HND to Master’s – How to Change Your Field of Study in Nigeria

Many HND graduates in Nigeria believe they must stay stuck in the same field forever, especially if they didn’t enjoy their course of study. But that belief is outdated. It’s now possible to move from an HND into a master’s program—and change your field of study in the process.

Whether you want to go from Engineering to Business, Science to Public Health, or Education to Tech, there are realistic ways to make it happen. It won’t always be a straight path, but it’s absolutely achievable with the right approach.

Why HND Graduates Want to Change Their Field of Study

A growing number of HND holders are realizing that the field they studied isn’t where they want to build their future. Some discover a passion for something else. Others are motivated by better job opportunities, higher pay, or more flexible careers. These common reasons often push HND graduates to seek a fresh start through a master’s degree:

• Lack of job prospects in their current field
• Burnout or boredom
• New interest discovered through work experience
• Changing industries (e.g., moving from Oil and Gas to Tech)
• Higher career goals that require a different qualification

Whatever your reason is, changing your academic direction through postgraduate study is one of the most effective ways to make the shift.

The Reality of Moving from HND to Master’s in Nigeria

By default, most Nigerian universities do not allow direct admission into a master’s program for HND holders—especially if you’re switching fields. You’ll typically be required to complete a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) first. A PGD acts as a conversion program. It builds the academic foundation that your new field requires and qualifies you for a master’s degree. So while HND to direct master’s is rare in Nigeria, HND → PGD → Master’s is the path most career switchers follow.

Fields That Are More Flexible for Career Changers

Some fields in Nigeria are more open to students coming from unrelated academic backgrounds, especially at the PGD and professional master’s level. These include:

Public Health

Accepts HND holders from health sciences, biology, agriculture, or even social sciences with relevant work experience. A PGD or MPH can lead to roles in hospitals, NGOs, and government agencies.

Project Management

Popular for those coming from technical, business, or social science backgrounds. PGD or MBA in project management is widely accepted.

Education (PGDE)

If you want to teach, the PGDE allows you to enter the education sector regardless of your original course of study.

Information Technology

This field allows transition from engineering, physical sciences, and even management backgrounds. Short courses and PGD in IT prepare you for roles in tech, networking, and data.

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Business Administration and HR

A PGD or MBA lets you move from a technical or scientific background into management, sales, HR, or operations.

Environmental Management

Often accepts students from science, engineering, or even urban and regional planning for postgraduate studies.

How to Choose a New Field That Makes Sense

Changing your course of study doesn’t mean choosing something random. You’ll need to justify it—both to the admissions board and to future employers.

Ask yourself:

• What job role am I targeting after the master’s?
• Does my current HND connect with the new field in any way?
• Do I have work experience, training, or interest in the new area?
• Can I handle the academic pressure of starting something new?

Once you’ve answered these, go for a course that fits your long-term plan, not just what’s trending.

ALSO READ: Study Abroad Options for HND Graduates Switching Careers

Schools in Nigeria Accepting HND Holders into PGD for Career Switch

Here are Nigerian institutions that accept HND holders into PGD programs, allowing for a later move into a different master’s field:

1. National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)

Affordable, flexible, and widely accessible. Offers PGD in education, business, public administration, and more.

2. University of Lagos (UNILAG)

Offers PGD and professional master’s programs suitable for switching into HR, public health, and finance.

3. Lagos State University (LASU)

Known for PGD in education, business, and IT. Part-time and full-time options available.

4. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU Zaria)

Offers wide PGD programs in sciences, engineering, and management that suit career switchers.

5. University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN)

Has a history of accepting HND into PGD programs for business, social sciences, and education.

6. Bayero University Kano (BUK), FUTA, and FUTMinna

Offer PGDs in tech, entrepreneurship, project management, and planning fields.

Steps to Change Your Field from HND to Master’s in Nigeria

1. Decide on Your New Career Goal

Pick the industry or role you’re switching to. This helps you identify the right course and school.

2. Apply for a PGD Program in the New Field

Most universities offer PGDs in areas like business, education, public health, and ICT. Apply through the postgraduate school portal.

3. Complete the PGD and Earn Required Grade

Some universities will only admit you into master’s programs if you have a minimum of Merit or Upper Credit in PGD.

4. Apply for a Master’s in Your Target Field

With a PGD in hand, you can now apply for MSc, MBA, MPH, or M.Ed depending on your chosen direction.

5. Add Certifications or Short Courses Alongside

To boost your chances of employment after the switch, combine your degree with industry-specific training.

How Long Does It Take?

• PGD: 1 year full-time or 1.5 years part-time
• Master’s: 1–2 years depending on the program

In total, you could complete the process of changing your field and earning a master’s degree within 2–3 years.

What to Do If You Can’t Afford Full-Time Study

You don’t have to leave your job. Many PGD and master’s programs in Nigeria are available on:

• Part-time basis
• Weekend classes
• Distance learning (e.g., NOUN)

This means you can study while working and use that period to gain experience in your new field through volunteering, freelance projects, or short-term gigs.

Job Opportunities After Field Switch

Once you’ve completed your new program, you’ll be eligible for roles previously closed off to you. Your work experience, new qualification, and certifications all combine to position you for:

• Full-time jobs in your new industry
• Entrepreneurship in your target field
• NGO roles
• Federal or state government positions that require a specific academic background
• Further studies abroad

ALSO READ: How to Do Master’s in a New Field After Graduation