Integrated coastal zone management or Integrated coastal management is a coastal management process for the management of the coast using an integrated approach, regarding all aspects of the coastal zone, including geographical and political boundaries, in an attempt to achieve sustainability.
Colleges and Universities Offering Master of Philosophy in Integrated Coastal Zone Management in Ghana:
UCC
About Programme:
The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) programme is a two-year programme, comprising coursework in the first year and thesis research in the second year.
Rationale
Ghana’s coastal areas are home to about one-third of the country’s population. Over 50% of the country’s GDP is generated from coastal resources. The coast hosts major cities, ports, agro-industries, fisheries, offshore petroleum exploration and production. Despite these benefits, the coastal zones are faced with growing challenges. For example, pollution of vital coastal ecosystems are limiting economic growth, and declining livelihoods of the coastal populations. The M.Phil. programme is therefore designed to promote socio-economic development in coastal areas and address the growing challenges afflicting coastal development in the country.
Entry Requirements:
Admission Requirements:
Prerequisites:
1. Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences with a Second Class Lower Division or higher
OR
2. Bachelor’s degree in Aquatic Sciences and/or Fisheries Science related course with a Second Class Lower Division or higher
3. In addition, candidates must pass an oral interview
Specific requirements for graduation:
The course work assessment during the first year is based on assignments, reports from practical work as well as quizzes.
These form 40% of the total exam mark.
The End of Semester examinations constitutes 60% of the total mark.
Thesis research in the second year starts after successfully completing the course work.
Departmental seminar presentations are held to ascertain students’ progress and to allow faculty and other students to make relevant inputs. The thesis is subjected to both external and internal reviews after submission by the student.
If successful, an oral examination (viva) is held for the student.
Upon successful defense, the department then recommends to the School of Graduate Studies to consider awarding the candidate an MPhil degree in Integrated Coastal Zone Management.
The minimum admission requirement for the MPhil in Integrated Coastal Zone Management is a first degree (Second Class Lower Division or equivalent) in a relevant natural/social science discipline, from a recognised university.
In addition, the applicant must demonstrate a strong interest in research, development, and innovation in the science of the coastal zone, as well as the ability to study and conduct research optimally and independently in an international and multidisciplinary environment.
Target Group
Qualified Ghanaians and international candidates with a background in Integrated Coastal Zone Management, Fisheries Science, Oceanography and other related Biological Science programmes as well as Social Science programmes such as Geography and Economics.
First-degree holders in Biological and Social Science and analogous qualifications.
Workers of NGOs that are engaged in Integrated Coastal Zone Management
Expected Output
Trained middle-level manpower in the area of coastal zone management to assist with teaching and research in tertiary institutions.
Personnel with managerial capacities in the coastal zone management and related fields produced.
Graduates capable of training lower-level personnel in coastal zone management produced
Progression Requirements
For progression from Year 1 to Year 2, students should:
- Obtain a minimum grade of C in all first year courses
- Present their research proposals successfully in a seminar
- Must make good progress on the research activities and submit one progress report to the Department and UCC School of Graduate Studies (SGS)
- Must participate in at least 75% of the regular seminars organized by Department and SGS
Graduation Requirements
A candidates will be considered successful if his/her MPhil thesis:
- Passes both internal and external assessment (60% minimum score)
- Is successfully defended in a viva voce (60% minimum score)
In addition, candidate must satisfy all SGS and UCC requirement.
What is the purpose of integrated coastal management?
Integrated Coastal Zone Management is aimed at preventing disasters (or alleviating their impact) and at promoting sustainable development of the coastal zone, taking into account diverse interests and possible futures.
Who are the stakeholders in the coastal zone?
That the integration of stakeholders in coastal resources consists of government (central and regional/local), coastal communities, the private / investor as well as Non-Governmental organizations (NGO), each of which has an interest in the use of natural resources in coastal areas [5].