When picking a postgraduate programme, the main question is whether the school offers the course you want.
This guide gives you a full list of postgraduate courses at Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU), organised by department.
It also shows the available qualification levels (PGD, M.Sc., MBA, and more) and explains what each path suits best.
You’ll find all the details in one place, instead of searching through old admission posts.
Contents
Overview: JABU’s College of Postgraduate Studies
JABU’s College of Postgraduate Studies, located at the main campus in Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State, manages all postgraduate programmes.
The college offers both full-time and part-time options in seven main departments, covering sciences, business, and the built environment.
This means the postgraduate school serves a wide range of students, including science graduates, accountants, business professionals, and architects.
Complete List of JABU Postgraduate Courses by Department
1. Department of Food Science and Technology
- Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in Food Science and Technology
- Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Food Science and Technology
This department suits graduates seeking careers in food processing, quality assurance, product development, or regulatory roles in Nigeria’s food and beverage industry.
2. Department of Agriculture
- Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in Animal Science and Livestock Production
- Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Animal Science and Livestock Production
This programme is ideal for graduates working in livestock farming, agri business, or animal husbandry who want a formal, research-based qualification to move into consultancy, extension services, or academic roles.
3. Department of Biological Sciences
Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Microbiology, with specialisation options in:
- Medical Microbiology
- Food and Industrial
- Microbiology
- Environmental
- Microbiology
This is one of JABU’s more specialised programmes.
It suits candidates interested in clinical laboratory work, pharmaceutical quality control, food safety testing, or environmental monitoring.
4. Department of Chemical Sciences
PGD and M.Sc. in Biochemistry, with specialisation options in:
- Lipid Biochemistry
- Food and Nutrition Biochemistry
- Clinical/Medical Biochemistry
- Environmental Biochemistry
PGD and M.Sc. in Industrial Chemistry, with specialisation options in:
- Organic Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Environmental Chemistry
- Industrial Chemistry
This department has the widest range of specialisations at JABU.
Candidates can focus their postgraduate studies on clinical or medical work, industrial manufacturing, or environmental compliance, depending on their career goals.
5. Department of Accounting
- Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in Accounting
- Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in Financial Management
- Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Accounting
This department also allows holders of recognised professional certifications (such as ACA, ACCA, ACIB, ACII, or CAN) to apply for the PGD in Accounting, not just those with a first degree.
Many applicants are not aware of this option.
6. Department of Business Administration
Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in Business Administration
Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Business Administration, with specialisation options in:
- Insurance and Risk Management
- Marketing
- General Management
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
This department offers candidates a real choice between a research-focused M.Sc. and a more management-oriented MBA, depending on whether they want to advance academically or move up in their careers.
7. Department of Environmental Sciences
- The Architecture department offers postgraduate qualifications including PGD, M.Sc., and, depending on the session, advanced research-level study up to the doctoral level for those who continue through JABU’s architecture track.
If you have a PGD in Architecture from JABU, you can usually move straight into the M.Sc. Architecture programme.
Candidates from other institutions often need to show proof of a minimum period of industrial training first.
How These Courses Connect: PGD, M.Sc., and MBA Explained
Before you apply, it’s important to know that at JABU, the Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) acts as a bridge qualification.
It is meant for candidates who do not have a first degree directly related to their chosen master’s programme, or who have an HND instead of a full bachelor’s degree.
A good PGD result (usually a CGPA of 4.0 or higher on a 5-point scale) is often needed to move on to the M.Sc.
In contrast, M.Sc. programmes are research-based postgraduate degrees for candidates with a relevant bachelor’s degree (usually Second Class Honours or higher) who want to specialise further in a specific field.
The MBA, offered by the Business Administration department, is different from the M.Sc.
It focuses on practical management skills instead of academic research, so it is usually chosen by working professionals who want to advance their careers rather than follow an academic path.
Choosing the Right Course: Practical Considerations
- Make sure your first degree is closely related to your chosen field: JABU usually requires a related first degree or PGD before admitting candidates into an M.Sc. If your background is unrelated, you will likely need to take extra courses before you can be admitted.
- Think about your specialisation before you enrol: Departments like Chemical Sciences and Business Administration offer several specialisation tracks under one M.Sc. title. It is easier to choose the right one from the start than to change it later.
- If you are in business, choose between the M.Sc. and MBA carefully: They are not the same: the M.Sc. is more academic and research-focused, while the MBA is about practical management. Choose based on your career goals, not just the title.
- Check whether your professional certification substitutes for a degree: This applies most directly in Accounting, where holders of ACA, ACCA, and similar certifications may bypass the usual first-degree requirement for PGD admission.
FAQs on JABU Postgraduate Courses
1. Does JABU offer any postgraduate courses purely online, without physical attendance?
JABU’s postgraduate programmes are mostly offered as full-time and part-time in-person study.
Candidates should expect to attend classes at the Ikeji-Arakeji campus at least occasionally, even on the part-time track.
2. Which JABU postgraduate courses accept candidates from a non-cognate first degree?
Some courses, like M.Sc. Food Science and Technology, accept applicants with related but not identical backgrounds, such as Biochemistry, Microbiology, Agriculture, or Engineering.
However, these candidates usually need to take extra courses to fill any knowledge gaps before being fully admitted.
Although a business-related first degree is preferred, MBA programmes usually accept graduates from different academic backgrounds with relevant work experience.
However, this can change depending on the university’s policy, so it is best to check directly with JABU’s Postgraduate College for the latest information.
4. How long does it typically take to complete a PGD before progressing to an M.Sc. at JABU?
A PGD usually takes less time than a full M.Sc.
Full-time students often finish in one academic session, while part-time students may take longer depending on how many courses they take each semester.
5. Are there postgraduate courses at JABU specifically designed for working professionals who can’t attend daytime classes?
Yes, JABU offers part-time options as well as full-time postgraduate study.
This is why fields like Accounting, Business Administration, and Food Science attract many working professionals, not just recent graduates.
6. Does a Postgraduate Diploma from JABU count as a full master’s-equivalent qualification for job applications?
No. A PGD is considered a diploma-level qualification and is not the same as a master’s degree.
If you need a master’s for your career, you should plan to continue from PGD to the M.Sc. instead of stopping at the PGD.
Final Thoughts
JABU offers a wide range of postgraduate courses, from food science and microbiology to accounting, business administration, and architecture.
Many departments have clear paths from PGD to M.Sc. Since specialisation options, entry requirements, and course availability can change each session, always check the latest information directly with JABU’s College of Postgraduate Studies or on the official website before you apply.
This article is for information only.
Always check the current course availability and requirements directly on JABU’s official website or at the Postgraduate College office before applying.
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