Exploring Postgraduate Study Options at the National University of Lesotho

The National University of Lesotho (NUL) offers a wide array of postgraduate programs for students looking to advance their academic and professional careers. These programs span various faculties, including Agriculture, Education, Humanities, Law, Science and Technology, and Social Sciences. Understanding the different course offerings and their admission requirements is the first step toward pursuing advanced studies at NUL. This guide provides an overview of the postgraduate diplomas, master’s degrees, and doctoral programs available, along with general admission criteria.

Faculty of Agriculture Postgraduate Programs

The Faculty of Agriculture at NUL provides opportunities for advanced study in several key areas. Master’s degrees are typically two-year programs, though some are currently under review. These include Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Extension, Crop Science, and Soil Science. To be admitted to these master’s programs, applicants generally need a B.Sc. Agriculture or an equivalent degree with a minimum of a Second Class, Second Division or C Grade, and an average of 70% in their core subject courses.

For those interested in Animal Science, a Master of Science degree is also offered, usually spanning two years and also under review. Admission requirements typically include holding at least a Second Class Honours degree from a recognized institution. Furthermore, candidates must have achieved a grade equivalent to at least Second Class – Second Division (60%) in courses relevant to their intended research area.

Doctorate degree programs are also available in Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Extension, Crop Science, and Soil Science. The minimum requirement for admission into a Ph.D. program is an M.Sc. degree in the relevant field or its equivalent. These doctoral programs generally have a duration of not less than four years. A Ph.D. in Animal Science is also offered, requiring candidates to hold a Master’s degree with coursework and thesis in the relevant area from NUL or an equivalent institution. Candidates who haven’t met specific M.Sc. coursework requirements may need to take remedial courses.

Faculty of Education Postgraduate Programs

The Faculty of Education offers a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE), which can be completed in one year full-time or two years part-time. Admission to the PGDE program requires a relevant degree from a recognized university, with the degree program including substantial studies in recognized teaching subjects. Applicants are expected to have majored in at least two teaching subjects at the undergraduate level.

A Bachelor of Education (Honours) degree is also available. The standard entry requirements include a minimum of a credit in PGDE or a 2:2 in a B.Ed. Secondary, B.Ed. Primary, or any equivalent qualification. For master’s degrees, the Faculty offers Master of Arts in Education (MA.Ed.) and Master of Education (M.Ed.), both typically two-year full-time programs. Admission usually requires a second-class – second division (2.ii) in a B.Ed., B.A.Ed., or B.A. plus PGDE, or other equivalent qualifications, along with two years of relevant work experience.

A Master of Science in Education (M.Sc.Ed.) is a two-year full-time program designed for degree holders with some background in education. The Faculty also offers a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Education, which can be pursued full-time over three years or part-time over five years. The normal entrance qualification for the Ph.D. is an M.Ed. or M.A.Ed. from NUL or other universities, or equivalent qualifications approved by the Senate.

Faculty of Humanities Postgraduate Programs

The Faculty of Humanities provides a range of postgraduate diplomas and degrees. A Postgraduate Diploma in Development Studies is offered, requiring at least a Second Class, Second Division (2:2) with a mean of 60 in Social Sciences, Humanities, or a related junior degree recognized by NUL. Alternatively, an advanced certificate in Development Studies with at least three credits in development-related subjects and four years of continuous work experience in a recognized institution can be considered.

A Postgraduate Diploma in Diplomatic Studies is a one-year program. Admission requires a BA in History, Cultural and Heritage Studies, Environmental History, or any first degree with an average of 60%. Equivalent qualifications from NUL or other universities are also considered. Honours degrees are available in English Language & Linguistics and Literature in English, both one-year programs. For these, an average of 60% or above in English Language and a II (ii) average in the four years of undergraduate study are typically required. A Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy (Honours) is also a one-year program, requiring successful completion of a BA in at least Second Class Second Division or other NUL Senate-approved qualifications.

Master’s degrees in the Faculty include Theology & Religious Studies (Mode II), Philosophy, African Languages & Literature, English Language & Linguistics, English Literature, Development Studies, and History. These are generally two-year programs, with some currently under review. Admission requirements vary but often include a Bachelor’s degree with at least a Second Class, Second Division (2:2) or a higher classification, with specific average percentages in relevant courses. For instance, an MA in African Languages & Literature requires a BA in Second Class First Division (II (i)) or Second Class Second Division (II (ii)) with at least a 65% average in core courses. Similarly, an MA in English Literature requires at least a 2 (ii) BA (Honours) in Literature in English from NUL or an equivalent qualification.

Doctoral programs in the Faculty include Ph.D. in Theology and Religious Studies (3 years), Philosophy (3 years), Literature in English and Linguistics (4 years), and Literature in English (3 years full-time, 6 years part-time). Admission typically requires a Master’s degree in the relevant field from NUL or an equivalent institution, often with a minimum grade requirement.

Faculty of Law Postgraduate Programs

The Faculty of Law offers a Postgraduate Diploma in Labour Law (Conciliation and Arbitration), a one-year program. Admission requires any Bachelor’s degree recognized by the NUL Senate. Candidates without a Bachelor’s degree may still be awarded a Diploma in Labour Law, (Conciliation and Arbitration).

A Master of Laws (LLM) degree is available, typically a two-year program. Admission requires an LLB degree with at least a Second Class, Second Division category and a minimum of 60% pass in the chosen field of specialization.

Faculty of Science & Technology Postgraduate Programs

The Faculty of Science and Technology provides advanced study options in science and technology fields. A Postgraduate Diploma in Information Systems was offered part-time over two years but is currently suspended. Admission required a recognized university degree.

Bachelor of Science (Honours) degrees are available in Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Mathematics, and Physics, typically as one-year programs. Admission requires a recognized Bachelor of Science degree. A Master of Science in Physical Geography is a two-year program. Admission requires a B.Sc. Honours in Geography or its equivalent from an institution recognized by NUL, along with specific COSC or equivalent passes, including Mathematics and an approved Science subject, and a minimum grade in English Language.

Faculty of Social Sciences Postgraduate Programs

The Faculty of Social Sciences offers a range of postgraduate diplomas and degrees. A Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resources Management (HRM) is offered part-time over two years, though it is currently under review. Entry requirements typically include a Bachelor’s Degree in any Social Science field or a Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of three years of experience in Human Resources Management. Professional qualifications with substantial knowledge in HRM may also be considered, possibly requiring an admission test or remedial courses.

A Postgraduate Diploma in Economics is a one-year bridging program. Admission requires a BA Economics with a minimum pass or better, or any other relevant qualification approved by the NUL Senate. Master’s degrees include a Master of Science in Economics (two years), a Master of Arts in Political Science/Public Administration (two years, under review), Master of Social Work (two to three years, under review), and Master of Sociology (two to three years, under review). Admission for the M.Sc. in Economics typically requires a BA Economics with a minimum of Second Class Second Division or an equivalent qualification. For the MA in Political Science/Public Administration, a BA/BSc in the Second Class Second Division category is usually needed. Master’s degrees in Social Work and Sociology generally require a Bachelor of Social Work or Sociology, respectively, or their equivalents, in the categories of First Class and/or Second Class Divisions.

Doctoral programs include a Ph.D. in Sociology, typically a four to five-year program. Admission requires a Master’s degree in Sociology or a related field.

Conclusion

The National University of Lesotho offers a diverse and comprehensive range of postgraduate programs across its various faculties. From specialized diplomas to master’s and doctoral degrees, NUL provides pathways for students to deepen their knowledge and contribute to their respective fields. Prospective students are encouraged to review the specific admission requirements for each program of interest on the NUL website or in their official prospectus to ensure they meet the necessary qualifications for their chosen course of study.