Lagos State University stands as one of Nigeria’s most prestigious state-owned institutions, strategically located in Ojo, Lagos. For students researching LASU postgraduate courses and their requirement and fees, LASU offers exceptional value through quality education in Africa’s commercial capital. The university maintains a strong academic reputation while keeping fees affordable, particularly for Lagos State indigenes seeking advanced qualifications.
Established by Lagos State Government in 1983, the university has evolved into a comprehensive institution offering diverse postgraduate programmes across multiple faculties. With over 40 years of academic excellence, LASU attracts thousands of applicants annually who recognize the strategic advantage of studying in Lagos—Nigeria’s economic hub offering unmatched career opportunities, industry connections, and practical exposure across business, technology, media, and professional services sectors.
History and Establishment of LASU
The Lagos State Government established Lagos State University in 1983 through enabling law with the vision of pursuing the advancement of learning and academic excellence. The university’s mission centers on becoming a citadel of learning with the trademark of excellence in teaching, research, and service to humanity. From its inception, LASU has maintained unwavering commitment to providing accessible, quality education that transforms lives and drives societal development across Lagos State and Nigeria.
Full List of LASU Postgraduate Courses (By Faculty)
When exploring LASU postgraduate courses and their requirement and fees, prospective students discover extensive options spanning multiple faculties. The university offers programmes across:
Faculty of Arts: M.A. Yoruba Language, M.A. English Language, M.A. Literature in English, M.A. History and International Studies, M.A. Theatre Arts, M.A. Philosophy, M.A. Arabic Studies, M.A. French, M.A. Religious Studies, M.A. Islamic Studies, plus PhD programmes in these fields.
Faculty of Science: M.Sc. Computer Science, M.Sc. Mathematics, M.Sc. Chemistry, M.Sc. Physics, M.Sc. Biology, M.Sc. Biochemistry, M.Sc. Microbiology, M.Sc. Geography, plus PhD programmes.
Faculty of Education: PGDE (Postgraduate Diploma in Education), M.Ed. Counselling Psychology, M.Ed. Educational Psychology, M.Ed. Educational Management, M.Ed. Early Childhood Education, M.Ed. Curriculum Studies, plus PhD programmes.
Faculty of Social Sciences: M.Sc. Economics, M.Sc. Political Science, M.Sc. Sociology, M.Sc. Psychology, M.Sc. Geography and Planning, M.A. International Relations and Strategic Studies, plus PhD programmes.
Faculty of Management Sciences: MBA (Master of Business Administration), M.Sc. Accounting, M.Sc. Banking and Finance, M.Sc. Business Administration, M.Sc. Industrial Relations, plus PhD programmes.
Faculty of Law: LLM (Master of Laws) in various specializations, PhD in Law. Each faculty maintains specific entry requirements aligned with professional standards and academic excellence benchmarks.
LASU Masters Degree Courses Available
Masters programmes represent the most popular category within LASU postgraduate courses and their requirement and fees, offering M.A., M.Sc., M.Ed., MBA, and specialized professional degrees across disciplines. Available Masters degrees include M.A. in Yoruba Language, History and International Studies, English, Theatre Arts, Philosophy, Religious Studies, M.Sc. in various Science disciplines, M.Ed. in Educational specializations including Counselling Psychology and Educational Management, MBA and M.Sc. in Management Sciences, and LLM for Law graduates. Duration ranges from 18 months to 2 years depending on programme structure and research requirements.
LASU PGD (Postgraduate Diploma) Programs
Postgraduate Diploma programmes serve as conversion pathways for graduates seeking to transition into new fields or prepare for Masters admission. LASU offers PGD in Education (PGDE), International Relations and Strategic Studies, various Arts and Humanities disciplines, Science programmes, and Management fields. These programmes typically run for 12-18 months and require Third Class degree or HND with minimum Lower Credit. PGD graduates with CGPA of 3.50 or above on a five-point scale qualify for direct Masters admission in related disciplines.
LASU PhD Courses and Specializations
Doctoral programmes attract scholars seeking to contribute original research to their fields. When examining LASU postgraduate courses and their requirement and fees, PhD options include African Languages, History, English Literature, Philosophy, Education specializations, Sciences (Computer Science, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Biology), Social Sciences (Economics, Political Science, Sociology), Management Sciences, and Law. PhD candidates must possess Masters degrees with minimum CGPA of 3.50, submit research proposals demonstrating academic rigor and feasibility, and successfully defend proposals before departmental committees. Programme duration spans 3-5 years depending on research complexity and candidate progress.
Newly Added Postgraduate Courses in LASU
Lagos State University continually expands postgraduate offerings to meet evolving market demands and emerging academic disciplines. Recent additions include specialized programmes in Digital Marketing, Data Science and Analytics, Cybersecurity, Environmental Management, Urban Planning, Peace and Conflict Studies, and Public Health. These contemporary programmes align with global trends and Lagos State’s development priorities, preparing graduates for emerging career opportunities in technology, sustainability, governance, and public health sectors. Always verify current programme availability through the official LASU website or Postgraduate School office.
Top 10 Best Postgraduate Courses to Study in LASU
Career-conscious students researching LASU postgraduate courses and their requirement and fees often prioritize programmes with strong employability and industry relevance. Here are the top 10 programmes based on career prospects, market demand, and graduate outcomes:
1. MBA (Business Administration): Excellent for career advancement across industries, strong networking opportunities, high salary potential in corporate Nigeria.
2. M.Sc. Computer Science: High demand in technology sector, fintech opportunities, remote work possibilities, excellent starting salaries.
3. LLM (Master of Laws): Essential for legal practice advancement, judiciary appointments, corporate law opportunities, international practice options.
4. M.Sc. Banking and Finance: Strong banking career pathway, investment banking opportunities, financial analyst roles, fintech sector growth.
5. M.Ed. Educational Management: Leadership roles in education sector, school administration positions, ministry of education opportunities, consultancy work.
6. M.Sc. Economics: Policy analysis positions, central bank opportunities, development organizations, economic consultancy, research institutions.
7. M.A. International Relations: Diplomacy careers, foreign service, international organizations (UN, AU), NGO leadership, foreign affairs ministries.
8. M.Sc. Accounting: Professional accounting qualifications (ICAN, ACCA), audit firms, CFO pathways, financial controller positions.
9. M.A. Mass Communication: Media industry advancement, broadcasting corporations, digital media startups, content creation, public relations firms.
10. M.Sc. Public Health: Growing healthcare sector opportunities, WHO positions, health ministry roles, NGO health programmes, hospital administration.
These programmes combine academic rigor with practical relevance, strong faculty expertise, industry connections, and excellent career outcomes for graduates. Location in Lagos provides unmatched internship opportunities, industry exposure, and networking possibilities unavailable at universities in other states. Graduates consistently secure positions in multinational corporations, government agencies, NGOs, academic institutions, and entrepreneurial ventures across Nigeria and internationally.
General Requirements for LASU Postgraduate Admission
All applicants must meet foundational requirements before programme-specific criteria. When preparing for LASU postgraduate courses and their requirement and fees, ensure you possess five O’Level credits including English Language. Mathematics credit is mandatory for Science, Social Sciences, Management Sciences, and Educational Management programmes. Additional requirements include degree certificates, academic transcripts forwarded directly from previous institutions under confidential cover, NYSC discharge or exemption certificate, and successful performance in LASU’s qualifying entrance examination administered at the main campus in Ojo.
The application fee costs ₦30,300 (non-refundable) paid online through the LASU portal. After payment, complete the online application form, upload required documents, and submit before the deadline. All applicants must attend and pass the entrance examination, which assesses subject knowledge, research aptitude, and general academic readiness. Programme-specific requirements vary by faculty and level of study, so carefully review departmental criteria before applying.
Application Requirements Checklist
| Requirement | All Applicants |
|---|---|
| 5 O’Level Credits (including English) | Mandatory |
| Mathematics Credit (Science/Social/Mgmt) | Required |
| NYSC Certificate | Mandatory |
| Entrance Examination | Mandatory |
| Application Fee (₦30,300) | Non-refundable |
LASU Masters Requirements (MSc, MA, MBA)
Masters admission requires Second Class Lower Division minimum across most programmes within LASU postgraduate courses and their requirement and fees. Applicants must possess relevant Bachelor’s degrees from LASU or other recognized universities. PGD holders with CGPA of 3.50 or above qualify for Masters admission in related fields. HND graduates must first complete PGD programmes before progressing to Masters level. Professional programmes like MBA may require work experience, while Education programmes accept graduates with teaching qualifications or education backgrounds. Competitive programmes receive more applications than available slots, making strong academic credentials, relevant experience, and excellent entrance examination performance critical for admission success.
LASU PGD Requirements (HND & BSc Holders)
PGD programmes accept Third Class degree holders and HND graduates with minimum Lower Credit. Some departments require Upper Credit HND or Second Class Lower degrees for specific programmes. HND holders must possess certificates in relevant disciplines aligned with their intended PGD programmes. The university evaluates HND transcripts to ensure adequate prerequisite knowledge before admission. PGD serves as a conversion pathway for graduates changing fields or upgrading qualifications for Masters admission. Successful completion with strong CGPA opens doors to competitive Masters programmes across Nigerian universities.
LASU PhD Admission Requirements
Doctoral candidates must possess Masters degrees with minimum CGPA of 3.50 on a five-point scale. When applying for LASU postgraduate courses and their requirement and fees, PhD aspirants submit detailed research proposals (3,000-5,000 words) outlining research questions, methodology, theoretical frameworks, expected contributions to knowledge, and implementation timelines. Departments conduct rigorous proposal defense sessions where candidates present research plans before faculty committees. Strong proposals demonstrating originality, feasibility, and significant academic contribution increase admission chances. Some programmes require published research articles or conference presentations as additional qualifications demonstrating research capability.
Does LASU Accept Second Class Lower / Third Class?
Yes, LASU accepts Second Class Lower Division for Masters programmes across most faculties. This represents the minimum qualification standard for Masters admission in Nigeria. Third Class degree holders cannot apply directly for Masters but must first enroll in PGD programmes. After completing PGD with CGPA of 3.50 or above, Third Class graduates become eligible for Masters admission. Some highly competitive programmes may set higher unofficial cut-off points when application volumes exceed available slots, though Second Class Lower remains the official minimum requirement published by the university.
Can You Apply Without NYSC Certificate?
NYSC discharge or exemption certificate is mandatory for final admission clearance at LASU. However, serving corps members or those awaiting call-up can apply and submit certificates later before final registration. International students and those legally exempted from NYSC must provide exemption certificates from the NYSC Secretariat. Without this document, the university cannot complete admission processing regardless of academic qualification. Current corps members should indicate their status on application forms and submit certificates immediately upon discharge to avoid registration delays.
How to Apply for LASU Postgraduate Admission
- Visit https://studentservices.lasu.edu.ng/pg_application/ and create an account.
- Pay ₦30,300 application fee online using the payment portal.
- Complete the online application form accurately, providing personal information, academic history, programme choices, and referee details.
- Upload scanned copies of credentials (O’Level results, degree certificates, NYSC certificate).
- Request transcripts from previous institutions (must be sent directly to LASU Postgraduate School under confidential cover).
- Submit application and print confirmation slip.
- Prepare for and attend entrance examination at LASU main campus, Ojo.
- Check admission status online after examination results.
LASU Postgraduate School Fees (Detailed Breakdown)
Understanding LASU postgraduate courses and their requirement and fees helps students budget appropriately for postgraduate studies. PGD programmes cost ₦150,000-₦200,000 per session. Masters programmes (MA, MSc, MBA, MEd) range from ₦200,000-₦350,000 per session, with MBA and specialized professional programmes charging higher fees. MPhil programmes cost ₦300,000-₦500,000, while PhD programmes range from ₦250,000-₦600,000 depending on research requirements and faculty. Lagos State indigenes enjoy subsidized rates below these ranges.
Additional charges include acceptance fee (₦20,000), medical fee (₦10,000), student union fee (₦5,000), matriculation fee (₦10,000), library fee (₦5,000), examination fee (₦10,000), and identity card fee (₦2,500). These fees exclude accommodation, research materials, and living expenses. Total first-year costs typically range from ₦250,000-₦700,000 depending on programme and indigene status. LASU offers installment payment options, though full payment is required before final examinations.
School Fees Breakdown
| Programme | Tuition Range (₦) |
|---|---|
| PGD | 150,000 – 200,000 |
| Masters (MA/MSc/MEd) | 200,000 – 350,000 |
| MBA/Professional Masters | 250,000 – 400,000 |
| MPhil | 300,000 – 500,000 |
| PhD | 250,000 – 600,000 |
How Competitive Is LASU Postgraduate Admission?
Admission competitiveness varies significantly by programme and faculty within LASU postgraduate courses and their requirement and fees. Professional programmes like MBA, LLM, and specialized Management Sciences courses attract high application volumes relative to available slots, making them highly selective. Science and Engineering programmes maintain moderate competition. Arts and Humanities programmes generally have higher acceptance rates, though popular departments like Mass Communication and International Relations remain competitive. The entrance examination plays a crucial role in selection, with strong performance often compensating for borderline academic credentials.
LASU Acceptance Rate for Postgraduate Programs
While LASU does not publish official acceptance rates, estimates suggest overall postgraduate acceptance rates range from 40-60% across programmes. Highly competitive programmes like MBA, LLM, and specialized Sciences may have acceptance rates below 30%, while less competitive programmes exceed 70%. Factors influencing acceptance include academic credentials, entrance examination performance, available departmental capacity, and application timing. Early applicants with complete documentation, strong academic records, and excellent examination scores enjoy significantly higher admission chances than those applying near deadlines.
How Many Years Is LASU Postgraduate Program?
Programme duration within LASU postgraduate courses and their requirement and fees varies by level and study mode. Understanding these timelines helps students plan their academic and career progression effectively:
Programme Duration
| Programme | Full-Time | Part-Time |
|---|---|---|
| PGD | 12-18 months | 18-24 months |
| Masters | 18-24 months | 24-36 months |
| MPhil | 24-36 months | 36-48 months |
| PhD | 36-60 months | 48-72 months |
Most students complete within minimum timeframes when maintaining consistent registration and steady research progress. Part-time students balance studies with work commitments, extending programme duration but maintaining same academic standards as full-time counterparts.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting Admission
Follow these proven strategies to maximize your admission chances and stand out among thousands of applicants:
1. Apply Early and Beat the Deadline
Submit applications at least 2-3 weeks before deadlines. Early applications receive priority processing and allow time to address document deficiencies. Departments with limited slots fill quickly through rolling admissions, making early application strategically important for competitive programmes.
2. Excel in the Entrance Examination
Prepare thoroughly for LASU’s qualifying examination. Review undergraduate course materials, study past questions if available, and focus on core subject knowledge. Strong examination performance often compensates for borderline academic credentials in competitive selection processes.
3. Strengthen Your Academic Records
Strong undergraduate CGPA (3.5 and above) significantly improves admission chances. If your CGPA is borderline, consider completing a PGD programme first to demonstrate academic capability and commitment to postgraduate studies.
4. Obtain Strong Academic References
Choose referees (lecturers, professors, heads of department) who know your academic or professional work intimately. Brief them about your intended programme so they write specific, compelling recommendations highlighting relevant skills, accomplishments, and academic potential.
5. Prepare Complete Documentation
Missing transcripts or certificates cause automatic rejection regardless of qualification. Request transcripts from previous institutions 6-8 weeks before deadlines to account for processing delays. Ensure all photocopies are clear, legible, and certified where required.
6. Research Programme-Specific Requirements
Understand departmental criteria beyond general university requirements. Some programmes require work experience, professional certifications, or prerequisite courses. Contact department offices directly to clarify specific requirements before applying.
7. Demonstrate Relevant Experience
Work experience, research publications, conference presentations, or professional certifications strengthen applications. Highlight relevant achievements in your application that demonstrate commitment and capability in your chosen field.
8. Write Compelling Research Proposals (PhD Applicants)
PhD applicants must submit exceptionally strong research proposals demonstrating originality, feasibility, and significant contribution to knowledge. Consult with potential supervisors before submission to align proposals with departmental research strengths and faculty expertise.
Cheapest Postgraduate Courses in LASU
Cost-conscious students exploring LASU postgraduate courses and their requirement and fees find Arts, Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences programmes at the lower end of the fee spectrum. Here’s a comparison of affordable versus premium programmes:
Cost Comparison
| Affordable Programmes | Premium Programmes |
|---|---|
| M.A. English (₦150,000-₦200,000) | MBA (₦300,000-₦400,000) |
| M.A. History (₦150,000-₦200,000) | LLM (₦250,000-₦350,000) |
| M.Ed. Education (₦180,000-₦220,000) | M.Sc. Computer Science (₦250,000-₦350,000) |
| M.A. Political Science (₦180,000-₦230,000) | M.Sc. Banking & Finance (₦250,000-₦320,000) |
| M.A. Theatre Arts (₦160,000-₦210,000) | Executive MBA (₦400,000-₦500,000) |
Combined with Lagos State indigene subsidies, affordable programmes offer excellent value for students seeking quality postgraduate education within manageable budgets. Premium programmes justify higher costs through specialized facilities, industry partnerships, and enhanced career outcomes.
Hardest Courses to Get Into in LASU
The most competitive programmes include MBA (Business Administration) due to high professional demand, LLM (Law) with limited slots for legal practitioners, M.Sc. Computer Science driven by technology sector growth, M.Sc. Banking and Finance attracting finance professionals, M.A. Mass Communication with strong media industry connections, M.A. International Relations and Strategic Studies, and specialized Science programmes with laboratory capacity constraints. These programmes receive 5-10 times more applications than available slots, making admission highly selective with entrance examination scores and academic credentials serving as primary selection criteria.
Is LASU Better Than UNILAG for Masters?
Both universities offer excellent postgraduate education with distinct advantages. When comparing LASU postgraduate courses and their requirement and fees, consider these factors: LASU charges significantly lower fees than UNILAG, particularly for Lagos indigenes. LASU admits more students, offering better admission chances in competitive programmes. UNILAG maintains slightly higher ranking in international assessments and stronger industry connections in certain fields. Programme quality varies by department rather than institution—some LASU departments exceed UNILAG counterparts in specific disciplines.
Choose based on programme-specific strengths, financial considerations, and career goals rather than institutional prestige alone. Researching LASU postgraduate courses and their requirement and fees alongside UNILAG’s offerings helps identify the best fit for your academic aspirations, budget constraints, and professional objectives. Both institutions produce successful graduates who excel in Nigerian and international job markets, making either choice viable for quality postgraduate education in Lagos State.
Lagos State University offers exceptional postgraduate opportunities combining academic excellence with affordability in Nigeria’s commercial capital. The strategic Lagos location provides unmatched career exposure, industry connections, and practical opportunities unavailable elsewhere. With diverse programmes, quality faculty, reasonable fees, and strong graduate outcomes, LASU represents an excellent choice for ambitious scholars seeking to advance their careers and contribute to knowledge development. Visit www.lasu.edu.ng to begin your postgraduate journey today.