TALI GRADUATE SCHOOL

Choosing a postgraduate programme in Ghana: What to check before you apply

Career goals, accreditation and evidence of graduate success should guide applicants’ decisions, says the registrar of TALI Graduate School.

Ghanaian and international students choosing a postgraduate programme should ask universities for evidence of graduate employment outcomes and check the accreditation of their chosen course before enrolling, Saviour Kodzo Nyamadie, registrar of TALI Graduate School of Southshore University College has advised.

He said applicants should assess whether a qualification would improve their skills, support their career ambitions and justify the financial commitment.

The starting point, he said, should be a clear understanding of what the applicant wants to achieve.

“What should come first is the career goals,” he said in an interview on choosing a postgraduate programme.

Academic interests, the university’s reputation and the cost of studying should then help applicants narrow their choices.

Check university and programme accreditation

Mr Nyamadie said applicants should investigate both the institution and the specific programme they intend to study.

For those considering postgraduate study in Ghana, he advised checking accreditation with the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) and establishing whether relevant professional bodies recognise the qualification.

“They must check whether the programme is accredited and then the university is also accredited,” he said.

That distinction makes checking the individual course an essential part of the application process, rather than relying solely on the university’s name or reputation.

Applicants should also examine the programme content and its intended learning outcomes to assess whether it supports their ambitions, he said.

Ask for evidence behind career promises

For applicants attracted by promises of better jobs, international connections or career advancement, Mr Nyamadie recommended asking institutions for specific evidence.

“Applicants should ask for graduate employability statistics, internship opportunities, industry partnerships,” he said.

He also encouraged prospective students to consider alumni experiences when assessing what a university offers.

These enquiries can help applicants judge whether the opportunities mentioned in promotional material are reflected in students’ experiences.

Describing TALI’s approach, Mr Nyamadie said it uses a network of international scholars to support networking and career development, and conducts tracer studies to follow students’ progress.

He said some students had reported promotions and improved workplace skills after joining its programmes. No figures or detailed findings were provided during the interview.

Taught master’s or research degree?

The choice of qualification should reflect the kind of work an applicant hopes to do, Mr Nyamadie said.

He described taught master’s programmes as a route to advanced knowledge and professional skills, particularly for people seeking to progress in an existing career.

Someone working in marketing, for example, might consider further study in marketing and communications to deepen their expertise.

Research degrees, including MPhil and PhD programmes, may suit applicants interested in research or academic careers, he said.

Those opportunities extend beyond teaching in universities to research and innovation roles in other organisations.

Can you balance postgraduate study with work?

For working applicants, the teaching timetable deserves close attention.

Mr Nyamadie said universities should structure programmes around the needs of their students, including people who work during the week and those whose jobs require weekend attendance.

Prospective students should examine delivery arrangements, who teaches the programme and whether classes can fit around their employment.

“I don’t want education … to conflict with my career or what I do,” he said. “I think the two should balance so that I will be able to get value.”

He identified financial constraints, work transfers, bereavement and illness as circumstances that can lead students to defer or withdraw.

His advice was to consider how studying would fit into everyday life alongside the academic benefits of the qualification.

What international students should check

International applicants should confirm entry requirements, the recognition of their previous qualifications and language requirements before applying, Mr Nyamadie said.

He mentioned that at TALI, certificates issued in French or other languages must be translated into English so they can be assessed.

He said fees for Ghanaian and international students are published on the institution’s website, while officers can help students find accommodation.

The school also provides supporting letters for immigration processes, he said, but does not issue visas or grant permission to remain in Ghana.

Applicants therefore need to distinguish between the assistance an institution offers and the immigration permissions they must secure.

Look at the skills a programme develops

Mr Nyamadie urged applicants to consider how their chosen university prepares students for changing workplace demands.

He said postgraduate education should connect classroom learning with practical application, allowing students to use their developing skills at work.

His final advice was to choose an institution with a clear approach to preparing students for what comes next.

“Choose a university that teaches you for the future, not now,” he said.