POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES JANUARY 2023 INTAKE
The University of Malawi is inviting applications for various Postgraduate Programmes, which will commence in January, 2023.
I. GENERAL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR MASTER’S DEGREES
The following are the minimum application requirements for all Master’s degree programmes:
- A filled 2022 PG1 form to be downloaded Click here to download
- A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university/programme with at least a credit. Candidates with a strong pass may be considered
- A detailed CV
- Certified or notarised copies of academic transcripts and certificates;
- Two letters of reference from traceable referees (one of which shall be an academician and the other one may be a professional referee) and to be submitted in sealed envelopes or as a PDF attachment;
- A copy of a bank deposit slip for the application fee of MK20,000 for nationals and US$50 for international applicants. Please indicate the name of the programme you are applying for and deposit the money into the following account: Chanco Sundry Income, Account No: 282553, held at the National Bank of Malawi, Zomba Service Centre;
- Evidence of sponsorship: Preference will be given to applicants who will present credible evidence of funding for their studies;
- Candidates MUST sign on the 2022 PG 1 form that they have satisfied all the general entry requirements.
NOTE: Specific programmes may have additional requirements which must be complied with. Incomplete applications will not be processed
II. GENERAL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR PHD PROGRAMMES
In addition to the general requirements above, applications for doctoral degree programmes should meet the following minimum conditions:
- A good Master’s degree from an accredited university/programme. Candidates with work experience will have an added advantage;
- A concept note detailing the proposed research topic in terms of objectives, approach and research questions;
- Sample of the applicant’s written academic work.
Conditions of admission
- Unless specifically indicated, all Masters’ programmes are full-time and will run for 24 months. The first year is for course work, while the second year is for research and thesis writing. PhD programmes run for 3 years (full time) and up to 5 years (part-time);
- The tuition fees cover costs of registration, examinations, supervision and institutional overheads. Students are expected to meet costs of research, accommodation, meals, medical cover, books, stationery and learning materials;
- The University does not provide accommodation, and the students will be required to look for their accommodation outside the campus;
- All programmes operate on a no-fees no-classes basis. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate how they will support their studies either through a letter of commitment from their sponsors or a bank statement.
SPECIFIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR PROGRAMMES
The following are the specific details of the advertised programmes:
SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FOUNDATIONS
At its Lilongwe Satellite Centre, the Education Foundations Department is offering the following Master of Education programs:
- M.Ed. in Policy, Planning and Leadership
- M.Ed. in Testing, Measurement and Evaluation
- M.Ed. in Educational Psychology
- M.Ed. in Sociology of Education
All programs are two-year programs. However, lectures will be conducted during weekends, on Saturdays and Sundays.
Fee Structure: MK2,062,500 per academic year for Malawian nationals; US$3,000 per academic year for SADC region students; and US$3,500 per academic year for international students.
Entry Requirements: Possession of a Bachelor’s degree in Education (or its equivalent) with credit, from an accredited university. Those with a strong pass may be considered. Work experience in teaching or an education-related area will be an added advantage.
Contacts for further details: The Postgraduate Coordinator, Dr. Chikumbutso Manthalu, on 0888 594 508, or via email at med@unima.ac.mw
FACULTY OF SCIENCE
(i) Master of Science in Environmental Science (MES) 2022
Duration of Programme: 24 months (full time)
Fee Structure: MK2,250,000 per academic year for Malawian nationals or US$3,000 per academic year for international students.
Description of Programme: The MES programme consists of coursework, research, and a thesis.
Additional Entry Requirements: Candidates should have a good Bachelor’s degree (at least an upper pass) in natural sciences or related fields. Preference will be given to candidates with relevant experience.
Contacts for further details: The MES Coordinator at: mesadmin@unima.ac.mw.
(ii) Master of Science in Water Science and Management (WSM)
Description of Programme: The WSM programme consists of course work, research and a thesis.
Duration of Programme: 2 years (full-time)
Fee Structure: MK2,250,000 per academic year for Malawian nationals and US$3,000 per academic year for international students.
Additional Entry Requirements: Potential candidates should have at least a high pass in natural/ applied sciences or related fields from recognised and accredited universities.
Contact for further details: The Programme Coordinator, Dr Evance Mwathunga, at wrmg@unima.ac.mw.
DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY AND EARTH SCIENCES
(i) Master of Science in Geography and Earth Sciences (by Research)
Duration: 2 years (full-time) and 3 years (part-time) programme.
Fee Structure: MK2,587,500 per academic year for Malawian nationals or US$3,450 per academic year for international students.
Description of Programme: Supervised research and thesis.
Additional Entry Requirements: A strong first degree (credit or high pass) majoring in Geography and/or Earth Sciences or any other related discipline. Candidates must also submit a Concept Note.
Contacts for further details: The Head of Department on: geo@unima.ac.mw; or mmwinuka@ unima.ac.mw.
(ii) Doctor of Philosophy in Geography by Research
Duration: 3 years (full time); 5 years (part-time)
Fee structure: MK3,750,000 per academic year for Malawian nationals or US$5,000 per academic year for international students.
Description of Programme: Full-time students will dedicate their time to the programme of study, either at the University of Malawi or at a collaborating institution depending on agreed-upon arrangements and availability of resources. Those on a part-time basis will have to spend a minimum amount of time on campus that is equivalent to the full-time students during the 5 years. Students will be required to attend and participate in regular seminars, reading exercises and presentations, offer tutorials to MSc and BSc students, and participate in other scholarly activities as may be arranged by the department from time to time.
Additional Entry Requirements
Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in Geographical or related disciplines from accredited institutions of higher learning.
Contacts for further details: The Head of Department on: geo@unima.ac.mw; or mmwinuka@ unima.ac.mw.
(iii) Doctor of Philosophy in Earth Sciences by Research
Duration: 3 years (full-time); 5 years (part-time)
Fee Structure: MK3,750,000 per academic year for Malawian nationals or US$5,000 per academic year for international students.
Description of Programme: Full-time students will dedicate their time to the programme of study, either at the University of Malawi campus or at a collaborating institution depending on agreed upon arrangements and availability of resources. Those on part-time basis will have to spend a minimum amount of time on campus that is equivalent to the full-time students during the 5 years. Students will be required to attend and participate in regular seminars, reading exercises and presentations, offer tutorials to MSc and BSc students, and participate in other scholarly activities as may be arranged by the department from time to time.
Additional Entry Requirements: Students applying to be admitted into this programme must hold a Master’s degree in Earth Sciences or related disciplines obtained from accredited institutions of higher learning.
Contacts for further details: The Head of Department at: geo@unima.ac.mw; or mmwinuka@ unima.ac.mw.
DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES
(i) Master of Science in Biostatistics
Description of Programme: A 2 years programme, offered through block-release and involves coursework and thesis.
Additional Entry Requirements: Candidates must have a strong Bachelor’s degree (55% and above), majored in Statistics or Mathematics and any other related disciplines from a recognised university. Selected candidates with deficiencies in some Mathematics/Statistics modules will be asked to attend a bridging course before enrollment.
Scholarships: Limited full scholarships will be available under the DELTAS Sub-Saharan Africa Consortium for Advanced Biostatistics Training (SSACAB) project to selected applicants having a Statistics degree with at least a credit pass and aged below 35 years.
Fee Structure: MK2,250,000 per academic year for Malawian nationals and US$1,500 per academic year for international students. Those attending bridging courses will be required to pay US $300 per module.
Contacts for further details: The Coordinator, Mr Sawerengera, on 0999530764, copy to sec. maths@unima.ac.mw.
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN ECOLOGY
(i) Master of Science in Food Science
Duration of programme: 2 years (24 months) full-time
Fees structure: K2, 500,000 per academic year for Malawian nationals or US$3,750 per academic year for international students.
Description of the programme: This is a full-time Master’s programme comprising coursework in the first year and research leading to a thesis in the second year. The aim of the programme is to produce a highly trained Food Scientist who will contribute to knowledge generation, inform food policy and produce a range of nutritious food products.
Additional entry requirements: Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food and Nutrition, Food Technology, Public Health, Biology, Microbiology and related fields with at least a strong pass or its equivalent from any recognised institution of higher learning.
Contacts for further details: The Head of Department, Human Ecology Department at: humanecology@unima.ac.mw
FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCE
DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS
(i) Master of Arts in Economics (Non-Residential Programme)
Duration of Programme: 24 months (full-time)
Fee Structure: MK2,425,500.00 per academic year for all students.
Description of Programme: The Programme consists of two components: a one-year taught course work in the first year followed by research and thesis writing in the second year. Modules are delivered in a block-release form in a specified period of not more than three working weeks and will be sequenced over one year.
Additional Entry Requirements: A good Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university majoring in Economics or closely related fields of study. The applicant should also have covered Intermediate Microeconomics and Intermediate Macroeconomics and Quantitative methods/ econometrics with an average grade of a high pass. Applicants with a bare pass in their first degree and relevant work experience will also be considered.
Contacts for further details: The MA (NR) Coordinator, Economics Department, Email: economics@ unima.ac.mw or lcassim@unima.ac.mw
(ii) Doctor of Philosophy in Economics
Nature and Expected Duration
This is a degree by supervised research, whose expected duration is 3-5 years. Academic Requirements
Applicants should have a Master’s degree from a recognised university with specialisations in economics or related fields. Those without such a background but who have a strong undergraduate degree in economics may enrol in the coursework component of the MA Programme.
Finances
Fees are MWK3,900,000.00 per academic year for Malawian nationals or US$5,000 per academic year for international students, plus US$1,000 for the examination process in the year of thesis submission.
Application Requirements
A complete application dossier must include the following: One letter of application, three original copies of completed application forms (University of Malawi PG1), academic transcripts of the first degree and the highest postgraduate qualification, certified copies of all academic certificates and academic reference letters from two referees, current CV, a 1 to 2 page research concept note, and a bank deposit slip of the application fee.
Contacts for further details: The PhD Program Coordinator, Associate Professor Spy Munthali, Economics Department, Tel: 0888300800 or email smunthali@unima.ac.mw
DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE STUDIES
(i) Master of Arts in Political Science
Description of Programme: The programme consists of taught coursework in the first year, followed by independent research and preparation of an examinable thesis in the second year.
Duration: 2 years (Full-time)
Additional Entry Requirements: Applicants should have a strong Bachelor’s degree with a credit or strong pass in Political Science or Public Administration. Applicants with a degree in Humanities and Social Sciences from an accredited institution will be considered if they had some Political Science subjects in their undergraduate programmes. Applicants should also submit a two-page typed brief of proposed research interests in the chosen discipline of study.
Fee Structure: MK1,875,000.00 per academic year for Malawian nationals or US$ 3,250 per academic year for international students.
Contacts for further details: The Coordinator or Head of the Department of Political and Administrative Studies at: pastudies@unima.ac.mw, or call 0882436251/0993007186.
(ii) PhD in Public Administration (By Research)
Programme Description: This is a full-time PhD programme by research, including supervisors’ guided reading. During the entire period of study, candidates will be required to participate in scheduled scholarly activities arranged by the Department. These activities include seminars, reading exercises and presentations, and offering tutorials to MA and BA students in Public Administration.
Fee Structure: Tuition fee is MK3,600,000 for Malawian nationals and US $ 4,800.00 for international students per academic year.
Duration of Programme: 3-5 years
Additional Entry Requirements: Applicants to be considered for the PhD in Public Administration should have a strong Master’s degree in Public Administration/ Management/ Political Science or related disciplines obtained from accredited institutions of higher learning. Applicants who can demonstrate a strong prior experience in research will have an added advantage.
Contact for further details: The Coordinator or Head of the Department of Political and Administrative Studies at: pastudies@unima.ac.mw , or call: 0996088913/ 0993007186
(iii) PhD In Development Studies
Programme Description: The ultimate objective of the programme is to produce PhD graduates who are knowledgeable about the developmental challenges confronting African countries and the developing world in general. The programme exposes candidates to high level analytical skills, classical and contemporary development theories, and perspectives, and to the practical side of development and underdevelopment from multidisciplinary approaches. This programme consists of the taught course and research components.
Delivery Mode: Block release involving lectures, presentations and seminars
Duration: A minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 5 years.
Additional Entry Requirements: Prospective candidates must be capable of carrying out independent research in the social sciences, use and exchange ideas with a view to improving and critically analysing development interventions. Candidates should have a strong Master’s degree from a recognized institution in social science related field. Candidates from other disciplines will be considered if they have some background in development related fields.
While prospective students are welcome to propose research in any area of interest, the faculty is encouraging proposals/concept notes in the following areas: Political economy; local governance; decentralization; local development; development aid; development coordination; public policy; agrarian and environmental history; governance, institutions and policy reform processes on water and land issues; historical, cultural and social dimensions of water resources and the environment.
Fee Structure: MK3,000,000.00 per academic year for Malawian nationals; and USD 5,000 per academic year for foreign students.
Contact for further details: The Postgraduate Programmes Coordinator, Dr. Edister Jamu at ejamu@unima.ac.mw or pg_socialscience@unima.ac.mw
DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY
(i) Master of Arts in African Social and Economic History
The programme is organised around a modular system and candidates may have the option of choosing either the MA (African Social History) or the MA (African Economic History) routes.
Duration: 24 months (full time)
Specific Entry Requirements: To qualify for admission in this programme, applicants must have Bachelor’s degree with credit in history or related disciplines obtained from accredited institutions of higher learning. Applicants with a strong pass in their first degree (55% and above average) and relevant work experience will also be considered.
Fee Structure: MK3,000,000 for the entire period of study for Malawian nationals; U$4,800 for SADC and U$7,200 for Non-SADC students for a similar period of study.
Preliminary inquiries can be made to: Head of History Department on gkayira@unima.ac.mw or call +265883688771
FACULTY OF LAW
Master of Laws in Commercial Law [LLM (Commercial Law)]
Duration of Programme: 18 Months
Fee Structure: The tuition fee for the entire programme is MK7,875,000 for Malawian nationals or US$10,500.00 for international students.
Description of Programme: The LLM (Commercial Law) programme consists of coursework, supervised research and a thesis. The course modules are delivered at the purpose-built Faculty of Law complex situated at the University of Malawi in Zomba, where they have access to the National Bank of Malawi Postgraduate Computer Lab, which includes free access to the University of Malawi internet resources, and the Macknight Machika Resource Centre, which stocks a wide variety of up-to-date Library resources relevant to the postgraduate study of Commercial Law.
Additional Entry Requirements: Admission into the programme is open to graduates who have either: (a) Bachelor of Laws (Honours) Upper Second Class degree (or its equivalent); or (b) A Bachelor of Laws (Honours) Lower Second Class degree (or its equivalent) and two years’ experience working on matters directly related to the application of commercial law.
Contacts for further details: The Dean, Faculty of Law, Phone: +265 1 951 096, deanlaw@unima. ac.mw or the Programme Coordinator or postgradlaw@unima.ac.mw.
PROCEDURE FOR SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS
Only short-listed applications will be acknowledged. Those who were previously offered a place but did not reserve their places should re-apply.
All applications should clearly state the programme applied for and should reach the following address by Saturday, 6th August, 2022.
This includes electronic applications.
The Registrar
University of Malawi
P.O. Box 280
Zomba
