POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES JANUARY 2025 INTAKE

 

The University of Malawi, formerly known as Chancellor College, is inviting applications for various Postgraduate Programmes which will commence in January, 2025.

1. GENERAL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR MASTER’S DEGREES

The following are the minimum application requirements for all Master’s degree programmes:

1. A filled 2025 PG1 form to be downloaded from our website www.unima.ac.mw;

2. A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university/programme with at least a credit. Candidates with a strong pass may be considered;

3. A detailed CV;

4. Certified or notarised copies of academic transcripts and certificates;

5. 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;

6. 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;

7. Evidence of sponsorship: Preference will be given to applicants who will present credible evidence of funding for their studies;

8. Candidates MUST sign on the 2025 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.

2. GENERAL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR PHD PROGRAMMES

In addition to the general requirements above, applications for doctoral degree programmes should meet the following minimum conditions:

1. A good Master’s degree from an accredited university/programme. Candidates with work experience will have an added advantage;

2. A concept note detailing the proposed research topic in terms of objectives, approach and research questions;

3. Sample of the applicant’s written academic work.

Conditions for admission

1. 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);

2. 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;

3. The University does not provide accommodation, and the students will be required to look for their accommodation outside the campus;

4. 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.

3. SPECIFIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR PROGRAMMES

The following are the specific details of the advertised programmes:

1. SCHOOL OF EDUCATION

1. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FOUNDATIONS

The Education Foundations Department is offering the following programmes at its Lilongwe Satellite Centre and Zomba (UNIMA) campus:

1. M.Ed. in Policy, Planning and Leadership

2. M.Ed. in Testing, Measurement, and Evaluation

3. M.Ed. in Educational Psychology

4. M.Ed. in Sociology of Education

All Masters' programs are two-year programs. However, the programs will be offered during weekends using blended mode. Lectures will be conducted on Saturdays and Sundays. For the first two weeks of each semester, face-to-face classes will be conducted at the Lilongwe Satellite Centre (KUHeS/old KCN campus) and the Zomba (UNIMA) campus. Thereafter, classes will be conducted online.

Prospective students are, therefore, required to indicate whether they are applying for the Lilongwe Satellite Centre or the Zomba (UNIMA) campus.

Fee Structure: MK2,750,000 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.

5. Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Policy Planning and Leadership)

6. Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Psychology of Education)

7. Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Sociology of Education)

8. Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Testing Measurement and Evaluation)

Duration: 3 years (full-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 at the University of Malawi. Students will be required to attend and participate in regular seminars, reading exercises, presentations, and participate in other scholarly activities as may be arranged by the department from time to time. 

2. DEPARTMENT OF LANGUAGE EDUCATION

Master of Education in Curriculum and Teaching Studies (Language Education)

3. DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL STUDIES EDUCATION

Master of Education in Curriculum and Teaching Studies (Social Studies Education)

4. DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE EDUCATION

Master of Education in Curriculum and Teaching Studies (Mathematics and Science Education)

Fee Structure: MK 5,500,000 for Malawian nationals; US$6,000 for SADC region students; and US$7,000 for international students.

Additional Entry Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Education (or its equivalent) with credit. Those with a strong pass may also be considered. Work experience in education or education related area will be an added advantage.

Preliminary Enquiries: Contact the Department of Curriculum and Teaching Studies on telephone number 0996787515 or by email: cats@cc.ac.mw.

Doctor of Philosophy Programmes

5. DEPARTMENT OF LANGUAGE EDUCATION

PhD in Curriculum Studies (Language Education)

6. DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL STUDIES EDUCATION

PhD in Curriculum Studies (Social Studies Education)

7. DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE EDUCATION

PhD in Curriculum Studies (Science and Mathematics Education)

Fee Structure: Local students: MK3,750,000 per year; SADC region students: US$4,000 per year; International students: US$5,000 per year.

Additional Entry Requirements: Interested candidates should possess a good Master’s degree with Education as main area of study. Those with a non-education degree but have a University Certificate in Education (UCE) or its equivalent will also be considered. Applicants should also have experience of working in education or education related area. Applications for the PhD should be accompanied by a 3-page concept note detailing the proposed research topic. Candidates are advised to make their concept notes as specific as possible, and to send in a piece of their written work relevant to the proposed field of study along with their application.

Duration: 3 to 4 years

Preliminary Enquiries: Contact the PG coordinator on telephone number 0996787515 or by email: cats@unima.ac.mw

2. SCHOOL OF NATURAL AND APPLIED SCIENCES

(i) Master of Science in Environmental Science (MES)

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.

1. 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 research topic of their choice.

Contacts for further details: The Head of Department on: geo@unima.ac.mw; or emwathunga@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 Sciences or related disciplines from accredited institutions of higher learning.

Contacts for further details: The Head of Department on: geo@unima.ac.mw; or emwathunga@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 emwathunga@unima.ac.mw.

2. DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES

(i) Master of Science in Biostatistics

Description of Programme: A 2-year programme offered through block release and involves coursework and a thesis.

Additional Entry Requirements: Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree, major in Statistics or Mathematics, and any other related disciplines with at least a strong pass from a recognized university. Selected candidates with deficiencies in some Mathematics/Statistics modules will be asked to attend bridging courses before enrolment. Further details about the programme can be accessed on the programme website through the link https://biostatistics.unima.ac.mw/programmes/Master_of_Science_in_Biostatistics_.

Scholarships for International Students under CRAFS-ACE 2 Project: Under the Centre for Resilient Agri-food Systems (CRAFS), with support from the World Bank's Africa Centres of Excellence II (ACE II) project, the School of Natural and Applied Sciences (SNAS) has secured funding for full-time study scholarships of international students willing to pursue various postgraduate science programmes at the University of Malawi. A separate advert for the same will be circulated. Selection for scholarship will be through a competitive process. Female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply. 

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 bachelor's degree with at least a credit pass and aged below 35 years.

Fee Structure: MK4,000,000 per academic year for Malawian nationals and US$3,000 per academic year for international students. Those invited to attend bridging courses will be required to pay US $300 per module.

Contacts for further details: The Programme Coordinator, Dr. Tsirizani Mwalimu Kaombe on +265999603074, biostat-unima@unima.ac.mw, copy to sec.maths@cc.ac.mw.

2. Master of Science in Mathematical Sciences

Master of Science in Mathematical Sciences (Financial Modelling, Coding Theory and Cryptography, Mathematical Biology, Mathematical Statistics)

Description of Programme: A 2-year full-time programme involving course work and thesis.

Entry Requirements: Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematical Sciences with at least a credit or a strong pass obtained from any accredited institution of higher learning.

Fee Structure: MK 2,750,000 per academic year for Malawian nationals and US$1,750 per academic year for international students.

Scholarships for International Students under CRAFS-ACE 2 Project: Under the Centre for Resilient Agri-food Systems (CRAFS), with support from the World Bank’s Africa Centres of Excellence II (ACE II) project, the School of Natural and Applied Sciences (SNAS) has secured funding for full-time study scholarships of international students willing to pursue various postgraduate science programmes at the University of Malawi. A separate advert for the same will be circulated. Selection for scholarship will be through a competitive process. Females are particularly encouraged to apply.

Contact for further details: The Programme coordinator, Dr. Elias Peter Mwakilama at: emwakilama@unima.ac.mw /mathsciences_unima@cc.ac.mw, and copy to sec.maths@cc.ac.mw

2. Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematical Sciences (Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics) by Research

Description of Programme: This is a 3 - 5 years full-time PhD programme by research, including supervisor guided reading. Students on this programme will dedicate full time to the programme of study, spending their time on campus at University of Malawi or at a collaborating institution depending on agreements and availability of resources. During the entire period of study, students should be prepared to devote at least 90 hours of tutoring undergraduate or MSc students in the Department of Mathematical Sciences at University of Malawi. In addition, students will be required to attend and participate in departmental or faculty seminars and/or presentations, and attend to other scholarly activities which the department may arrange from time to time.

Additional Entry Requirements: A Master’s degree in Mathematics or related disciplines obtained from any accredited institution of higher learning. Those with first class BSc honours degrees in Mathematics may also be admitted. It is highly recommended for PhD applicants to pre-identify academic supervisors who are specialists in the proposed research areas.

Fee Structure: MK3,000,000 for Malawian nationals or US$3,500.00 for international students per academic year.

Contact for further details: The Programme coordinator, Dr. Elias Peter Mwakilama at: emwakilama@unima.ac.mw/mathsciences_unima@cc.ac.mw, and copy to sec.maths@cc.ac.mw

4. Doctor of Philosophy in Biostatistics

Description of the programme: This is a 3 to 5-year full-time programme by research including supervisor-guided reading. It aims to produce a highly trained cadre of individuals who will contribute to knowledge generation in the field of biostatistics. During the entire period of study, the candidate should also be prepared to devote at least 90 hours of teaching/tutoring MSc or undergraduate students in the Department of Mathematical Sciences, which is equivalent to teaching 3 modules.

Additional Entry Requirements: Applicants to be considered under the PhD programme in Biostatistics or Statistics should have a strong Master’s degree in Statistics or Biostatistics or related disciplines from a recognized university. Applicants should also submit a concept note, not exceeding 5 pages, outlining the proposed area of research.

It is also highly advised that applicants should pre-identify or suggest an academic supervisor who is a specialist in the research area they are proposing. The University requires that the main PhD supervisor should be at the level of at least Senior Lecturer. The academic supervisor does not necessarily have to be from the University of Malawi. The University encourages collaborative supervision. Applications with pre-identified supervisors may have an added advantage. Further details about the programme can be accessed on the programme website through the link https://biostatistics.unima.ac.mw/programmes/Doctor_of_Philosophy_in_Biostatistics.

Scholarships: The Africa DELTAS SSACAB programme offers some fellowships to deserving applicants. For more details visit https://www.ssacab.co.za/Fellowships/Opportunities.aspx.

Fee structure: Tuition fees is USD 5,500.00 per academic year payable in Malawi Kwacha equivalent at the time of registration.

Contacts for further details: The Programme Coordinator, Dr. Tsirizani Mwalimu Kaombe on +265999603074, biostat-unima@unima.ac.mw, copy to sec.maths@cc.ac.mw.

3. DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN ECOLOGY AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES

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

3. SCHOOL OF LAW, ECONOMICS AND GOVERNMENT

1. DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS

Master of Arts in Economics (Non-Residential Programme)

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.

Entry Requirements: A good Bachelor’s degree from an accredited 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.

Fee Structure: MK4,500,000.00 per student per year for Malawian nationals and US$5,000.00 per year for international students.

Contacts for further details: The MA (NR) Coordinator, Economics Department, Email: at sec.economics@unima.ac.mw or +265111951135.

2. DEPARTMENT OF POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT

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: MK2,750,000.00 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.

3. DEPARTMENT OF PRIVATE 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.

4. SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

1. DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY ARCHAEOLOGY AND HERITAGE STUDIES

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: MK4,200,000 for the entire period of study for Malawian nationals; U$6,720 for SADC and U$9,580 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

2. DEPARTMENT OF THEOLOGY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES

1. Name of Programme: PhD in Theology and Religious Studies (TRS)

Fee Structure: Tuition fees for the whole programme is K4, 000, 000 for Malawian nationals, US$ 6,000 for SADC students, and US$ 8, 000 for international students.

Duration of the Programme: 3 years

Programme Description

The PhD in Theology and Religious Studies (TRS) is a research degree for postgraduate students in the TRS department. It offers a high-quality training programme and an outstanding environment for research in various fields of theological and religious studies. This is a full-time PhD programme by research. Candidates will undergo a compulsory research methods course prior to commencement of their research studies. Candidates will later be expected to work with allocated supervisors on their chosen research topics and they will be expected to make at least two presentations: one on the research proposal and the other one on the research findings. Each candidate is also expected to publish articles in peer-reviewed scholarly journals before completion of the study.

Specific Entry Requirements

Qualification for admission into the PhD in Theology and Religious Studies (TRS) is a strong Master’s degree in Theology and Religious Studies or any other related field from accredited institutions. Prospective candidates will be expected to be able to conduct independent research in the various academic fields of Theology and Religious Studies.

Contact for further details: Head of TRS department, Dr. Hermann Mvula on +265 884 03 31 20 or via email at hmvula@unima.ac.mw or the Postgraduate Coordinator, Dr. Jones Mawerenga on +265 991 91 88 97 or via email at jmawerenga@unima.ac.mw.

(ii) Name of Programme: Master of Theology and Religious Studies

Additional Entry Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Theology and Religious Studies or any other relevant first degree with a credit.

Fee Structure: MK4,500,000 for Malawian nationals and US$6,000 for international students for the entire two years.

 Contact for further details: Head of TRS department, Dr. Hermann Mvula on +265 884 03 31 20 or via email at hmvula@unima.ac.mw or the Postgraduate Coordinator, Dr. Jones Mawerenga on +265 991 91 88 97 or via email at jmawerenga@unima.ac.mw.

4. 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 6^th September, 2024. This includes electronic applications.

The Registrar

University of Malawi

P.O. Box 280

Zomba

Attention: (Postgraduate Studies Office)

For further details, please refer to www.unima.ac.mw

  PG 1 FORM FOR 2025