OPEN DISTANCE AND E LEARNING INTAKE FOR THE 2023-2024 ACADEMIC YEAR

School of Natural and Applied Sciences

Department of Geography, Earth Sciences, and Environment

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN GEOGRAPHY

OPEN DISTANCE AND E-LEARNING INTAKE FOR THE 2023/2024 ACADEMIC YEAR

1.0 PREAMBLE

Established in 1965, the Department of Geography, Earth Sciences and Environment in the School of Natural and Applied Sciences at the University of Malawi is the oldest and pioneer institution in the provision of geosciences education in Malawi. The department offers undergraduate, masters and doctoral programmes in a wide range of fields of geographical and earth sciences inquiry including mapping sciences (e.g. cartography, map analysis, surveying, GIS, remote sensing and drone technology); physical geography (e.g. hydrology, pedology, geomorphology, biogeography, meteorology and weather forecasting, climatology and climate change science, environmental hazards and disaster risk management); human geography (e.g. economic and geographies of development, rural development, urban and regional planning, environmental studies, health geography, and tourism geography); and geology (i.e. petrology, stratigraphy and palaeontology, earth’s resources, geological mapping and field techniques, geophysics, geochemistry, economic geology, igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic geology; applied geology, ore deposit geology, and hydrogeology).

Consistent with MW2063 vision of self-reliance and inclusive wealth creation and indeed cognizant of the critical role of the university in imparting knowledge and skills relevant to the country’s aspirations, the department has embarked on a transformative programme to offer Open Distance and E-Learning programmes to equip Malawians with knowledge and skills that will enhance their inclusive participation in the country’s socio-economic transformation.

The University of Malawi is, therefore, inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for admission into its Bachelor of Science in Geography (Open Distance E-Learning) programme for the 2023-2024 academic year.

2.0 Course Description

The main goal of the programme is to produce a cadre of geography graduates with adequate knowledge and skills to effectively contribute to various activities as they relate to areas such as sustainable development, physical planning, environmental governance and management, health planning, policy making and implementation and research. The aim of the programme is to give students an understanding of the principles and methods of geographical enquiry, and the skills to apply the knowledge to solving theoretical and practical problems in Geography and other allied fields in relation to societal needs for national development.

3.0 Eligibility

Entry into Year 1: Students with MSCE, “O” level equivalent, IGCSE, GCE with six credits including Geography, Mathematics, English and a credit in any other three subjects such as Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Studies, Agriculture and Social Studies. IGCSE and GCE shall be interpreted as follows: A=1 or 2; B=3 or 4; C= 5 or 6; D=7; E, F, G=8.

Entry into Year 2: Students with A-Level or IGSCE qualifications with at least C grade in Geography, Mathematics and English plus any other three subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, Computer Studies, Agriculture and Social Studies.

Entry into year 3: Based on 6 subjects passed with at least a credit at MSCE including Geography and Mathematics and a recognized diploma with at least a high pass in Geography or any other related disciplines such as Physical Planning, Education majoring in Geography, Environmental Studies, Land Administration, Transportation Geographical Information Systems (GIS), Ecotourism, and Climate Change.

4.0 Target Audience

The BSc in Geography programme targets school leavers as well as individuals working in research institutes, governmental agencies, public authorities, or private consultancies, including those in the fields of natural resource management, physical planning, health, security or civil aviation. Secondary school Geography teachers from across Malawi are also encouraged to apply.

5.0 Fees and Mode of Delivery

The course follows a blended mode of delivery comprising face-to-face and Open Distance and E-Learning (ODeL) over a duration of four years for those entering in year One and two years for mature entry students entering in third year.

Participants shall be required to pay fees amounting to MWK 850,000.00 for Malawian students and USD 1,500 for SADC applicants per academic year.

6.0 Application Procedure

Application forms can be obtained on written request or in person from the address given below and it can also be downloaded from www.unima.ac.mw. Duly completed application forms together with proof of payment of a non-refundable application fee of K25, 000.00 for Malawian candidates and U$35 for international applicants should be sent to the same address. Applicants should attach a deposit slip as proof of payment of an appropriate application fee.

ALL APPLICANTS ARE REQUIRED TO DEPOSIT THEIR APPLICATION FEE TO THE FOLLOWING BANK ACCOUNT:

BANK NAME: NATIONAL BANK OF MALAWI

ACCOUNT NAME: CHANCO SUNDRY INCOME ACCOUNT NUMBER

ACCOUNT NUMBER: 282553

SWIFT CODE: NBMAMWMW

SORT CODE/BRANCH CODE: 006

7.0 Application Package

A complete application package MUST include the following:

  • Copies of all relevant degrees/Diplomas/certificates/academic transcripts which have been indicated on the application form. These must be duly certified as true copies of the originals by a recognized Commissioner of Oaths.

  • Original proof of availability of funds for training i.e. official sponsorship letter or bank statements of the applicant.

  • Copy of a bank deposit slip showing the name of the applicant and the amount of application fee paid.

  • Curriculum vitae (CV) with names and contact details of three traceable referees.

  • Official reference letter(s) from the current and/or previous employer(s) showing proof of at least 2 years relevant work experience (for those entering in Years Two or Three).

8.0 Submission Address

Duly completed application forms should be sent to the following address:

University Registrar

Geography, Earth Sciences, and Environment,

School of Natural and Applied Sciences,

University of Malawi,

P.O. Box 280,

Zomba.

Further inquiries should be made to the Programme Coordinator, Mrs Colleen Mbughi Makunganya (email: cmbughi@unima.ac.mw or +265 888 123 643). You can also visit the following website: www.unima.ac.mw

The closing date for receiving applications is 30th April 2023