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Teaching Qualifications by Educational Levels in Ghana in 2024

23rd June 2024

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Ferdinand | EducationGhana | June 23 | Teaching Qualifications by Educational Levels in Ghana in 2024

In Ghana, the educational system has specific qualifications required for teaching at different levels, ensuring teachers are well-equipped to provide quality education. Here’s an overview of the qualifications needed at each educational level:

1. Basic Level (Primary & Junior High School)

Minimum Qualification:

Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) in Primary Education or a specific subject area for Junior High School (JHS).

Alternative:

Diploma in Basic Education (DBE) (recently became obsolete).

2. Senior High School (SHS) / Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)

Minimum Qualification:

Bachelor’s degree in Education with specialization in a specific subject area taught at the senior high school.

3. Colleges of Education

Minimum Qualification:

Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in a subject area related to your first degree.

Example Path:

B.Ed in Information Technology to MPhil/PhD in Information Technology or ICT.

However, some programs in the Colleges are not subject-specific, like Research, Methods, Guidance and Counseling, Curriculum studies etc. will need a Mphil and subsequent PhD in that area and not necessarily getting a degree in such areas but a first degree in education will be a plus.

4. Universities / Technical Universities

Minimum Qualification:

MPhil or PhD in a specific subject area. The advanced degree does not necessarily need to be in the same subject but should be within the same subject area as the first degree.

Example Path:

B.Ed/BSc in Accounting can lead to an MPhil/PhD in Finance, Management, Marketing, Human Resources, or Procurement and Supply Chain.

Additional Requirement:

A postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) is needed if the applicant does not have an education background.

Key Points

Progression: Each level requires progressively higher qualifications.
Specialization: At higher levels, specialization can shift to related fields.
Flexibility: Universities and technical universities allow more flexibility in subject area transitions between degrees.
Education Background: For university-level teaching, a PGDE is required for those without a prior education-focused degree.

Special Considerations

Educational Psychology

Question: Can an individual with a Master’s or PhD in Educational Psychology, but without a first degree in Psychology, lecture at the University level in Ghana?

Response: Yes, Educational Psychology is a recognized subfield of psychology. If you hold a Bachelor’s degree in Educational Psychology, you are within the domain of psychology and can pursue further studies (M.A, MPhil, PhD) in the same subfield or shift to other subfields or pure psychology. These transitions are typically considered linear unless otherwise specified by the university.

Employment of MSc Holders in Colleges of Education

Current Standard:

The current standard for employment in Colleges of Education is an M.Phil.

Exception:

MSc holders may be accepted in specific areas like ICT, IT, or Computer Science, where the distinction between MSc and MPhil is less pronounced due to the nature of the field.

This structured approach ensures that educators in Ghana are adequately prepared to deliver high-quality education at all levels, fostering a robust educational system.