneurship.
  • Ph.D. Entrepreneurship
    • Requirements: Master’s degree (minimum 60% average or 4.0 CGPA on a 5-point scale) in Entrepreneurship or related field. Research proposal and interview required.
  • PGD Cooperative and Rural Development
  • M.Sc. Cooperative and Rural Development
  • PGD Financial Management
  • M.Sc. Financial Management
  • PGD Marketing
  • M.Sc. Marketing

5. Faculty of Sciences

  • PGD Computer Science
    • Requirements: Bachelor’s degree (minimum Pass) or HND (minimum Lower Credit) in Computer Science, ICT, or a related field.
  • M.Sc. Computer Science
    • Requirements: Bachelor’s degree (minimum 2:2) in Computer Science, or a PGD in Computer Science.
  • M.Sc. Information Technology
    • Requirements: Bachelor’s degree (minimum 2:2) in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field, or a PGD in Information Technology.
  • Ph.D. Computer Science
    • Requirements: Master’s degree (minimum 60% average or 4.0 CGPA on a 5-point scale) in Computer Science. Research proposal and interview required.
  • Ph.D. Information Technology
    • Requirements: Master’s degree (minimum 60% average or 4.0 CGPA on a 5-point scale) in Information Technology, Computer Science/IT, Electrical/Electronics Engineering. Research proposal and interview required.
  • PGD Environmental Science and Resource Management
  • M.Sc. Environmental Science and Resource Management
  • Ph.D. Environmental Science and Resource Management
  • PGD Chemistry
  • M.Sc. Chemistry (Various Specializations: Analytical, Environmental, Organic, Industrial)
  • Ph.D. Chemistry (Various Specializations)
  • PGD Mathematics
  • M.Sc. Mathematics (Applied, Pure)
  • Ph.D. Mathematics
  • PGD Physics
  • M.Sc. Physics (Environmental & Radiation, Theoretical, Electronics, Solid State, Applied Geophysics)
  • Ph.D. Physics (Various Specializations)
  • M.Sc. Artificial Intelligence
  • M.Sc. Cybersecurity
  • M.Sc. Management Information Systems
  • Ph.D. Artificial Intelligence
  • Ph.D. Cyber Security
  • Ph.D. Management Information Systems

6. Faculty of Social Sciences

  • PGD Mass Communication
    • Requirements: Bachelor’s degree (minimum Pass) or HND (minimum Lower Credit) in Mass Communication or a related discipline.
  • M.Sc. Mass Communication
    • Requirements: Bachelor’s degree (minimum 2:2) in Mass Communication or related field, or a PGD in Mass Communication.
  • Ph.D. Mass Communication
    • Requirements: Master’s degree (minimum 60% average or 4.0 CGPA on a 5-point scale) in Mass Communication or related field. Research proposal and interview required.
  • PGD Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
    • Requirements: Bachelor’s degree (minimum Pass) or HND (minimum Lower Credit) in any discipline.
  • M.Sc. Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
    • Requirements: Bachelor’s degree (minimum 2:2) in Social Sciences, Arts, or related field; or a PGD in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution.
  • Ph.D. Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
    • Requirements: Master’s degree (minimum 60% average or 4.0 CGPA on a 5-point scale) in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution or a closely related field. Research proposal and interview required.
  • PGD Criminology and Security Studies
  • M.Sc. Criminology and Security Studies
  • Ph.D. Criminology and Security Studies
  • PGD Economics
  • M.Sc. Economics
  • PGD Tourism Studies
  • M.Sc. Tourism Studies

7. Faculty of Agricultural Sciences

  • PGD Agricultural Extension and Management
  • M.Sc. Agricultural Extension and Management

8. Faculty of Health Sciences

  • PGD Public Health
  • Master of Public Health (MPH)
  • Ph.D. Public Health

Note: This list represents a significant portion of NOUN’s postgraduate offerings but may not be exhaustive. For the most precise and up-to-date list, including any new programs or specializations, always refer to the official NOUN School of Postgraduate Studies website: https://nou.edu.ng/pg-school/.

How to Apply for NOUN Postgraduate Courses 2025

The application process is entirely online. Here’s a brief reminder of the steps:

  1. Visit the NOUN application portal: https://www.nouonline.nou.edu.ng.
  2. Click on “Apply for Admission.”
  3. Select “Postgraduate Programme.”
  4. Choose your desired Faculty and Programme.
  5. Generate your Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR) for the application fee (₦7,500 for PGD/Master’s, ₦10,000 for Ph.D).
  6. Make payment online or at any bank.
  7. Return to the portal, click “Continue After Payment,” and complete your application form, uploading all required documents.
  8. Submit your form and print your acknowledgment slip.
  9. Crucially, arrange for your academic transcripts to be sent directly to the NOUN School of Postgraduate Studies.

Important Tips for a Successful Application

  • Verify Requirements: Double-check the specific requirements for your chosen program on the NOUN website.
  • Prepare Documents: Have all your academic certificates, birth certificate, NYSC certificate, and a clear passport photograph ready in soft copy for upload.
  • Transcripts are Key: Initiate the process for your transcripts to be sent to NOUN well in advance. This is often the longest part of the application.
  • Research Proposal (Ph.D): For Ph.D applicants, invest time in crafting a compelling research proposal as it’s a significant part of your application.
  • Stay Updated: Regularly check this page or the NOUN official website (https://nou.edu.ng) and the School of Postgraduate Studies page (https://nou.edu.ng/pg-school/) for any new announcements or changes.

FAQs About NOUN Postgraduate Courses 2025

Q1: Is it compulsory to have an NYSC certificate to apply for NOUN postgraduate courses?

A: Yes, for Nigerian graduates, an NYSC Discharge Certificate or Certificate of Exemption is a compulsory requirement for postgraduate admission at NOUN.

Q2: Can I apply for a NOUN Master’s degree with an HND?

A: No, generally, an HND is accepted for Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) programs. For Master’s degrees, a Bachelor’s degree (minimum 2:2) or a PGD in a relevant field is typically required.

Q3: What is the required CGPA for Ph.D admission at NOUN?

A: For Ph.D admission, a Master’s degree with a minimum weighted average of 60% or a CGPA of 4.0 on a 5.0-point scale is generally required. Some departments may have higher CGPA requirements.

Q4: How do I send my transcripts to NOUN for postgraduate admission?

A: You must contact your former university or polytechnic and request them to send your official academic transcripts directly to the “Secretary, School of Postgraduate Studies, National Open University of Nigeria, Plot 91, Cadastral Zone, Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway, Jabi, Abuja.”

Q5: Are the NOUN postgraduate programs accredited?

A: Yes, all National Open University of Nigeria programs, including postgraduate courses, are accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

Q6: Can I change my course after applying for a postgraduate program at NOUN?

A: It is generally not advisable to change your course after submitting your application. It’s best to carefully review the program requirements and ensure it aligns with your academic background and career goals before applying. If a change is absolutely necessary, you might have to initiate a new application.

Q7: What if my O’level Mathematics is a Pass, not a Credit?

A: While English Language and Mathematics credits are generally compulsory, some postgraduate programs (especially in Arts/Humanities) might consider a pass in Mathematics, particularly if your O’level was obtained before 2016.

However, for most Science, Management, and professional courses, a credit in Mathematics is strictly enforced. Always verify the specific program requirements.

Conclusion: Your Academic Future with NOUN Awaits!

The National Open University of Nigeria offers a robust and flexible pathway to advanced academic qualifications through its diverse range of postgraduate courses for 2025. By carefully reviewing the full list of programs and understanding their specific requirements, you can make an informed decision and embark on a fulfilling educational journey.

Take the first step today towards enhancing your knowledge, expertise, and career prospects with NOUN. Your academic future is within reach!

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