The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) stands as Nigeria’s premier Open and Distance Learning (ODL) institution, offering unmatched flexibility, accessibility, and high-quality academic delivery. For professionals, workers, and individuals seeking to advance their academic credentials without putting their careers on hold, NOUN’s School of Postgraduate Studies (SPGS) provides an ideal platform.

Whether you are looking to acquire practical industry skills through a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD), build advanced academic expertise via a Master’s degree (M.Sc./M.A./M.Ed.), or pioneer original research through a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme, NOUN offers comprehensive pathways across diverse fields.

Why Choose NOUN for Postgraduate Studies?

1. Unrivaled Flexibility: NOUN allows you to study at your own pace, choosing your learning environment and managing your academic schedule around work and family.

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2. Global Accreditation: All postgraduate courses are fully accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC), ensuring your degree is recognized globally and by employers nationwide.

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3. No Strike Actions: NOUN operates on a highly stable academic calendar unaffected by the industrial actions that frequently disrupt conventional public universities.

4. Widespread Study Centres: With over 100 study centres distributed across the 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), you can take exams and access administrative support close to home.

For detailed updates on national university rankings, general admission updates, and general information, you can always visit Wealthinfo for top-tier educational guides.

Available Postgraduate Programmes

NOUN’s postgraduate offerings are structured into three main levels across various faculties:

1. Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) Programmes

Designed to bridge knowledge gaps for those switching career paths or transitioning from HND to Master’s degrees. Popular options include:

• Faculty of Education: Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE).

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• Faculty of Management Sciences: PGD in Business Administration, Public Administration, and Entrepreneurship.

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• Faculty of Social Sciences: PGD in Mass Communication, Economics, Criminology and Security Studies, and Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution.

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• Faculty of Sciences: PGD in Information Technology.

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• Faculty of Law: PGD in Legislative Drafting.

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2. Master’s Degree Programmes (M.Sc., M.A., M.Ed., LLM, MBA, MPA)

Tailored for those seeking to specialize or ascend to leadership positions.

• Business & Administration: Masters in Business Administration (MBA), Masters in Public Administration (MPA), and academic Master of Science (M.Sc.) degrees in Management, Accounting, and Entrepreneurship.

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• Humanities & Social Sciences: M.A. English (with various specializations), M.A. Christian Religious Studies, M.A. Islamic Studies, M.Sc. Mass Communication, and M.Sc. Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution.

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• Sciences & Technology: M.Sc. Information Technology, M.Sc. Cyber Security, and specialized Chemistry pathways.

• Education & Health: M.Ed. (Educational Technology, Guidance and Counselling, Administration and Planning) and M.Sc. Public Health.

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3. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Programmes

For advanced research in fields such as Education, English, Christian Religious Studies, Information Technology, Cyber Security, and Management Information Systems.

General Admission Requirements

To secure admission into NOUN’s postgraduate school, candidates must satisfy the following core criteria:

O’Level Requirements

• A minimum of five (5) credit passes in WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, or equivalent examinations.

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• Credits in English Language and Mathematics are mandatory for almost all programmes. (Note: Some specific programmes, especially in the Faculty of Arts or Social Sciences, may accept a pass in Mathematics under strict conditions depending on the year of graduation).

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Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) Entry Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree (minimum of a Pass) from a university recognized by the Senate of NOUN.

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• OR a Higher National Diploma (HND) with a minimum of a Lower Credit from a recognized polytechnic/institution.

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• For the PGD in Legislative Drafting, the applicant must hold an LL.B and have been called to the Nigerian Bar.

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Master’s Degree Entry Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of a Second Class Lower Division from a recognized university in a relevant field of study.

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• Alternatively, candidates with a lower class degree (e.g., Third Class) plus a recognized Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in a related discipline may be considered.

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• HND holders must possess a relevant PGD with a minimum classification of Lower Credit.

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Entry Requirements

• A Master’s degree in a relevant discipline from NOUN or any university recognized by the Senate, with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of at least 3.50 on a 5.00 scale (or a minimum weighted score average of 60%).

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• Submission of a brief research proposal, CV, and academic transcripts.

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

Applying to NOUN is a seamless, automated online process. Follow these steps to register successfully:

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

Before spending money, visit the official registration portal to check if your academic profile meets the requirements of your chosen course. You can check Wealthinfo’s admission guidelines for practical advice on processing university credentials.

Step 2: Generate RRR for Payment

1. Go to the official NOUN admission portal: nouonline.net.

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2. Click on Apply for Admission.

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3. Select Postgraduate Programme (or Doctoral if applying for a PhD).

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4. Choose your Faculty and preferred programme to generate a pre-payment form.

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5. On successful submission, you will be redirected to Remita to obtain a unique Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR) invoice.

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Step 3: Make Payment

• You can pay online instantly using your debit card (Mastercard, Visa, Verve) or print the Remita invoice and pay at any commercial bank branch nationwide.

• Postgraduate application fee: ₦7,500

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• PhD application fee: ₦10,000 / ₦20,000 (depending on the doctoral stream).

Step 4: Complete and Submit the Application Form

1. After payment, return to the NOUN portal and click Proceed.

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2. Enter your payment details to access the actual application form.

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3. Fill in your personal details, O’Level results, and higher academic qualifications.

4. Upload clear scanned copies of your credentials and a passport photograph.

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5. Submit the form online. The screening process is automated, and your admission letter is often generated almost instantly (except for PhD applications, which require department screenings and interviews).

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Step 5: Document Verification at Study Centre

Print out your application form, payment receipt, and the generated admission letter. Take these alongside your original academic certificates, birth certificate, and transcripts to your chosen NOUN Study Centre for verification and clearance.

Important Tips for Prospective NOUN Postgraduate Students

• Transcripts: If you completed your first degree or PGD at an institution other than NOUN, you must contact your alma mater to forward your official academic transcripts directly to the Secretary, School of Postgraduate Studies, NOUN.

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• Workplace Experience: For some specialized PGDs (such as Education or Management courses), relevant work experience may be evaluated by the university as part of your eligibility assessment.

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• Stay Updated: Always ensure you verify current fees and course availability directly on the official school portal. For secondary resources, school news, and career guides, leverage resources like Wealthinfo to stay ahead of registration deadlines and tips.