NOUN master's courses 2026 and PGD, PhD requirements

NOUN master's courses 2026 and PGD, PhD requirements

The National Open University of Nigeria, commonly abbreviated as NOUN, is a Nigerian federal open- and distance-learning institution. The institution was created to provide cost-effective, accessible, and flexible education to Nigerian and international students. The university offers numerous diplomas, degrees, and postgraduate courses.

NOUN graduates and logo
NOUN graduates and logo. Photo: @openuniversitynigeria (modified by author)
Source: UGC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Key takeaways

  • The school fee for new students taking any master's programme is N35,000. Returning students pay a compulsory fee of N18,000.
  • The duration of degree programmes varies depending on the programme and the student's study pace. Postgraduate programmes can take between one and three years to complete.
  • Candidates for master's degree programmes must have a bachelor's degree from a university approved by the NOUN Senate, with a minimum of a second class lower in the relevant field of study.

NOUN master's courses and fees

Understanding the National Open University of Nigeria master's courses and requirements is crucial to anyone planning to enrol in the institution. Here is a look at the various master's courses in the university.

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Code

Course

Faculty

2401

M.Sc. Mass Communication

Social Sciences

2402

M.Sc. Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution

Social Sciences

2403

M.A Christian Religious Studies

Arts

2404

M.Sc. Criminology and Security Studies

Social Sciences

2406

M.A. Islamic Studies

Arts

3411

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Management Sciences

3413

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Management Sciences

3414

M.Sc Entrepreneurship

Management Sciences

3415

M.Sc Public Administration

Management Sciences

3416

M.Sc Business Administration

Management Sciences

4401

M.Ed. Educational Administration and Planning

Education

4402

M.Ed. Science Education

Education

4403

M.Ed. Educational Technology

Education

4404

M.Ed. Guidance and Counselling

Education

5401

M.Sc Information Technology (Internet Options)

Sciences

7401

M.Sc. Artificial Intelligence (A.I.)

ACETEL Programmes

7402

M.Sc. Cyber Security (C.S.)

ACETEL Programmes

7403

M.Sc. Management Information System (MIS)

ACETEL Programmes

8306

M.Sc Public Health

Health Sciences

2405

M.A. English

Arts

How much are master's school fees in NOUN?

The school fee for new students taking any master's programme is N35,000. Returning students pay a compulsory fee of 18,000. Students are required to pay an extra N40,000 as a project fee and N2,000 per course as exam fees.

PhD courses in NOUN

In addition to the NOUN master's courses, the university also offers various PhD courses. Here is a quick look at the available PhD programmes.

Code

Course

Faculty

2501

PhD in Mass Communication

Social Sciences

2502

PhD in Christian Religious Studies

Arts

2504

PhD in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution

Social Sciences

4501

PhD in Educational Administration and Planning

Education

4502

PhD in Science Education

Education

4503

PhD in Educational Technology

Education

4504

PhD in Mathematical Education

Education

5402

PhD in Information Technology

Sciences

7404

PhD in Artificial Intelligence (A.I.)

ACETEL Programmes

7405

PhD in Cyber Security (C.S.)

ACETEL Programmes

7406

PhD in Management Information System (MIS)

ACETEL Programmes

8303

PhD in Public Administration

Management Sciences

8304

PhD in Business Administration

Management Sciences

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List of PGD courses in NOUN

NOUN offers several Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) courses, including:

  • PGD. Economics
  • PGD. Mass Communication
  • PGD. Criminology and Security Studies
  • PGD. Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
  • PGD. Business Administration
  • PGD. Public Administration
  • PGD. Entrepreneurship
  • PGD. Information Technology
  • PGD. Legislative Drafting
  • PGD. Education
  • PGD. Christian Theology

Is the NOUN master's recognised?

NOUN's master's is recognised since the institution is recognized and accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC) of Nigeria. It is the only Nigerian university that is dedicated solely to providing distance learning programmes.

What are the NOUN postgraduate admission requirements?

All applicants for postgraduate admission into NOUN are expected to have a minimum of a first degree (second class lower) for a master's or HND for PGD in a related field, in addition to 5 O-Level credits, including English language and Mathematics.

What are the minimum requirements for a Master's in NOUN?

Candidates for master's degree programmes must have a bachelor's degree from a university approved by the NOUN Senate, with a minimum of a second class lower in the relevant field of study.

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Can you do a master's degree at the Open University?

NOUN's professor of Pharmacology, Helen Ochuko Kwanashie, delivers a lecture, and gives an award.
NOUN's professor of Pharmacology, Helen Ochuko Kwanashie, delivers a lecture, and gives an award at the institutions headquarters in Abuja. Photo: @openuniversitynigeria (modified by author)
Source: UGC

There are various NOUN master's courses under various faculties. Some of these programmes include M.Sc. Management Information System (MIS), M.Sc. Cyber Security (CS), M.Sc. Artificial Intelligence (AI), M.A. Islamic Studies and many more.

What is the NOUN PGD duration and features?

A full-time PGD programme runs for a minimum of two semesters and a maximum of four semesters.

How many years is the master's program in NOUN?

The duration of degree programmes at NOUN varies depending on the programme and the student's study pace. Postgraduate programmes can take between one and three years to complete.

Which is the best course for a master's degree?

The best course for a master's degree varies depending on multiple factors, such as your undergraduate degree, your career interests, and preferences. Thus, the best course for a master's degree is unique for different people.

What are the requirements for Post-Graduate Diploma courses in NOUN?

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For you to be admitted to NOUN for a PGD programme, you need to attain the following:

  • Must have 5 O-Level credit passes at not more than two sittings.
  • Have a bachelor's degree of not less than a third-class honour degree from an approved University.

Is NOUN only for Nigerians?

Through its distance learning programmes, the institution welcomes students to pursue their education from all over the world.

Does NOUN offer scholarships?

NOUN offers scholarships to qualifying students. These scholarships might be merit-based, need-based, or offered through specific programmes or collaborations. Students can contact the NOUN scholarship office to learn about potential scholarships and the application procedure.

When is the NOUN admission form closing date for 2026/2027

The 2026/2027 admission closing date for NOUN has not yet been announced.

Can you pursue a postgraduate programme at NOUN if your undergraduate degree is from another institution?

NOUN provides postgraduate programmes to those with undergraduate degrees from recognised schools. Admission requirements and procedures may differ based on the programme.

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There are various NOUN master's courses one can enrol in at the hugely popular university. The entry requirements vary slightly from one course to another. Besides the master's courses in NOUN, the institution also offers a wide range of PhD courses.

NOUN master's courses and PGD, PhD requirements
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