University of Lagos (UNILAG) offers over 300 accredited postgraduate courses across 12 faculties through its School of Postgraduate Studies (SPGS). Whether you're looking for a PGD to change career paths, an MSc to deepen expertise, or a PhD for academic research, this guide covers every program by faculty—plus entry requirements, duration, and application tips. For official updates, always refer to unilag.edu.ng.
Quick Overview: UNILAG Postgraduate Programs
| Program Type | Minimum Duration | Entry Requirement | Typical Applicants |
|---|---|---|---|
| PGD (Postgraduate Diploma) | 12-18 months | Third Class or HND Lower Credit | Career changers, degree upgraders |
| MSc/MA/MEng | 18-24 months | Second Class Lower (minimum) | Bachelor's holders seeking specialization |
| MPhil (Master of Philosophy) | 18-24 months | Good MSc result | PhD track research students |
| PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) | 36-48 months | MSc/MPhil with research | Academics, researchers, industry experts |
Table 1: UNILAG postgraduate program types, duration, and entry requirements
Faculty of Arts (Full Course List)
The Faculty of Arts offers Nigeria's most comprehensive humanities postgraduate programs. All programs require a minimum of Second Class Lower in relevant disciplines.
PGD Programs (Faculty of Arts)
- PGD in English (Literary Studies)
- PGD in English (Language)
- PGD in History and Strategic Studies
- PGD in Philosophy
- PGD in Linguistics
- PGD in Yoruba
- PGD in Christian Religious Studies
- PGD in Islamic Religious Studies
MSc/MA Programs (Faculty of Arts)
- MA English (Literature-in-English)
- MA English (Language)
- MA History and Strategic Studies
- MA Philosophy
- MA Linguistics
- MA Yoruba
- MA Christian Religious Studies
- MA Islamic Religious Studies
- MA Arabic and Islamic Studies
- MA French
- MA Igbo
- MA Communication and Language Arts
PhD Programs (Faculty of Arts)
- PhD English (Literature/Language)
- PhD History and Strategic Studies
- PhD Philosophy
- PhD Linguistics
- PhD Yoruba
- PhD Religious Studies (Christian/Islamic)
Faculty of Science (Full Course List)
UNILAG's Faculty of Science is among the top 3 in West Africa. MSc Computer Science and MSc Data Science are the most competitive programs, with over 500 applicants for 50 slots annually.
PGD Programs (Faculty of Science)
- PGD Computer Science
- PGD Mathematics
- PGD Statistics
- PGD Physics
- PGD Chemistry
- PGD Geology
- PGD Geophysics
- PGD Microbiology
- PGD Biochemistry
- PGD Botany
- PGD Zoology
- PGD Environmental Biology
MSc Programs (Faculty of Science)
- MSc Computer Science (Specializations: AI, Cybersecurity, Software Engineering)
- MSc Data Science (2-year program, industry partnership with Microsoft)
- MSc Mathematics (Pure, Applied, Industrial Mathematics tracks)
- MSc Statistics (Biostatistics, Econometrics, Data Analytics options)
- MSc Physics (Solid State, Geophysics, Electronics tracks)
- MSc Chemistry (Analytical, Organic, Inorganic, Physical tracks)
- MSc Geology (Petroleum, Mineral Exploration, Hydrogeology)
- MSc Geophysics
- MSc Microbiology (Medical, Industrial, Environmental tracks)
- MSc Biochemistry
- MSc Botany (Plant Physiology, Taxonomy, Genetics)
- MSc Zoology (Parasitology, Entomology, Fisheries)
PhD Programs (Faculty of Science)
- PhD Computer Science
- PhD Data Science
- PhD Mathematics
- PhD Statistics
- PhD Physics
- PhD Chemistry
- PhD Geology
- PhD Geophysics
- PhD Microbiology
- PhD Biochemistry
- PhD Botany
- PhD Zoology
Video: Complete walkthrough of UNILAG SPGS application portal (15 minutes)
Faculty of Social Sciences (Full Course List)
The Faculty of Social Sciences produces Nigeria's leading economists, political scientists, and sociologists. MSc Economics requires a minimum of Second Class Upper — no exceptions.
PGD Programs
- PGD Economics
- PGD Political Science
- PGD Sociology
- PGD Psychology
- PGD Geography
- PGD Social Work
- PGD Criminology and Security Studies
MSc Programs
- MSc Economics (Development, Monetary, International tracks)
- MSc Political Science (International Relations, Public Admin, Comparative Politics)
- MSc Sociology (Industrial, Rural, Medical Sociology)
- MSc Psychology (Clinical, Industrial/Organizational, Social)
- MSc Geography (Urban Planning, GIS, Climatology)
- MSc Social Work
- MSc Criminology and Security Studies
- MSc Peace and Conflict Studies
- MSc Demography and Social Statistics
PhD Programs
- PhD Economics
- PhD Political Science
- PhD Sociology
- PhD Psychology
- PhD Geography
- PhD Criminology
Faculty of Engineering (Full Course List)
UNILAG's Faculty of Engineering is COREN-accredited and among the top 5 engineering schools in Africa. MSc Petroleum Engineering and MSc Civil Engineering (Structural) are the most competitive.
PGD Programs
- PGD Civil Engineering
- PGD Mechanical Engineering
- PGD Electrical/Electronics Engineering
- PGD Chemical Engineering
- PGD Petroleum Engineering
- PGD Computer Engineering
- PGD Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
MEng Programs
- MEng Civil Engineering (Structures, Geotechnical, Water Resources, Transportation)
- MEng Mechanical Engineering (Thermofluids, Production, Energy Systems)
- MEng Electrical/Electronics Engineering (Power, Communication, Control Systems)
- MEng Chemical Engineering (Process Design, Biochemical, Environmental)
- MEng Petroleum Engineering (Reservoir, Drilling, Production Engineering)
- MEng Computer Engineering (Embedded Systems, Networks, VLSI)
- MEng Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
PhD Programs
- PhD Civil Engineering
- PhD Mechanical Engineering
- PhD Electrical/Electronics Engineering
- PhD Chemical Engineering
- PhD Petroleum Engineering
- PhD Computer Engineering
Faculty of Law (LLM & PhD)
UNILAG Faculty of Law is a Nigerian Law School-approved center of excellence. LLM applicants must have at least Second Class Lower in LLB from a recognized university.
LLM Programs (Specializations)
- LLM Commercial and Industrial Law
- LLM Public and International Law
- LLM Jurisprudence and Private Law
- LLM Criminal Law and Criminology
- LLM Environmental Law
- LLM Energy and Natural Resources Law
- LLM Intellectual Property Law
PhD Programs
- PhD Law (various specializations available)
Faculty of Business Administration
Formerly part of Social Sciences, the Faculty of Business Administration is now independent. MSc Finance and MSc Accounting consistently have the highest cutoff marks (Second Class Upper minimum).
PGD Programs
- PGD Business Administration
- PGD Accounting
- PGD Finance
- PGD Marketing
- PGD Management
- PGD Industrial Relations and Personnel Management
MSc Programs
- MSc Business Administration
- MSc Accounting
- MSc Finance (Corporate Finance, Investment Management tracks)
- MSc Marketing
- MSc Management (Human Resources, Strategic Management)
- MSc Industrial Relations and Personnel Management
PhD Programs
- PhD Business Administration
- PhD Accounting
- PhD Finance
- PhD Management
Faculty of Clinical Sciences (Medicine)
UNILAG's College of Medicine (CMUL) is West Africa's foremost medical school. All programs require MBBS or relevant first degree and registration with MDCN.
MSc Programs (Clinical Sciences)
- MSc Public Health (Epidemiology, Health Promotion, Health Management tracks)
- MSc Medical Microbiology
- MSc Chemical Pathology
- MSc Haematology
- MSc Pharmacology and Therapeutics
- MSc Anatomy
- MSc Physiology
- MSc Nursing (Medical-Surgical, Community Health)
PhD Programs
- PhD Public Health
- PhD Medical Microbiology
- PhD Pharmacology
- PhD Anatomy
- PhD Physiology
Faculty of Education
PGD Programs
- PGD Education (Educational Management, Guidance & Counseling, Curriculum Studies)
- PGD Library and Information Science
MEd Programs
- MEd Educational Management
- MEd Guidance and Counseling
- MEd Curriculum and Instruction
- MEd Educational Psychology
- MEd Measurement and Evaluation
- MEd Social Studies Education
- MEd Science Education (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics tracks)
- MEd Language Education (English, Yoruba, French)
- MEd Library and Information Science
PhD Programs
- PhD Educational Management
- PhD Guidance and Counseling
- PhD Curriculum and Instruction
- PhD Educational Psychology
- PhD Science Education
- PhD Library and Information Science
Faculty of Environmental Sciences
PGD & MSc Programs
- PGD Architecture (conversion for non-architecture graduates)
- MSc Architecture (Design, History, Technology tracks)
- MSc Urban and Regional Planning
- MSc Estate Management
- MSc Building (Construction Management, Project Management)
- MSc Quantity Surveying
PhD Programs
- PhD Architecture
- PhD Urban and Regional Planning
- PhD Estate Management
UNILAG Postgraduate Entry Requirements (General)
All applicants must meet the UNILAG SPGS minimum requirements. Below is the breakdown by program level:
| Program | Minimum Degree Class | NYSC Status | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| PGD | Third Class or HND Lower Credit | Completed or Exempted | 5 O'Level credits including English & Maths |
| MSc/MA/MEng | Second Class Lower (CGPA 2.5/5 or 3.0/5 for competitive programs) | Completed or Exempted | Relevant bachelor's degree; transcript |
| MPhil | MSc with minimum 60% or CGPA 3.5/5 | Completed | Research proposal; supervisor acceptance |
| PhD | MSc with 60% + peer-reviewed publication OR MPhil | Completed | Detailed research proposal; interview |
✅ Documents You'll Need
- ✓ Bachelor's degree certificate
- ✓ NYSC discharge/exemption certificate
- ✓ Academic transcripts (all semesters)
- ✓ O'Level results (WAEC/NECO/NABTEB)
- ✓ Birth certificate
- ✓ Local government identification
- ✓ Passport photographs (recent)
- ✓ Personal statement (1-2 pages)
❌ Reasons for Automatic Rejection
- ✗ Missing transcript (most common reason)
- ✗ Uncertified results (not stamped by issuing institution)
- ✗ Wrong O'Level subject combinations
- ✗ Incomplete NYSC documentation
- ✗ Applying after deadline (no extensions)
- ✗ False information (leads to lifetime ban)
# Sample UNILAG Application Timeline (2025/2026)
# Phase 1: Application (March - May 2025)
- March 15: Portal opens
- May 30: Application deadline
- ₦25,000 application fee
# Phase 2: Screening (June - July 2025)
- June 10-20: Transcript verification
- June 25-30: Written aptitude test (select programs)
- July 5-15: Oral interviews (PhD candidates)
# Phase 3: Admission (August - September 2025)
- August 1: First batch admission list
- August 15: Second batch
- September 1: Registration begins
- September 30: Late registration deadlineHow to Apply for UNILAG Postgraduate Courses (Step-by-Step)
- Visit spgs.unilag.edu.ng and click '2025/2026 Postgraduate Application'
- Create an account with your email and phone number
- Pay ₦25,000 application fee via Remita (card, bank deposit, or USSD)
- Fill the online form with personal, academic, and contact details
- Upload scanned copies of all required documents (PDF, max 2MB each)
- Select your desired program (first and second choice — second choice rarely gets admission)
- Submit the application and download the acknowledgement slip
- Request your university to send official transcript to SPGS before the deadline
- Print the application summary — keep for reference
- Monitor your email and SPGS portal for screening updates
UNILAG Postgraduate Courses by Demand (Most Competitive)
| Rank | Program | Faculty | Annual Slots | Applicants (2024) | Cutoff (Min CGPA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MSc Computer Science | Science | 50 | 612 | 3.8/5 (Second Class Upper) |
| 2 | MSc Finance | Business Admin | 40 | 534 | 3.7/5 |
| 3 | LLM (all specializations) | Law | 60 | 703 | 3.5/5 |
| 4 | MSc Petroleum Engineering | Engineering | 25 | 289 | 3.6/5 |
| 5 | MSc Economics | Social Sciences | 45 | 567 | 3.5/5 |
| 6 | MSc Data Science | Science | 35 | 445 | 3.4/5 |
| 7 | MSc Accounting | Business Admin | 50 | 489 | 3.5/5 |
| 8 | MSc Clinical Psychology | Social Sciences | 30 | 378 | 3.6/5 |
Table 2: Most competitive UNILAG postgraduate programs (2024 admission data)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does UNILAG accept HND for postgraduate admission?
Yes, for PGD programs only. HND holders with Lower Credit can apply for PGD in relevant fields. After completing PGD with at least 60% (Upper Credit equivalent), you can proceed to MSc. Read the complete HND to MSc guide here.
Can I apply for UNILAG postgraduate with Third Class degree?
Yes — but only for PGD programs. Third Class graduates cannot apply directly for MSc. Complete a relevant PGD with a minimum of 60% to become eligible for MSc admission.
Does UNILAG require written entrance exams for MSc?
Some departments do. The Faculty of Engineering, Computer Science, and Business Administration typically conduct written aptitude tests. PhD applicants always undergo oral interviews. Check your department's specific requirements on the SPGS portal.
How much is UNILAG postgraduate school fees?
Fees vary by program. PGD: ₦150,000 - ₦200,000 per session. MSc/MA: ₦180,000 - ₦350,000 per session (higher for professional programs like LLM, MBA). PhD: ₦200,000 - ₦300,000 per session. International students pay approximately 150% of these rates.
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Download UNILAG Application Kit →Final Words
UNILAG offers over 300 accredited postgraduate courses across 12 faculties — more than any other Nigerian university. Whether you're targeting the competitive MSc Computer Science, the prestigious LLM, or a research-focused PhD, the key is starting early, submitting complete documents (especially transcripts), and meeting department-specific deadlines. For the latest updates, always check spgs.unilag.edu.ng. If you found this guide helpful, also explore our UNILAG Postgraduate Screening Guide and How to Apply for Masters in Nigeria.