The Regional Institute for Population Studies is, for the most part, a centre of postgraduate training. All degree programmes are postgraduate courses. However, short courses may be organised for specific groups or organizations as necessary. These short courses are generally related to RIPS’ areas of expertise – Population and demographic training, research methods and research writing.

DEGREE PROGRAMMES

Master of Arts in Population Studies (MA)
This is a 12- month full time programme which runs from August to July each year. Each student is required to pass ten core courses and four elective courses as well as write a dissertation on a topic of his/her choosing. Courses cover the areas of demographic thought and methods, statistical analyses, research theory and practice and interactions of demography with human behaviour and health.

Admission requirements: A good first degree (minimum of second class lower division) in any relevant field.

Master of Philosophy in Population Studies (MPhil)
A 24- month full time programme which entails all courses from the M.A. in Population Studies, as well as one year of research.

Admission requirements: A good record from the M. A. examination in Population Studies or in a relevant field from a recognized university.

Doctor of Philosophy in Population Studies (PhD)
This runs for 4 years full-time made up of a year of course study and 1 year of experiential study or 6 years part time. It is a research-only programme. However, a candidate with a masters’ degree in a field other than population studies may be required to audit courses in the M.A. programme.

Admission Requirements: A good record from M.Phil in Population Studies or an equivalent qualification from a recognized university.

How to Apply

Application for all degree programmes at RIPS is done through the University of Ghana Online Application Process. All applications must be submitted ONLINE at http://admission.ug.edu.gh on the purchase of the University of Ghana application e-voucher.

Admission of short-listed applicants may be subject to an interview.

Special Programmes

Sandwich Year at The Pennsylvania State University, USA
As a capacity building initiative for the RIPS PhD programme, doctoral students are funded by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation to undertake a research fellowship for one academic year at the Population Research Institute of Penn State University, Pennsylvania, USA. The year abroad affords recipients the opportunity to refine their dissertation proposals, write scholarly papers, attend major population and public health conferences, and get involved in the workings of a world renowned population research centre.

Doctoral Fellowships
Through its fellowship programme, RIPS offers post doctoral candidates who are committed to a career in teaching and research, the opportunity to mentor, lecture and train other students.

Short Courses at RIPS
RIPS organises short courses in demographic and population research, scholarly article writing and related areas for institutions and groups on demand. These short courses are tailored towards the needs of participating institutions and individuals.