UNIVERSITY OF SIERRA LEONE

UNDERGRADUATE COURSES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SIERRA LEONE

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Degree Programmes
The University entry requirements for Degree Programmes are five credits obtained in
not more than two sittings with a minimum of C6 in English Language at the General
Certificate Examination (GCE) ’O’ Level or West African Senior School Certificate
Examination (WASSCE). In addition, applicants must satisfy Faculty and Departmental
requirements for admission into the various programmes.

In the case of the GCE ‘O’ Level Exams, only grades ranging from 1 to 6 are
recognized as credit passes; for WASSCE A1-C6, whilst for the Associate Examinations
Board (London GCE ‘O’ and A Level) only C or better is recognized.

Diploma and Certificate Programmes

For admissions into the Diploma and Certificate programmes, applicants must obtain
4 Credits for Diploma and 3 Credits for certificate courses including C6 in English
Language or better at WASSCE/GCE ’O’ Level. Applicants with IGCSE falls under this
category.
A. FOURAH BAY COLLEGE
Degree Courses
 Bachelor of Arts
 Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Chinese
 Bachelor of Arts in Gender and Development Studies
 Bachelor of Arts in Arabic Studies
 Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Care and Education
 Bachelor of Education in Adult Education and Community Development
Studies
 Bachelor in Public Relations and Marketing Communication
 Bachelor in Development Communication
 Bachelor in Print Journalism
 Bachelor in Broadcast Journalism
 Bachelor in Information Studies and Knowledge Management
 Bachelor in Engineering
 Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronics Engineering options in
Telecommunications, Computer, Power Generation
 Bachelor in Architecture
 Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Physic, Biology, Geography, Geology,
Mathematics, Statistics etc.
 Bachelor of Science Honours in Ecology and Environmental Biology
 Bachelor of Science Honours in Biomedical Sciences
 Bachelor of Science in Biology with Education
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  Bachelor of Science with Engineering Option
 Bachelor of Social Science in Economics, Accounting, Commerce,
 Bachelor of Social Science in Sociology
 Bachelor of Social Science in Social Work
 Bachelor of Social Science in Peace & Conflict Studies
 Bachelor of Social Science in Population and Development Studies
 Bachelor of Laws (Hons)
Diploma and Certificate Courses
 License in Divinity
 Diploma in Cultural Studies
 Certificate in Adult Education and Development Studies
 Diploma in Adult Education and Development Studies
 Diploma in Mass Communication
 Certificate in Journalism and Media Studies
 Diploma in Information Studies and Knowledge Management
 Special Certificate in Information Studies and Knowledge Management
 Diploma in Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy
 Diploma in Gender and Development Studies
 Certificate in Population Analysis and Social Statistics
 Diploma in Peace & Conflict Studies
 Diploma in Urban and Municipal Waste Management
 Certificate in Urban and Municipal Waste Management
 Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education
 Diploma in Mathematics & Statistics
 Diploma in Community Development
 Diploma in Criminology and Social Intervention
 Diploma in Social Work
 Certificate in Social Work
 Certificate in Mathematics & Statistics
 Certificate in Deck Officer Training
 Certificate in Fish Handling and Processing Training
 Certificate in Marine Engineering
 Certificate in Radio Communication
 Certificate in Refrigeration Training
 Certificate in Safety at Sea Training
 Certificate in Fishing Gear Technology
 Certificate in Financial Analysis
 Certificate in Entrepreneurship
 Ordinary National Diploma in Deck Officer Training
 Ordinary National Diploma in Fish Handling and Processing Training
 Ordinary National Diploma in Marine Engineering
 Ordinary National Diploma in Radio Communication
 Ordinary National Diploma in Refrigeration
 Ordinary National Diploma in Safety at Sea Training
 Ordinary National Diploma in Fishing Gear Technology
 Higher National Diploma in Deck Officer Training
 Higher National Diploma in Fish Handling and Processing Training
 Higher National Diploma in Marine Engineering
 Higher National Diploma in Radio Communication
 Higher National Diploma in Refrigeration
 Higher National Diploma in Safety at Sea Training
 Higher National Diploma in Fishing Gear Technology
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 FACULTIES AND DEPARTMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
FACULTY OF ARTS
DEGREE COURSES
Admission criteria.
Credits obtained in 5 (five) subjects at the General Certificate
Examination (GCE) ‘O’ Level or West African Senior School Certificate
Examination (WASSCE) with a C5 or better in English Language in not more
than two sittings, with at least 3 (three) of the 5(five) subjects in the
humanities (Liberal Arts).

 Bachelor of Arts (General)

 Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Chinese
 Bachelor of Arts in Arabic Studies
 Bachelor of Arts in Gender and Development Studies
 Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Care Education
 Bachelor of Education in Adult Education and Community Development

DIPLOMAS, CERTIFICATES AND LICENTIATE COURSES

Certificate in Adult Education and Community Development (1 year)

4 (Four) Credits obtained at GCE ‘O’ Level /WASSCE or its equivalent
including English Language. Preference will be given to candidates with
experience in Adult Education.

Diploma in Adult Education and Community Development (2 Years)

The minimum requirement for Diploma in Adult Education is 4
WASSCE/GCE ‘O’ Level credits, with C6 in English Language in not more
than two sittings. Holders of other relevant qualifications, e.g. Teachers’
Certificate and have demonstrated some extra-mural competence may
be invited for an interview to determine their eligibility.

Diploma in Cultural Studies (2 Years)

The minimum requirement is 4 (four) GCE ‘O’ Level/WASSCE credits,
including English Language and History, in not more than two sittings.
Holders of other relevant qualifications e.g. Teachers’ Certificate who
have demonstrated aptitude in the arts or cultural skills may be invited for
an interview to determine their eligibility.

Diploma in License Divinity (2 Years)

A two-year course is provided within the Faculty of Arts leading to the
award of a License in Divinity in preparation for the Christian Ministry.
Candidates of any denomination may apply. The minimum requirement
for admission is 4(four) GCE “O” Level/WASSCE credits including English
Language and Christian Religious Knowledge obtained in not more than
two sittings.

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 Diploma in Gender and Development Studies (2 Year)
Entry requirements is 4 (four) subjects at G.C.E.’O’ Level/WASSCE,
including credit in English Language, in not more than two sittings.

Diploma in Early Childhood Education Care (ECEE) (2 Years)

Entry requirements is 4 (four) G.C.E.’O’ Level/WASSCE subjects with credit
in English Language in not more than two sittings.

Certificate in Early Childhood Education Care (ECEE) (1 year)

3 (three) Credits obtained at GCE ‘O’ Level /WASSCE or its equivalent
including English Language.

FACULTY OF COMMUNICATION, MEDIA AND INFORMATION STUDIES

Admission criteria.
 Credits obtained in 5 (five) subjects at the General Certificate of Examination
(GCE) ‘O’ Level or West African Senior School Certificate Examination
(WASSCE) with a C5 or better in English Language in not more than two sittings
with at least 3 (three) of the 5(five) subjects in the humanities (Liberal Arts).
Applicants for all degree programmes except the Bachelor in Information
studies and Knowledge management are subjected to a special entrance
examination in English conducted by the faculty.

 Applicants with the Diploma in Mass Communication from USL can be

admitted into year 2 of the degree program in Journalism and Media studies
only if they score the required cumulative grade point average of the
University and above and they would have met the University’s entry
requirements for the degree.

 Bachelor in Public Relations and Marketing Communication

 Bachelor in Development Communication
 Bachelor in Broadcast Journalism
 Bachelor in Print Journalism
 Bachelor in Information Studies and Knowledge Management

DIPLOMAS AND CERTIFICATES COURSES

Diploma in Mass Communication (2 Years)

Entry requirements are 4 (four) subjects at G.C.E.’O’ Level/WASSCE,
including credit C6 in English Language in not more than two sittings.
Applicant with over five years’ experience in the media can be admitted
into the Diploma programme under the mature age if they had attempted
the WASSCE. Applicants in the Diploma programme are not subjected to
take the special examination in English.

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 Certificate in Journalism (1 Years)
3 (three) Credits including English Language obtained at GCE ‘O’ Level
/WASSCE or its equivalent; preference will be given to candidates with
experience in Journalism.

Diploma in Information Studies and Knowledge Management

Entry requirements is 4 (four) subjects at G.C.E.’O’ Level/WASSCE,
including credit C6 in English Language in not more than two sittings.

Special Certificate in Information Studies and Knowledge Management

Candidates who have at least five years working experience in a library,
documentation center, Registry, Book store or in a related institution may
apply. School leavers with 3 (Three) G.C.E.’O’ Level/WASSCE subjects,
including a credit in English Language in not more than two sittings may
also apply.

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

Degree Courses offered in the following Engineering disciplines:

i. Civil Engineering
ii. Electrical & Electronic Engineering options in Telecommunication,
Computer and Power Generation
iii. Mechanical & Maintenance Engineering
iv. Mining Engineering
v. Architecture

Admission criteria
i. The minimum requirements are 5 (five) GCE ‘O’ Level or WASSCE with Grades 1-5
/A1-C6 in not more than two sittings with the subjects combined into three
categories for Admission to Year I as follows: -

CATEGORY A CATEGORY B CATEGORY C

*Maths/Further Maths, *Chemistry *Technical Drawing
*English Language *Science Core *Engineering Science
*Physics *Biology
*Economics,
*Geography
*Agricultural Science

a. Candidates must obtain a minimum pass of C6 in English Language plus C5 in the

three Category

b. In addition to the requirements in (a) above, candidates must obtain a minimum

credit of C6 in at least one subject each from category B and C.

c. Candidates with ‘A’ levels:- Candidates with the minimum of 5 ‘O’ level Credits,
including English Language or ‘C’ or better and with Credit ‘C’ or better in

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 Mathematics and at least one ‘A’ level pass either in Physic or Chemistry, will be
admitted into Year II.

ii. Candidates with Pass or Credit at OND with minimum C6 in English Language at
WASSCE will be admitted into Year I.

iii. Candidates with Pass or Credit at OND and Pass at HND with minimum C6 in English
Language at WASSCE will be admitted into Year II.

iv. Candidates with Pass or Credit at OND and Credit at HND with minimum C6 in
English Language at WASSCE will be admitted into Year III.

DIPLOMA AND CERTIFICATE COURSE

I. DIPLOMA IN URBAN AND MUNICIPAL WASTE MANAGEMENT

II. CERTIFICATE IN URBAN AND MUNICIPAL WASTE MANAGEMENT

FACULTY OF PURE AND APPLIED SCIENCES

DEGREE COURSES

Bachelor of Science
The minimum requirements for admission into the faculty are five credits with
a C6 or better in English Language obtained at GCE ‘O’ Level or WASSCE in
not more than two sittings. The compulsory subjects for admitting students in
the faculty are English, Mathematics/ Further Math and any three of the
following science subjects Biology, Chemistry, Physics, General Science,
Agricultural Science, Engineering Science, Geography and Economics.

Bachelor of Science with Engineering Option

Same requirements apply for Bachelor of Science.
Bachelor of Science in Biology with Education
Same requirements apply as Bachelor of Science, except that this
programme is run in collaboration with the Institute of Education and Extra
Mural Studies.
Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Ecology and Environmental Biology
Same requirements apply as above
Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Biomedical Science
Same requirements as above

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DIPLOMA COURSES

Diploma in Mathematics and Statistics

Four (4) G.C.E. ‘O’ Level/WASSCE credits, including English Language and
Mathematics in not more than two sittings. Work experience in statistics and
data related areas may provide candidate with an added advantage.

Diploma in Statistics
Successful completion of the Certificate in Statistics course makes one
eligible for the Diploma programme.

CERTIFICATE COURSES IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS:

 Deck Officer Training
 Marine Engineering Training
 Radio Communication Training
 Safety at Sea Training
 Refrigeration Training
 Fishing Gear Technology Training
 Statistics

Admission criteria

Candidates must possess at least three (3) GCE ‘O’ Level/WASSCE credits
with Grade C6 or better or its equivalent obtained in not more than two (2)
sittings. They must have also attempted English Language, Mathematics,
Physics and Chemistry at GCE ‘O’ Level/WASSCE exam.

Candidates who have at least five years practical experience in a related

field may apply.

ORDINARY NATIONAL DIPLOMA (OND) COURSES IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS:

 Deck Officer Training

 Marine Engineering Training
 Radio Communication Training
 Safety at Sea Training
 Refrigeration Training
 Fishing Gear Technology Training
 Fish Handling and Processing Technology

Admission criteria
Candidates must possess at least four (4) GCE ‘O’ Level/WASSCE credits with
Grade 6/C6 or better in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and English
Language, obtained in not more than two (2) sittings.

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 All OND candidates with good Grades but without the minimum C6 in English
Language at WASSCE will be required to sit to and pass the University
Matriculation English Language exam.

HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA COURSES IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS:

 Deck Officer Training

 Marine Engineering Training
 Radio Communication Training
 Safety at Sea Training
 Refrigeration Training
 Fishing Gear Technology Training
 Fish Handling and Processing Technology

Admission criteria

Candidates must possess at least Four (4) GCE ‘O’ Level/WASSCE credits with
Grade C6 or better in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and English
Language, obtained in not more than two (2) sittings.

All HND candidates with generally good grades but without the minimum C6
in English Language at WASSCE will be required to sit to and pass the
University Matriculation English Language exam for admission.

FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

DEGREE COURSES
Bachelor of Social Science
The minimum requirements for admission into the faculty are five credits.
Candidates must have Grade C5 or better in English Language and C6 or
better in Mathematics. In addition, they must have at least 3 social science
subjects with a minimum of 5/C6 e.g. Financial Accounting, Cost
Accounting, Economics, etc.

Bachelor of Social Science in Social Work

Same requirement as for Bachelor of Social Sciences except that
Mathematics is not a requirement.

Diploma in Social Work

The entry requirements are 4 GCE ‘O’ Level/WASSCE credits including English
Language with at least a grade5/C6.

Bachelor of Social Sciences in Sociology

Same requirement as for Bachelor of Social Sciences.
Certificate in Social work
3 (three) Credits obtained at GCE ‘O’ Level /WASSCE or its equivalent
including English Language.

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 Bachelor of Social Science in Peace and Conflict Studies
Same requirement as for Bachelor of Social Sciences except that
Mathematics is not a requirement.

Diploma in Peace and Conflict Studies

The entry requirements are 4 GCE ‘O’ Level/WASSCE credits including English
Language with at least a grade5/C6.

FACULTY OF ECONOMICS AND DEVELOPMENT STUDIES

. Admissions criteria
Bachelor of Social Science in Economics, Accounting, Population Studies
The minimum requirements for admission into the faculty are five credits.
Candidates must have Grade C5 or better in English Language and C6 in
Mathematics. In addition, they must have at least 3 social science subjects
with a minimum of 5/C6 e.g. Financial Accounting, Cost Accounting,
Economics, etc.

Bachelor of Social Science in Population & Development Studies

Same requirement apply as for Bachelor of Social Science

DIPLOMA AND CERTIFICATE COURSES

Certificate in Population Analysis and Social Statistics

Four (4) credits at GCE ‘O’ Level/WASSCE including English, Mathematics or
Statistics. Candidates without the above qualifications but with at least five
years’ experience in population related work may apply.
Certificate in Financial Analysis
3 (three) Credits obtained at GCE ‘O’ Level /WASSCE or its equivalent
including English Language
Certificate in Entrepreneurship
3 (three) Credits obtained at GCE ‘O’ Level /WASSCE or its equivalent
including English Language

FACULTY OF LAWS

Bachelor of Laws
 The minimum requirements for admission into the faculty are five credits.
Candidates must have an Honours Degree (Second Class Second Division or
better) in any discipline, in addition to a very good WASSCE/GCE ‘O’ Level
(5 Credits), with a minimum of 3/C5 in English Language and across all the
other remaining four (4) related subjects.

 General Degree (Division One) plus a C5 in English Language and a C4 in the

remaining four (4) related subjects.

 Five (5) WASSCE/GCE ‘O’ Level subjects with a minimum of 3/B3 in English
Language and a 3/C4 in the other remaining four (4) related subjects.

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 Applicants with requirements other than those outlined above will have their
applications reviewed by the Dean and the Head of Department of Law.

B. COLLEGE OF MEDICINE AND ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCE.

Minimum Entry Requirements

Premedical 1

A minimum of C5 or better in any of the following subjects: English Language,

Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics/Further Mathematics and Physics with a
maximum aggregate of 18 in not more than two (2) sittings OR an equivalent
qualification.

Pre-Dentistry

A minimum of C5 or better in any of the following subjects: English Language,

Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics/Further Mathematics and Physics with a
maximum aggregate of 18 in not more than two (2) sittings OR an equivalent
qualification.

Premedical 2

A minimum C4 or better in the following subjects: English Language, Chemistry,

Biology, Mathematics/Further Mathematics and Physics with a maximum aggregate
of 12 in not more than two (2) sittings OR an equivalent qualification.

Medicine

Direct entry into the MBChB Programme

Students can be admitted into the first year of the MBChB programme if they fulfil
one of the requirements:

 Successful completion of the Premedical 2 Programme.

 3 GCE ‘A’ levels (A-C) in any of the following subjects; Physics, Chemistry, Biology
and Mathematics in not more than two sittings or an equivalent qualification.

 Graduates with a Bachelor’s degree with a division -2 or better from a

recognized university.

Pre-Pharmacy

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A minimum of C5 or better in the following subjects: English Language, Chemistry,
Biology, Mathematics/Further Mathematics, Physics/Core Science (at WASSCE) with
a maximum aggregate of 21 in not more than two sittings OR an equivalent
qualification.

B. Pharm (Hons) Direct entry into the 1st Year B.Pharm (Hons) Programme

Candidates can be admitted to the First (1st) year B.Pharm (Hons) programme if they
fulfil the following requirements:

 Successful completion of the Pre-Pharmacy programme.

 Diploma in Pharmacy with 5 credits at WASSCE in English Language,
Mathematics/Further Mathematics, Biology and Chemistry Physics/Core
Science.

 3 GCE ‘A’ levels (A-D) in any of the following subjects: Physics, Chemistry,
Biology, Mathematics; or an equivalent qualification.

 Graduates with a science degree preferably in Chemistry with a Division 2 or

better from a recognized university.

Diploma in Pharmacy

A minimum credit of C6 or better in the following five subjects: English Language,

Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics/Further mathematics and Physics/Core Science (at
WASSCE) in not more than two sittings OR an equivalent qualification.

BSc. (Hons) Medical Laboratory Sciences (Level 100)

 A minimum of C5 or better in the following subjects: English Language,

Mathematics/Further Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology/Health Science and
Physics/Core Science (at WASSCE) with a maximum aggregate of 22 in not more
than two (2) sittings OR its equivalent qualification.

BSc. (Hons) Medical Laboratory Sciences (Level 200)

 Candidates with Five WASSCE OR its equivalent qualification and a good pass in
the 3-year Diploma in Medical Laboratory Sciences.

Diploma in Medical Laboratory Sciences

A minimum of C6 or better in the following five subjects: English Language, Chemistry,

Biology/ Health science, Mathematics/Further Mathematics and Physics/Core
Science (at WASSCE) in not more than two sittings OR an equivalent qualification.

Bsc. (Hons) in Nursing (Level 100)

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  Admission into the first year (Level 100) Bsc (Hons) in Nursing is as follows
a. Successful completion of the pre-Bsc. nursing Programme
b. However, admission into the Pre-Bsc. In Nursing, a C5 or better in any four
and a C6 in the remaining one of the following subjects: English Language,
Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics/Further Mathematics and Physics (at
WASSCE) with a maximum aggregate of 21 in not more than two sittings OR
an equivalent qualification
c. A Bachelor’s degree in the sciences second class

BSc. (Hons) in Nursing (Level 200)

 Candidates with five in the following subjects: English Language, Chemistry,

Biology, Mathematics/Further Mathematics, Physics/ Core Science in not more
than two (2) sittings, and must be a registered and Licensed by the Sierra Leone
Nurses and Midwives Council. In addition, candidates in employment should
provide evidence of study leave from the employer.

BSc. (Hons) Nursing (Level 300)

 Candidates with a Diploma in Nursing (SRN) and Certificate/Diploma in

Midwifery (SCM) or any Post Basic Diploma in Nursing with at least five years’ post
-SRN work experience may be admitted to the third (3rd) year of the programme.

Higher Diploma in Nursing

 A minimum credit of C6 or better in the following five subjects: English Language,

Chemistry, Biology/Health science, Mathematics/Further mathematics
Physics/Core Science (at WASSCE) in not more than two sittings.

 A Certificate in Nursing (SECHN) and five credits C6 or better in the following

Subjects: English Language, Mathematics/Further Mathematics, Biology/Health
Science, Chemistry and any other subject at WASSCE, or its equivalence in not
more than two sittings.

 Pass in the faculty of Nursing and Midwifery Pre- Admission Nursing Programme

C. INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT

FACULTY OF ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE

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 The minimum entry requirements for this faculty are 5 (five), credits at GCE ‘O’
Level/WASSCE, with C6 or better in English Language and Mathematics plus
C5 or better in one of the following Cost Accounting, Financial Accounting or
Economics in not more than two sittings.

Undergraduate Courses
B.Sc. in Applied Accounting – Honours and General
B.Sc. in Financial Services – Honours and General
B.Sc. in Financial Economics – Honours and General
B.Sc. in Auditing, Internal Control and Taxation – Honours and General
BSc. in Banking and Finance – Honours and General

FACULTY OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY

Undergraduate Courses
B.Sc. (Hons) in Computer Networking
B.Sc. (Hons) in Information Technology
B.Sc. (Hons) in Information Systems
Candidates must possess five (5) GCE ‘O’ Level/WASSCE Credits with a C6 or
better in Mathematics and English Language, plus any three of the following
commercial subjects; Principles of Cost Accounting, Financial Accounting,
Commerce, Economics and Business Management. Applicants must pass an
entrance exam conducted by the faculty.

FACULTY OF LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE

Undergraduate Courses
B.Sc. in Public Sector Management – Honours and General
B.Sc. in Leadership and Sustainable Development – Honours and General

Candidates must possess five (5) GCE ‘O’ Level/WASSCE Credits with a C5 in English
Language and C6 in Mathematics, plus C5 or better in any three of the following
commercial subjects; Principles Cost Accounting, Financial Accounting, Commerce,
Economics and Business Management.

FACULTY OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Undergraduate Courses
B.Sc. in Business Administration – Honours and General
B.Sc. in Human Resource Management – Honours and General
B.Sc. in Project Management – Honours and General
B.Sc. in Sales and Marketing – Honours and General
B.Sc. In Entrepreneurship and Innovation – Honours and General
B.Sc. In Procurement, Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Candidates applying for Human Resource Management, Business Administration,

Procurement, Logistics & Supply chain Management and Project Management.

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must possess five (5) GCE ‘O’ Level/WASSCE Credits with a C5 or better in English
Language and Mathematics, plus credit in any three of the following commercial
subjects; Principles of Cost Accounting, Financial Accounting, Commerce,
Economics, Business Management etc.

Candidates applying for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Sales and Marketing must
possess five (5) GCE ‘O’ Level/WASSCE Credits with a C6 or better in English
Language and Mathematics, plus credit in any three of the following commercial
subjects; Principles of Cost Accounting, Financial Accounting, Commerce,
Economics, Business Management etc.

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