UPSA Launches Four Innovative Academic Programmes to Address National Development Challenges

The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), a premier institution in Ghana known for its focus on professional and entrepreneurial education, has announced the launch of four significant new academic programmes. This strategic expansion, unveiled in early February 2026, underscores the university’s commitment to developing high-level human capital tailored to the specific needs of Ghana’s public and private sectors. The new offerings include a PhD in Public Policy and Leadership, a Bachelor of Science in Applied Studies, an MPhil in Applied Statistics, and an MSc in Applied Statistics. These programmes are designed to equip students and professionals with advanced, practical knowledge and analytical skills to tackle contemporary national and continental challenges.

Key Points at a Glance

• Four New Programmes: PhD in Public Policy & Leadership, BSc in Applied Studies, MPhil in Applied Statistics, MSc in Applied Statistics.
• Strategic Launch: Introduced at a ceremony on the Accra campus on Friday, February 6, 2026, attended by academics, policymakers, and professionals.
• Target Audience: Designed for working professionals, policymakers (including parliamentarians), and students seeking applied, career-focused education.
• Unique Delivery: The PhD in Public Policy will be delivered on-site at Parliament to accommodate legislators, following a model used previously for a programme at the Ministry of National Security.
• National Focus: Programmes aim to strengthen governance, public policy analysis, and data-driven decision-making to support Ghana’s development agenda and Africa’s transformation.
• Institutional Mission: This launch aligns with UPSA’s core mandate of providing education that bridges theory and professional practice.

Background: UPSA’s Evolving Role in Ghana’s Higher Education Landscape

A History of Professional and Applied Education

Established in 1965 as the Institute of Professional Studies (IPS) and later achieving university status in 2005, UPSA has carved a unique niche in Ghana’s tertiary education sector. Unlike traditional research-intensive universities, UPSA’s foundational philosophy emphasizes the integration of academic rigour with practical, professional skills. Its programmes in accounting, finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship have long been recognised for producing graduates ready to contribute immediately to the workplace. The launch of these four new programmes represents a significant evolution, moving into advanced postgraduate and doctoral levels while maintaining this applied, problem-solving ethos.

Addressing Critical National Skills Gaps

Ghana’s development trajectory, as outlined in frameworks like the “Ghana Vision 2030” and various sectoral policies, faces a persistent challenge: the shortage of high-level expertise in evidence-based policymaking, advanced analytics, and applied interdisciplinary studies. Government agencies, legislative bodies, and private sector organisations frequently report difficulties in recruiting professionals who can not only understand complex data but also translate statistical insights into actionable strategies or craft robust public policies that consider economic, social, and legal dimensions. These new UPSA programmes are a direct institutional response to this documented human capital deficit.

Analysis: Deep Dive into the Four New Programmes

1. PhD in Public Policy and Leadership

This is arguably the most strategically significant launch. As articulated by UPSA’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kweku Mensah Mawutor, the programme was developed specifically for legislators and senior policymakers. Its core objective is to nurture “top leaders who influence law, shape institutions, and contribute to global policy discourse.”

Curriculum Focus: The curriculum is expected to be interdisciplinary, weaving together economics, political science, law, ethics, statistics, and public administration. A key differentiator is its applied research component, which will likely require candidates to investigate and propose solutions to real, pressing governance challenges within Ghana or the West African region.

Delivery Innovation: The decision to deliver classes at the Parliament House itself is revolutionary for Ghanaian higher education. It removes significant logistical barriers for Members of Parliament (MPs) and staff, who have demanding schedules. This “bringing the university to the policymaker” model, previously tested with a programme at the Ministry of National Security, demonstrates UPSA’s flexibility and deep engagement with state institutions. It fosters a direct, symbiotic relationship between academic inquiry and the practical realities of governance.

2. Bachelor of Science in Applied Studies

This undergraduate programme targets a different but equally important demographic: individuals seeking a versatile, practice-oriented degree. “Applied Studies” is a broad field that focuses on the application of knowledge from multiple disciplines (such as social sciences, humanities, and basic sciences) to solve specific, tangible problems.

Target Student: It is ideal for career changers, working adults without a prior degree, or students who desire a flexible educational path that is not siloed into a single traditional discipline. The programme likely incorporates project-based learning, internships, and capstone projects that engage with local communities or industries.

Career Pathways: Graduates could find roles in community development organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), corporate social responsibility (CSR) departments, public administration support roles, and as generalist problem-solvers in various sectors that require holistic, context-aware analysis.

3. MSc and MPhil in Applied Statistics

The twin launch of Master’s and MPhil degrees in Applied Statistics responds to the data revolution sweeping across all sectors. From finance and healthcare to agriculture and governance, the ability to collect,analyse, and interpret data is no longer a luxury but a fundamental requirement for effective operations and strategic planning.

MSc vs. MPhil: Typically, an MSc in Applied Statistics is a taught programme focused on mastering statistical software, methodologies (like regression analysis, Bayesian methods, machine learning basics), and their application to real datasets. An MPhil often includes a more substantial research thesis, preparing students for doctoral study or high-level research positions. Both degrees will likely offer specialisations relevant to the Ghanaian context, such as Biostatistics, Econometrics, or Business Analytics.

Market Demand: There is a acute shortage of trained statisticians and data analysts in Ghana. Government agencies like the Ghana Statistical Service, the Bank of Ghana, and ministries require skilled professionals to monitor national indicators, evaluate policy impacts, and conduct surveys. The private sector in banking, telecommunications, and agribusiness equally demands data-literate managers. These programmes are poised to fill this critical gap.

Practical Advice for Prospective Students and Professionals

Who Should Apply?

• PhD in Public Policy & Leadership: Current MPs, senior civil servants, local government executives, policy analysts from think-tanks, and experienced professionals with a master’s degree aiming for the highest levels of policy influence.
• BSc in Applied Studies: Adults with a diploma or work experience seeking a first degree, high school graduates wanting a flexible, interdisciplinary path, and professionals needing a bachelor’s degree for career advancement.
• MSc/MPhil in Applied Statistics: Graduates in mathematics, economics, computer science, engineering, or social sciences with strong quantitative aptitude; professionals in banking, research, or monitoring & evaluation seeking to upgrade their analytical toolkit.

Navigating the Application Process

While specific entry requirements will be detailed on the UPSA official website, prospective applicants should prepare for the following:

1. Academic Credentials: For doctoral programmes, a relevant master’s degree with a high GPA is typically required. For the BSc, WASSCE/SSSCE results or equivalent. For master’s degrees, a good bachelor’s degree in a related field.
2. Professional Experience: Especially for the PhD in Public Policy, substantive professional experience in governance, public administration, or policy advocacy will be a significant advantage and may be formally required.
3. Research Proposal (for PhD/MPhil): Applicants will need to submit a preliminary research proposal outlining their intended area of study within public policy or statistics, demonstrating its relevance to national development.
4. Letters of Recommendation: Academic and professional references that speak to the applicant’s capacity for rigorous study and research.
5. Interview: Shortlisted candidates, particularly for the PhD, may undergo an interview to assess their research acumen and policy/practice orientation.

Understanding the Flexible Learning Model

A key selling point of these programmes, especially the PhD, is their flexible delivery. UPSA is establishing satellite campuses or partnership venues within institutions like Parliament. This means:

• Classes are scheduled during evenings or weekends to accommodate working professionals.
• Learning is likely blended, combining intensive in-person sessions (at the partner institution) with online support and resources.
• This model significantly reduces the commute time for participants, making postgraduate education accessible to a demographic that previously could not afford to pause their careers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is the PhD in Public Policy and Leadership accredited?

A: Yes. UPSA is a fully accredited university in Ghana under the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC). Any new doctoral programme must undergo a rigorous accreditation process before launch. The fact that this programme is being delivered in partnership with a state institution (Parliament) further attests to its legitimacy and alignment with national human resource development goals.

Q2: How long will it take to complete these programmes?

A: Durations vary. A PhD typically requires 3-5 years of part-time study for working professionals. The MSc in Applied Statistics is often a 1.5 to 2-year programme (full-time or equivalent part-time). The MPhil may be 2 years. The BSc in Applied Studies is a standard 4-year undergraduate degree, but provisions for mature students or those with prior qualifications may allow for a shorter duration. Exact timelines will be published in the programme prospectus.

Q3: Will these programmes be affordable?

A: While precise fees are not stated in the source report, UPSA generally positions itself as a provider of quality professional education. Fees for specialised postgraduate programmes, especially doctoral ones delivered in partnership with state bodies, may be subsidised or structured differently. Prospective students should consult the university’s fee structure on their website. The value lies in the targeted, high-impact curriculum and the networking opportunities with top policymakers and data scientists.

Q4: What career advancement can I expect from these degrees?

A:

• PhD in Public Policy: Positions as Senior Policy Advisor, Director of a Government Agency, Chief of Staff to a Minister, Lead Researcher at a Think-Tank, or Senior Lecturer.
• Applied Statistics Masters: Roles as Data Scientist, Statistician, Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist, Business Intelligence Analyst, Quantitative Researcher.
• BSc in Applied Studies: Entry into community development, project coordination, administrative roles, or as a foundation for further specialised postgraduate study in law, public administration, or social