Academic Programs

Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Anthropology: Comprehensive programs designed for your success.

Entry Requirements for Admission

Candidates applying for admission into the Bachelor of Arts in Sociology programme should have any of the following qualifications:

WASSCE/SSSCE Applicants

  • Minimum Aggregate: 36 for WASSCE applicants; 24 for SSSCE applicants
  • Required: Credit passes in six (6) subjects with the specified aggregates
  • Core Subjects (3 required): English Language, Mathematics, Integrated Science or Social Studies
  • Elective Subjects (3 required): Economics, Elective Mathematics, History, Geography, Government, French, Literature in English, or Management
  • Credit Pass Definition:
    • WASSCE: A1 – C6
    • SSSCE: A – D

A-Level Applicants

  • O-Level Requirements: Five (5) credits including English and Mathematics
  • A-Level Requirements: Minimum TWO (2) passes from Economics, Geography, French, Literature in English, History, Government, or equivalent subjects
  • General Paper: Must pass General Paper examination

Mature Applicants

  • Age Requirement: At least 25 years old at time of application
  • Academic Qualification (Either one):
    • Five (5) credits at O-Level including English and Mathematics, OR
    • Credit passes at WASSCE/SSSCE in Core Mathematics, English Language, and TWO electives (Economics, Geography, French, Government, History, Literature in English, Elective Mathematics)
  • Assessment: Must pass written examination and interview

Sociology Courses

Click on any course to view details, lecturer, and career pathways

Level 100

First Semester

SOC101: Introduction to Sociology ICORE

Second Semester

SOC111: Introduction to Sociology IICORE
Level 200

First Semester

SOC201: Foundation and Issues in SociologyCORE
SOC214: Social PsychologyCORE

Second Semester

SOC204: Social Structure of GhanaCORE
SOC211: Social StatisticsCORE
Level 300

First Semester

SOC301: Sociological Theory ICORE
Electives
SOC303: Introduction to International Human Rights
SOC315: Sociology of Ageing
SOC317: Sociology of Sport
SOC321: Race, Ethnicity and Ethnic Relations
SOC323: Social Change in Africa
SOC325: Society and Development
SOC327: Complex Organizations and Bureaucracy
SOC329: Introduction to Gender Studies
SOC331: Socialisation
SOC333: Sociology of Rural Areas
SOC337: Social Control
SOC341: International Relations
SOC343: Sociology of the Blue Economy
SOC338: Victimology

Second Semester

SOC311: Social Research MethodsCORE
Electives
SOC308: Domestic Violence
SOC310: Politics, Government and the State
SOC312: Deviance and Social Problems
SOC313: Social Stratification, Class and Conflict
SOC314: Social Movements and Revolutions
SOC316: Sociology of Health and Medicine
SOC318: Sociology of Work and Occupations
SOC320: Demography 1
SOC322: Feminist Theory and Methodology
SOC336: Juvenile Delinquency
SOC342: Chieftaincy and Society
SOC346: Introduction to Social Policy
Level 400

First Semester

SOC443: Analysis of Social DataCORE
SOC401: Special Problems in Theory BuildingCORE
Electives
SOC403: Gender and Sexuality
SOC405: Demography II
SOC406: Urban Sociology
SOC407: Social Planning
SOC413: Industrial Sociology
SOC417: Social Dimensions of Leadership
SOC421: Sociology of Death and Dying
SOC422: Political Economy I
SOC423: Sociology of Education
SOC424: Communications and the Media
SOC433: Social Policy Analysis
SOC435: Sociology of Law
SOC437: Criminology
SOC440: Sociology of Technology
SOC441: Sociology of the Internet
SOC450: Sociology of Masculinities

Second Semester

SOC499: Long EssayCORE
SOC414: Organisational BehaviourCORE
Electives
SOC412: Population, Health and Development
SOC416: Women and Development
SOC418: Sociology of Religion
SOC426: Sociology of Tourism and Recreation
SOC427: Political Economy II
SOC428: Sociology of Law and Criminal Justice
SOC429: Conflict and Conflict Resolution
SOC430: Environmental Sociology
SOC438: Sociology of Terrorism
SOC442: Migration Studies

Anthropology Courses

Click on any course to view details, lecturer, and career pathways

Level 100

First Semester

ANT101: Introduction to AnthropologyCORE

Second Semester

ANT102: Human Origins and DiversityCORE
Level 200

First Semester

ANT201: Archaeology of Complex Societies
ANT203: Children in Cross-Cultural Perspective
ANT205: Comparative Marriage Systems

Second Semester

ANT202: Classical Theories in Anthropology
ANT204: Traditional African Societies
ANT312: Women in Cross-Cultural Perspective
Level 300

First Semester

ANT301: Contemporary Theories in Anthropology
ANT303: Research Methods in Anthropology
ANT307: Family and Kinship
ANT309: Medical Anthropology
ANT313: Introduction to Gender Studies

Second Semester

ANT302: Writing Skills in Anthropology
ANT304: Anthropological Field Methods
Level 400

First Semester

ANT401: Introduction to Gender Theories
ANT403: Anthropology of Tourism
ANT405: Witchcraft, Magic and ReligionCORE
ANT407: Globalization and the Culture of CapitalismCORE

Second Semester

ANT408: Media, Communication and Popular Culture
ANT411: Peoples and Cultures of the African Diaspora
ANT414: Sex and Culture
ANT499: Long EssayCORE

Postgraduate Programs

MPhil and PhD programs in Sociology

Entry Requirements for Graduate Studies

Master of Philosophy (MPhil.) in Sociology

A candidate seeking admission into a Master of Philosophy in Sociology must have:

  • Academic Qualification: A good first degree (at least a Second Class Lower Division) in an appropriate field of study from a recognized academic institution
  • Official Transcript: Submit an official transcript of academic record
  • Referees' Report: Submit two referees' reports, one of which must be from the last institution attended
  • Additional Requirements: Satisfy any individual requirements prescribed by the Department, which may include:
    • Relevant work experience
    • A written examination
    • An interview

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD.) in Sociology

A candidate seeking admission into a Doctor of Philosophy program must have:

  • Advanced Degree: A Masters (MA/MPhil.) degree in the Social Sciences with Sociology as a subject and/or related fields such as Social Work and Anthropology from accredited institutions
  • University Requirements: Fulfill the University's General requirements for graduate studies
MPhil/PhD Core Courses
SOC801: Advanced Sociological TheoryCORE
SOC802: Advanced Data AnalysisCORE
SOC803: Advanced Social Research MethodsCORE
SOC804: Special Problems in Theory BuildingCORE
MPhil/PhD Elective Courses
SOC805: Advanced Sociology of Development
SOC810: Social Change in Contemporary Africa
SOC813: Regional Integration in Africa
SOC814: Conflicts and Development in Africa
SOC815: Rural Development Issues in Africa
SOC816: Demographic Techniques in Population Studies
SOC817: Social Dimensions of Reproductive Health
SOC818: Health, Illness and Society
SOC819: Society and Environment
SOC820: Urban Society
SOC821: Sociology of Education
SOC824: Gender, Work and Organization
SOC825: Women in Africa
SOC826: Global Trends in Gender and Sexuality
SOC827: Contemporary Issues in Gender and Development
SOC828: Contemporary Issues in Industrial Sociology
SOC830: Complex Organisations and Bureaucracy
SOC831: Employers, Employees and Labour Relations
SOC832: Human Resource Development
SOC833: Men and Masculinities
SOC834: Sociology of Public Policy
SOC835: Sociology of the Family
Program Structure & Requirements

Course Work

  • 4 Core Courses (12 credits): All must be passed
  • Elective Courses: Selected in consultation with supervisor
  • Minimum CGPA of 2.5 required in course work
  • Assessment: 40% Continuous + 60% End-of-Semester Exam

Thesis & Examination

  • Thesis/Dissertation: Original research assessed at 100%
  • Oral Examination (Viva Voce): Defense of thesis required
  • Student must be in good academic standing
  • Award dates: 31st March or 30th September each year

Interested in our graduate programs? Contact the department for more information.

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Sandwich Programs

Flexible learning for working professionals and adult learners

What is a Sandwich Program?

The Sandwich Program is a unique mode of academic delivery designed for working professionals, in-service teachers, and adult learners who wish to upgrade their qualifications without interrupting their careers. The program combines face-to-face intensive sessions during vacation periods (typically August-September and December-January) with self-directed learning throughout the year.

Students attend lectures, participate in seminars, complete coursework, and take examinations during designated on-campus periods. This flexible format allows participants to balance work, family, and education effectively.

Diploma in Social Behaviour and Conflict Management

The aim of the programme is to develop the analytical and professional competence in the management of conflict in all social settings. The objectives are to develop analytical and problem-solving skills, equip students with knowledge in social behaviour and conflict management, and build professional capacity.

Target Group: Those in charge of preservation of peace and security (protection agencies), and those wishing to enhance their efficiency in conflict management.

CodeCourse TitleCredits
SBC011Society and Social Change3
SBC013Protection Agencies and Community Relations3
SBC015Deviance and Social Problems3
SBC017Methods of Social Research3
SBC018Communicative Skills2
SBC019Basic Computing2
SBC020Principles of Conflict3
CodeCourse TitleCredits
SBC012Gender Relations and Conflict3
SBC014Personal and Career Development3
SBC016Small Arms and Light Weapons3
SBC021Managing Human Resources3
SBC022Group Dynamics3
SBC026Report Writing3
SBC099Term Paper3
CodeCourse TitleCredits
SBC023Criminology3
SBC024Computer Analysis of Social Data3
SBC025Family Violence3
SBC027Conflict Case Studies3
SBC028Conflict Resolution and Management3
SBC029Law and Society3
SBC030State and Society in Africa3

Bachelor of Arts in Social Behaviour and Conflict Management (Sandwich)

A three-semester sandwich programme designed to equip students with skills in conflict prevention, management, and resolution, as well as understanding social behaviour.

CodeCourse TitleCredits
CMS107Communicative Skills3
PSB303Research Methods3
PSB305Understanding Peace and Peace Building3
PSB306Information Literacy2
PSB309Social Statistics3
PSB318Social Psychology for Conflict Management3

Electives (Choose 1)

PSB311: Counselling
PSB313: International Relations
PSB315: Crime and Justice
PSB317: Economics of Conflict
CodeCourse TitleCredits
CMS108Communicative Skills3
PSB302Legal Issues Related to Conflict3
PSB307Ethnicity and Conflict in Africa3
PSB308Advanced Computing3
PSB310Theories of Social Conflict3

Electives (Choose 2)

PSB312: Political Economy
PSB314: Community Relations
PSB316: Contemporary Issues in Ghanaian Society
CodeCourse TitleCredits
PSB401Negotiation Techniques3
PSB403Mediation Theory and Practice3
PSB405Refugee Studies3
PSB407Human Resource Management3
PSB499Long Essay3

Electives (Choose 2)

PSB410: Social Networking
PSB411: Gender and Development
PSB412: Occupational Hazards and Disaster Management

Master of Arts in Sociology of Peace and Security (Sandwich)

The aim of the programme is to produce graduates with the knowledge and skills to analyze peace and conflict issues as well as security, social justice and human rights.

Programme Objectives: Equip students with knowledge in the concepts, theories and techniques in peace and security analysis; develop the capacity to apply international standards and procedures in promoting peace and security; equip students with relevant attitudes and ethical standards; and develop competencies to contribute to national and global peace and security discourse.

Entry Requirements: A good first degree, at least a Second Class (Lower Division) in an appropriate field of study from a recognised academic institution. Applicants must submit an official transcript, two referees' reports (one from the last institution attended), and satisfy any additional departmental requirements including relevant work experience.

Graduation Requirements: Pass all courses taken • Minimum CGPA of 2.0 in course work • Be in good standing • Pass the dissertation

SPS801: Sociological Perspectives on Peace, Security and ViolenceCORE • 3 CR
SPS823: Social Research MethodsCORE • 3 CR
SPS805: Contemporary Issues in Peace and Security StudiesCORE • 3 CR
SPS807: Social Exclusion, Crime Regulation and SecurityCORE • 3 CR
SPS809: Peace Keeping, Peace Building and Conflict TransformationCORE • 3 CR

Electives (Choose 2)

SPS811: Sociology of Interest Groups and Social ConflictELECTIVE • 3 CR
SPS813: Social Issues in Post Conflict ReconstructionELECTIVE • 3 CR
SPS821: Communal ConflictsELECTIVE • 3 CR
SPS815: Sociological Approaches to Human Security and DevelopmentELECTIVE • 3 CR
SPS817: African Politics and SecurityELECTIVE • 3 CR
SPS819: Social Movements and SecurityELECTIVE • 3 CR
SPS822: Social StatisticsCORE • 3 CR
SPS804: Sociology of Transitional JusticeCORE • 3 CR
SPS806: International Politics and Security StudiesCORE • 3 CR
SPS808: Gender, Conflict and DevelopmentCORE • 3 CR
SPS810: Sociological Perspectives on International Relations and PeaceCORE • 3 CR
SPS899: DissertationMANDATORY • 3 CR

Electives (Choose 2)

SPS812: Conflict Transformation Approaches and Peace BuildingELECTIVE • 3 CR
SPS814: International Human RightsELECTIVE • 3 CR
SPS816: Perspectives on Deviance, Crime and Social ProblemsELECTIVE • 3 CR
SPS818: Politics of the Global EnvironmentELECTIVE • 3 CR
SPS820: Transnational Security ThreatsELECTIVE • 3 CR
CUS885: Seminar ICORE • 3 CR
CUS899: ThesisMANDATORY • 12 CR
CUS888: Seminar IICORE • 3 CR
CUS899: ThesisMANDATORY • 12 CR

Program Benefits

Flexible Schedule

Classes held during vacation periods (August-September, December-January)

Career Continuity

Continue working full-time while earning your degree

Intensive Learning

Focused, accelerated coursework in condensed time frames

Professional Network

Learn alongside working professionals from diverse sectors

Admission Requirements

Minimum Entry

  • WASSCE/SSSCE with credit passes in three core subjects
  • Credit passes in three relevant elective subjects
  • OR Mature student entry: Age 25+ with 5+ years work experience
  • OR Diploma holders from recognized institutions

Additional Documents

  • Proof of employment or professional engagement
  • Two reference letters (one from employer)
  • Statement of purpose
  • Official transcripts from previous institutions

Application Deadlines: First Session: May 31 | Second Session: October 31

Academic Information

Essential academic regulations, grading policies, and graduation requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate programs

Graduation Requirements

  • Minimum of 40 courses (120 credit hours) must be completed
  • Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of at least 1.0
  • All core courses must be passed
  • Successful completion of the Long Essay (SOC499 / ANT499)
  • Fulfillment of all university general education requirements

Awarding Institution: University of Cape Coast (UCC), Ghana

Degree Classification

Classification CGPA Range
First Class Honours3.6 – 4.0
Second Class Upper3.0 – 3.5
Second Class Lower2.5 – 2.9
Third Class2.0 – 2.4
Pass1.5 – 1.9
Fail< 1.5

Grading System

Raw Score (%) Grade Grade Point Interpretation
80 – 100A4.0Excellent
75 – 79B+3.5Very Good
70 – 74B3.0Good
65 – 69C+2.5Above Average
60 – 64C2.0Average
55 – 59D+1.5Below Average
50 – 54D1.0Marginal Pass
Below 50E0.0Fail

Assessment & Delivery

Courses are assessed through a combination of continuous assessment and end-of-semester examinations:

  • Continuous Assessment: 40% (quizzes, assignments, presentations, mid-semester exams)
  • End-of-Semester Exam: 60%

Mode of Delivery:

  • Face-to-face lectures and seminars
  • Group discussions and presentations
  • Field trips and practical exercises
  • Research projects and independent study

Curriculum Notes

The Department regularly reviews and updates its curriculum to reflect current trends in sociological and anthropological research and practice.

  • Curriculum is reviewed every 4 years in line with university policy
  • New elective courses may be introduced based on faculty expertise and student demand
  • Some courses may not be offered every academic year depending on availability of lecturers
  • Students are advised to consult the Department Notice Board and official communications for the latest course offerings

MPhil/PhD Graduation Requirements

A student in the MPhil in Sociology program must satisfy the following requirements for graduation:

  • Pass all courses and seminars taken
  • Obtain a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 2.5 in the course work
  • Pass the thesis
  • Be in good standing
  • Pass the oral examination (viva voce)

Assessment Structure:

  • Continuous Assessment: 40%
  • End-of-Semester Exam: 60%
  • Dissertation: 100%

Mode of Certification:

  • Effective award dates: 31st March or 30th September
  • Thesis (soft bound) submitted at least 60 days before effective date
  • Results approved by the Academic Board
  • Certificate awarded under the seal of the University of Cape Coast

Recent Postgraduate Curriculum Changes

The Department has introduced new courses and modified titles to reflect current scholarship:

New Courses Introduced:

  • SOC812: Social Dimensions of Reproductive Health
  • SOC813: Regional Integration in Africa
  • SOC814: Conflict and Development in Africa
  • SOC833: Men and Masculinities
  • SOC834: Sociology of Public Policy
  • SOC835: Sociology of the Family

Delivery Enhancements:

  • Public address systems and audio-visual equipment (projectors, DVD players)
  • Student-centred teaching methods
  • Online and face-to-face lectures
  • Individual and group presentations
  • MacBooks for lecturers for teaching and research

Physical Facilities

The Department is located within the Faculty of Social Sciences complex at the University of Cape Coast and has access to:

  • Dedicated lecture halls and seminar rooms
  • Departmental computer lab for data analysis
  • Twelve main offices for permanent lecturers
  • Projectors and MacBooks for teaching and research
  • Conference room for presentations and defenses
  • Disability-friendly lecture theatres and equipment
  • Fire extinguishers for emergency situations
  • Notice boards for departmental announcements

Library & Resources

Students have access to extensive academic resources through:

  • Sam Jonah Library: Main university library with extensive social sciences collection
  • Access to online databases (JSTOR, SAGE Journals, Google Scholar)
  • Departmental resource corner with key reference texts
  • Digital repository of past long essays and dissertations
  • Inter-library loan services with partner institutions

Explore More Programs

Looking for flexible study options? Check out our Sandwich Programs tab above.

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