Start Date:
September 2025
Administrative Unit:
Department of Food Production
Email: food.production@sta.uwi.edu
Phone: 1(868) 662 2002 ext. 83989
Programme Overview
Cocoa Science involves research along the value chain to address productivity increases, postharvest processing and quality
issues, risk mitigation, evaluation and utilization of cocoa genetic resources towards developing new breeding technologies or varieties as well as developing a range of innovative products. The overall goal of the programme is therefore to produce a cadre of professional researchers, who can operate in an interdisciplinary research environment to support the growth and development of the regional fine cocoa industries, while producing value employment opportunities within the new knowledge economy.
The specific objectives include
(1) Creating a cadre of graduates capable of conservation, management and utilization of cocoa genetic resources
(2) Developing geneticists capable of applying modern genetic technologies such as genome wide association studies, QTL mapping, functional assays to validate candidate genes, and genomic selection methodologies in crop improvement
(3) Training postgraduate students in the area of risk mitigation including cutting edge areas such as mitigation of climate change impact, losses due to pest and disease and other food safety risks
(4) Nurturing researchers capable of carrying out multidisciplinary projects dealing with contemporary problems facing the cocoa industry
(5) Developing researchers in cocoa postharvest processing and quality management using conventional and novel tools such as proteomics, metagenomics, metabolomics.
(6) Developing innovators in product and process design to improve market penetration, and or efficiency.
Programme Breakdown
COURSE WORK REQUIREMENT:
- 1 M.Phil thesis
- Graduate courses equivalent to six credits from the recommended list below
BIOL5200 Characteristics of Biodiversity
BIOL5208 Conservation and Management of Biodiversity
AGRI 6620 Statistical Methods
AGBU 6301 Research Methodology
In addition, as per Faculty regulations, all postgraduate research students are required to present at least two seminars at the MPhil level before they will be allowed to submit their thesis.
These seminars are assessed components of the programme, and candidates are required to formally register.
The course codes for such courses are as follows:
GRSM 7000 Graduate Seminar – MPhil
GRSM 7001 Graduate Research Seminar I (mandatory – no credit)
GSRM 7002 Graduate Research Seminar II (mandatory – no credit)
Students will also be exposed to seminars and workshops geared to enhance their skills in oral, written and poster presentations, working towards the ultimate goal to ensure that the work is disseminated to the public as well as other scientists. They will be encouraged to submit at least one journal article prior to submission of an MPhil thesis.
PROGRESSION FROM MPHIL TO PHD
MPhil candidates may be upgraded to PhD under certain conditions. Before being permitted to progress from MPhil to PhD, candidates will be required to submit a report of their research to date, which includes a detailed literature review and a plan of research for the PhD.
This report will be reviewed and the candidate examined in accordance with relevant University regulations by a panel comprising of one internal examiner and the candidate’s supervisor(s). Those candidates who do not meet the requirements for progression to PhD will be invited to submit an MPhil thesis for examination.
THESIS
MPhil degrees are examined by thesis as per the University regulations.
The degree will be awarded upon completion of the programme, which includes the successful completion of all the required courses, seminars and the submission and successful defense of the MPhil thesis.
Candidates must complete the MPhil thesis (COCS 7000) of the Faculty of Food and Agriculture and may defend his/her thesis at a public oral examination.
Entry Requirements
Admission to an MPhil programme:
Holders of undergraduate degrees in Agriculture, Biology or any other related disciplines will be eligible for admission.
Normally, the minimum requirement for admission to the MPhil programme is at least an Upper Second-Class Honours degree (minimum GPA of 3.0 or equivalent).
Previous experience in research (e.g. through an undergraduate project) will be given special consideration in assessing a candidate’s suitability for admission. Candidates are expected to develop a research proposal as part of their application, in conjunction with academic staff members in Cocoa Research Centre.
NOTES:
Admission to the MPhil programme may be subject to an interview by a panel to include the potential supervisor(s) and the Director of CRC.
Only candidates with both the academic ability and appropriate aptitude will be admitted to the programme.
Where there is more than one suitable applicant for a particular project, admission will be granted on a competitive basis to the best candidate only.