THE Postgraduate School of the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNGUoT) is the largest of its kind in the country. The university provides a diverse range of academic programs, including 20 PhD programs, 34 Master’s programs, 3 PG Diploma programs, and 2 PG Certificate programs. Additionally, it also offers 3 Master’s programs specifically designed for distance learning.
The university is also introducing more programs in the distance and/or hybrid mode to increase student access. Currently, more than 136 students, including 24 PhD candidates, are registered in various PG programs at PNGUoT. The university’s postgraduate programs have produced 603 graduates, including 25 PhDs, since its establishment.
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| PNG University of Technology runs largest Postgraduate School [Photo credit : PNGUoT] |
All the 13 academic departments of PNGUoT offer postgraduate programs covering all disciplines taught at the University, including Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Mining), Pure and Applied Sciences (applied physics, chemistry, food technology, agriculture, forestry), Communication studies, the built environment (Architecture, Building and Construction Management, Surveying and Land Studies), and Business studies. In 2022 a total of 50 students successfully completed their studies and obtained various postgraduate qualifications, including 1 PhD, 11 MPhil, 11 MSc, 1 MEng, 5 MTech, 1 MCS, 3 MBA, 3 EMBA, and 14 PGCSCT. Several scholarship schemes offered by public and private organizations that PG students can apply for to support their studies. PNG students can benefit from the Graduate Assistantship Program (GAP) of PNGUoT and the HELP scheme offered by DHERST.
This year, the University has earmarked about one million kina to support staff and student research projects as well as attendance at national and international conferences, seminars, and workshops.
The Postgraduate School is also engaged with various postgraduate training programs funded from European organizations such as Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), CARPIMS, BULA, DREAM- ACP AND ERASMUS+. These programs involve training of academic and administrative staff, as well as students at PNGUOT and universities abroad at MSc, MPhil, and PhD levels.
Thus far 16 Masters and 1 PhD student from Fiji, Guyana, Jamaica, Botswana and Nigeria have received postgraduate training at PNGUOT under these schemes. The presence of foreign postgraduate in the program provides an opportunity for cross- cultural learning and networking beyond classroom teaching, thereby enriching the knowledge and understanding of PG students. In recognition of these potential benefits, the University has now dedicated a 6-bedroom residence for foreign students.
Applications for postgraduate programs starting in 2024 are now open and can be accessed at http://wasu.unitech. ac.pg/postgraduate/2024_ online_applications and other social media platforms of the University.
A full listing of all the postgraduate programs currently on offer can also be accessed at this website. The Postgraduate School advertises and receives applications from interested applicants.
The research and innovation mandate of the University allows staff and students to partner with businesses, government, and communities to find solutions to developmental challenges in the country and the region. The Postgraduate School coordinates the University’s research, innovation, publications, and postgraduate training agenda in conformity with its Strategic Plan.
The Strategic Plan aims to develop the University as a technology hub for training competent, high-level manpower who can contribute meaningfully to the agenda of building an innovative, wise, fair, healthy and happy society as enshrined in PNG Vision 2050.
The University is committed to excellence in research, and the postgraduate programs empower the youth, reduce the gender gap, and contribute to sustainable national development. Postgraduate training and research work together at the university to produce win-win situations: postgraduate students hone their research skills and deepen their knowledge in their area of interest while staff, working as supervisors, also enhance their research interests.
Such research outcomes have a positive impact on the livelihoods of people.
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