POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES SEPTEMBER 2022 INTAKE

The University of Malawi is inviting applications for various Postgraduate Programmes which will commence in September 2022.

GENERAL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR MASTER’S DEGREES

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

  1. A letter of application or a filled PG1 form to be downloaded from our website

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

  3. A detailed CV.

  4. Certified or notarized copies of academic transcripts and certificates.

  5. Two letters of reference from traceable referees (one of which shall be an academician) and to be submitted in sealed envelopes or as PDF attachment.

  6. A copy of bank deposit slip for application fee of MK10,000 for Malawian 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.

NOTE: Specific programmes may have additional requirements which must be complied with. Incomplete applications will not be processed.

GENERAL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR PHD DEGREES

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. 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 applicant’s written academic work.

CONDITIONS OF ADMISSION

  1. Unless specifically indicated, all Master’s degree 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).

  1. 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.

  1. The College does not provide accommodation and the students will be required to look for their own accommodation outside the campus.

  1. 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:

  1. SCHOOL OF EDUCATION

Name of Programme: University Certificate in Education (UCE) PROGRAM

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates, who are currently serving as teachers (with no teaching qualification) into a one-year University Certificate in Education (UCE) programme in the School of Education at University of Malawi. Those who are not serving teachers but would like to have a teaching qualification can also apply if they are academically eligible.

This is a non-residential program which will be offered on a modular basis that combines face-to-face and distance modes of learning. The program involves three face-to-face learning sessions, end of year examinations, and a teaching practice running for one school term.

Requirements:

Prospective candidates should have at least a diploma from a recognized institution of higher learning. First degree or postgraduate degree holders will have an added advantage.

Tuition fee for the entire program is MK850,000.00. All self-sponsored applicants should show evidence of how they will fund their studies (e.g. letter of commitment from sponsor or bank statement). Applicants that are sponsored by the Ministry of Education should submit their application both through the Ministry of Education and directly to the School of Education through the address provided in this advert.

For further information contact the UCE Coordinator Dr. Chikumbutso Manthalu at cmanthalu@unima.ac.mw or mobile phone number 0888-594-508 during office hours only.

  1. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FOUNDATIONS

Names of Programmes:

  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 programs are two-year programs. They are offered on a full-time basis. However, lectures are usually conducted on Thursdays and Fridays only.

Fee Structure: Tuition fees for the whole program is MK4,125,000 for Malawian nationals; US$6,000 for SADC region students; and US$7,000 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 (a minimum average of 55%) may be considered. Work experience in teaching or an education-related area will be an added advantage.

Preliminary Enquiries: Contact the Postgraduate Coordinator, Dr. Chikumbutso Manthalu on 0888 594 508, or via email at med@unima.ac.mw

  1. DEPARTMENT OF CURRICULUM AND TEACHING STUDIES

Names of Programmes:

  1. PhD in Curriculum Studies (Language Education)

  2. PhD in Curriculum Studies (Social Studies Education)

Fee Structure: Local students: MK2,625,000 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.

Duration: 3 to 4 years

Preliminary Enquiries: Contact the Head of Curriculum and Teaching Studies Department on telephone number 0993425995 or by email: cats@unima.ac.mw

  1. FACULTY OF HUMANITIES

  1. DEPARTMENT OF PHILOSOPHY

Name of Programme: (i) Master of Arts in Applied Ethics

List of Courses Offered: Core modules: African Moral Practice and the Ethical Theory, Moral Decision-Making, Biomedical Ethics, Research Methods and Methodology, Environmental Ethics, and Business Ethics. Elective Modules: Developmental Ethics, Public Health Ethics, Public and Private Sector Ethics, and Morality, Law, Politics and the Media.

Duration of Programme: 2 years and programme has taught course component delivered through block release or weekend classes in the first year followed by supervised research leading to dissertation in the second year. Students with no background in Ethics will be required to take a bridging module, General Ethics.

Additional Entry Requirements: Bachelor’s or Honours degree in any field of study with credit or strong pass with a minimum of three years’ work experience.

Fee Structure: Tuition fees for the whole program is MK4,000,000 for Malawian nationals, US$6,000 for SADC students, and US$8,000 for international students for the entire 2 year period.

Contact for further details: Head of Philosophy Department at head.philosophy@unima.ac.mw or the Postgraduate Coordinator at pg.philosophy@unima.ac.mw.

Name of Programme: (ii) Master of Arts in Philosophy (by Research)

List of Research Areas: History of Philosophy; Continental Philosophy and Analytic Philosophy, Metaphysics Epistemology, Philosophy of Language and Logic, Social and Political Philosophy, Phenomenology & Existentialism, African Philosophy, Applied Ethics.

Mode of Delivery: This programme has two components: a taught course component delivered in the first semester of Year 1 where students will be required to attend compulsory seminars running every Saturday for 5 weeks. The second component will involve research leading to a supervised dissertation.

Additional Entry Requirements: A Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy or Bachelor’s Degree majoring in Philosophy with Credit; or A Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy or a Bachelor’s Degree majoring in Philosophy with a pass and minimum of three years of working experience; or An Honours Degree in Philosophy. Only qualifications from universities recognized by the University of Malawi will be accepted.

Fee Structure: MK3,000,000 for Malawian nationals for the entire two years.US$4,500 for SADC students, and US$6,000 for international students

Contact for further details: Head of Philosophy Department at head.philosophy@unima.ac.mw or the Postgraduate Coordinator at pg.philosophy@unima.ac.mw.

  1. DEPARTMENT OF AFRICAN LANGUAGES AND LINGUISTICS

Names of Programmes:

  1. MA in Pure Linguistics

  2. MA in Applied Linguistics

  3. PhD in Pure Linguistics

  4. PhD in Applied Linguistics

Entry Requirements:

Applicants for MA degrees should have a good first degree with credit or its equivalent in the appropriate subject. Applicants with a strong pass mark and relevant work experience shall also be considered. Applicants into the PhD Programme should already have completed an MA degree. Subject to certain conditions, research students may be accepted on a part-time basis or, under approved arrangements, to work off campus.

Duration of Programme: For the MA degree, it is 2 years maximum (Full-time) or 3 years (Part-time). For the PhD degree, it is 3 years full-time.

Fee Structure: MK1,800,000 per year for Malawian national, and US$3,000 per year for international students.

Contact for further details: The African Languages and Linguistics Secretary at secall@unima.ac.mw or the PG Coordinator Dr. Victor Chikaipa at vchikaipa@unima.ac.mw or call 01 524 222

  1. DEPARTMENT OF THEOLOGY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES

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.

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 Theology and Religious Studies Department, trs@unima.ac.mw.

  1. DEPARTMENT OF FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS

Name of Programme: Master of Arts in Theatre and Media Communications in Development (MA TMCD)

Programme Description : This interdisciplinary programme enables students to critically examine a range of theoretical, methodological and practical approaches to the study of Communication for Development, with specific emphasis on theatre and media. The training covers a range of current media industries including theatre, broadcast (radio and TV), print and digital media modes.

Programme Duration: 2 years with the first year offered on block release and the second year consisting of practice-based and supervised research leading to dissertation writing.

Fee Structure: MK4,500,000.00 for Malawian nationals; and US $7,644.00 for foreign international students for the 2 years.

Additional Entry Requirements: A Bachelor’s degree with credit in the fields of development theatre, media, and communication studies from an accredited university. Candidates with a strong pass may be considered, alongside work experience in theatre, media and communications-related fields.

Contact for further details: The Coordinator Prof. Mufunanji Magalasi at +265 1 524 222 / +265 1 527 127 or email her at mmagalasi@unima.ac.mw or fpa@unima.ac.mw.

  1. DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH

Names of Programmes:

  1. MA in Literature/MA in Literature by Research

  2. Doctor of Philosophy in Literature

Programme Description: The MA (Literature) and PhD (Literature) programmes aim to develop critical skills in the appreciation of the relevance of literary works to the development of a nation; build capacity that will service different government departments and NGOs in the fields such as teaching/research, culture and advocacy; and, finally, produce a cadre of literature scholars adept in the critiquing of literary and cultural works from all over the globe.

 

Eligibility Criteria

  1. MA in Literature/MA in Literature by Research

Entry into the MA (Literature) programme will be open to candidates who are holders of a good first degree (credit+) or its equivalent with English literature as a majoring subject. The MA in Literature (by research) is only open to candidates who can satisfy the department that they already have a sound grasp of literary/critical tools for analysing a clearly defined body of literary texts or tradition of their choice. This MA involves training in research methods, such course work as may be deemed necessary and a dissertation for which the degree is awarded.

  1. Doctor of Philosophy in Literature (Full Time)

To be admitted into a PhD in literature Programme, candidates should already have completed an MA. If this is not the case, the candidate may be accepted initially for the MA with the provision that if his/her performance is satisfactory, he/she will then be permitted to continue to a PhD. Subject to certain conditions, research students may be accepted on a part-time basis or, under approved arrangements, to work off campus. 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.

Programme Duration: Maximum of 2 years (full time) for MA in Literature; maximum of 4 years for MA in literature by research; maximum of 3 years for PhD in Literature.

Fees Structure: Actual fees for the MA in Literature programme is MK1, 500, 000.00 per year. Fees for the PhD in Literature is MK2, 000, 000.00 per year.

For further details, contact: The Postgraduate Coordinator, Dr Syned Mthatiwa, on smthatiwa@unima.ac.mw or pgenglish@unima.ac.mw.

  1. FACULTY OF SCIENCE

  1. Name of Programme: Master of Science in Environmental Science (MES)

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates to pursue a 24-month (full time) Master of Science in Environmental Sciences (MES) programme during the 2021-2023 academic years in the Faculty of Science at the University of Malawi.

The MES programme has courses in four modules with each module consisting of at least three courses running for two months. Candidates are required to complete a research project and submit a thesis at the end of the two years. Details of course modules can be obtained from the MES office by email to mesadmin@unima.ac.mw.

Eligibility criteria

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. The programme operates on a no-fee-no-classes basis. Applicants should demonstrate how they will support their studies either through a letter of support from their sponsors or a bank statement.

Tuition fees

Successful candidates will be required to pay K4,500,000 for Malawian Nationals and US$6,000 for International Students for the entire two years. A deposit of not less than K300, 000.00 shall be paid upon registration.

Method of application

Applications, accompanied by authenticated copies of certificates, two academic reference letters, academic transcripts, an updated CV with names of at least two traceable referees.

Only short-listed applications will be acknowledged.

Contact for further details: MES at: mesadmin@unima.ac.mw.

Those who were previously offered a place but did not report for their studies should re-apply.

  1. Name of Programme: MSc 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 for Malawian nationals and US$3,000 for international students per year.

Additional Entry Requirements: Potential candidates should have at least a high pass in natural/applied sciences or related fields from recognized and accredited universities.

Contact for further details: Programme Coordinator, Dr. Evance Mwathunga, wrmg@unima.ac.mw.

  1. DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY

Name of Programme: (i) Master of Science in Applied Chemistry (by Research)

Programme Description: The Master of Science programme in Applied Chemistry is intended to improve capacity of trained and experienced professionals and technical man-power working in the many fields that require the application of chemical principles. The programme allows students to undertake studies on a topic which requires comprehensive application of chemical principles. Typically students take their dissertations in the broad areas of natural products, environmental chemistry, and food chemistry and processing.

Programme duration: 2 years (full time)

Entry requirements: At the minimum, potential candidates should have a high pass Bachelor’s degree (at least 55% and above) in Chemistry or a field related to the chemical sciences from a recognized university.

Fee structure: MK1,500,000.00 per year for Malawian nationals and US$2000 per year for international students.

Contact for further details: Dr. Margaret Maoni, the PG Coordinator, E-mail: mmaoni@unima.ac.mw and copy to chemistry@unima.ac.mw.

(ii) Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry (by Research)

Programme Description: The aim of the programme is to produce a highly trained cadre of individuals who will contribute to knowledge generation in Chemistry and related disciplines. Students enrolled on full time basis will dedicate full time to the programme of study, spending their time on campus or at a collaborating institution depending on agreements and availability of resources. Those on part time will have to spend a minimum amount of time on campus that is equivalent to the full time students during the 5 year period.

Duration: 3 years (fulltime) and a maximum of 5 years (part time).

Entry requirements: At the minimum, hold an Honours or Master’s degree in Chemistry or related disciplines obtained from recognized institutions of higher learning. Experience will not be a substitute for these requirements.

Fee structure: MK 1,875,000 for Malawian nationals and US$2,500 for international students per year.

Contact for further details: Dr. Margaret Maoni, the PG Coordinator, E-mail: mmaoni@unima.ac.mw and copy to chemistry@unima.ac.mw .

  1. DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY AND EARTH SCIENCES

  1. Name of Programme: Master of Science in Geography and Earth Sciences (by Research)

Duration: 2 years (full time) and 3 years (part-time)

Description of Programme: Supervised research and thesis

Additional Entry Requirements: A credit or strong first degree (at least 55% and above) majoring in Geography and/or Earth Sciences or any other related discipline. Candidates must also submit a research topic of their choice.

Fee Structure: MK2,587,500 per academic year for Malawian Nationals or US$3,450 per academic year for international students.

(ii) Name of Programme: Doctor of Philosophy in Geography (by Research)

Description of Programme: Programme consists of ssupervised research and thesis. In addition, students will be required to participate in seminars, reading exercises and presentations as may be arranged by the department and other offices from time to time.

Duration: A minimum of 3 years (fulltime) and a maximum of 5 years (part time).

Entry Requirements: Applicants must hold a Master’s Degree in Geographical or related disciplines obtained from accredited institutions of higher learning.

Fee structure: MK3,000,000.00 per academic year for Malawian nationals; and US$ 5,000 per academic year for international students.

For further details contact: The Head of Department on: geo@unima.ac.mw; or mmwinuka@unima.ac.mw.

(iii) Name of Programme: Doctor of Philosophy in Earth Sciences (by Research)

Description of Programme: Programme consists of supervised research and thesis. In addition, students will be required to participate in seminars, reading exercises and presentations as may be arranged by the department and other offices from time to time.

Duration: A minimum of 3 years (fulltime) and a maximum of 5 years (part time).

Entry Requirements: Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in Earth Sciences or related disciplines obtained from accredited institutions of higher learning.

Fee structure: MK3,000,000.00 per academic year for Malawian nationals; and US$ 5,000 per academic year for international students.

For further details contact: The Head of Department on: unimageo@unima.ac.mw; or mmwinuka@unima.ac.mw.

  1. DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

(i) Name of Programme: Master of Science in Conservation Biology

Description of Programme: This is a 2 years programme comprising taught and research components. In the first-year students take courses which they must pass before proceeding to the second year for sustainability, the programme will only be offered if there are a minimum of five registered students.

Additional Entry Requirements: Potential candidates should have a good Bachelor’s degree (at least 55% and above) in Biological Sciences or related fields from recognized universities. Those with relevant experience will have an added advantage.

Fee structure: MK3,816,540 for Malawian nationals or USD6,000 for international students for the entire two years.

Contact for further details: Biology secretary on 01524222 or email the PG Coordinator pgbiology@unima.ac.mw.

  1. Name of Programme: Master of Science (Biological Sciences) by Research

Description of Programme: The programme is mainly research oriented, with production and examination of the thesis at the end of study. This programme allows students to undertake studies on various topics that require application of biological principles. These topics are identified in close collaboration with potential supervisors and students are encouraged to secure funding for both tuition and research.

Additional Entry Requirements: potential candidates should have a good Bachelor’s degree (at least 55% and above) in Biological Sciences or related fields from recognized universities. Those with relevant experience will have an added advantage.

Fee structure: MK3,816,540 for Malawian nationals or USD6,000 for international students for the entire two years.

Contact for further details: Biology secretary on 01524222 or email the PG coordinator at pgbiology@unima.ac.mw

  1. Name of Programme: Doctor of Philosophy (Biological Sciences)

Description of Programme: This is a 3 years full time or 5 years part time programme by research. Students undertake studies on various topics that require application of biological principles. These topics are identified in close collaboration with potential supervisors and students are encouraged to secure funding for both tuition and research. In addition, prospective students will be expected to participate and present in departmental as well as faculty seminars from time to time.

Additional Entry Requirements: Potential candidates should have a Master’s degree in Biological sciences or related fields from recognized universities. Those with relevant experience will have an added advantage.

Fee structure: MK3,097,504 for Malawian nationals or USD4,000 for international students per academic year.

Contact for further details: Biology secretary on 01524222 or email the PG Coordinator at pgbiology@unima.ac.mw

  1. DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

  1. Name of Programme: Master of Science in Informatics

Mode of Delivery: The programme is run jointly by Department of Computer Science at University of Malawi (UNIMA) and Department of Computing and Information Technology at Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS). It is a 2 years full time programme delivered on a 2-week block release mode for the course work (classes, examinations, seminars and workshops) in the 1st year. The 2nd year will involve research leading to a supervised dissertation.

Additional Entry Requirements: Applicants should have a Bachelor’s degree in the fields of Information Systems, Computer Science, or equivalent qualifications from recognized universities. Applicants with degrees in related applied sciences from MUBAS and Mathematical Sciences from UNIMA can also apply. Females are encouraged to apply.

Fee Structure: MWK3,700,000.00 for Malawian nationals and US$6,000 for international students for the entire 2 years period.

Contact for further details: lbyson@unima.ac.mw, or mscinformatics@unima.ac.mw

  1. Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science

Description of Programme: The PhD programme in Computer Science is designed to develop future scholars to excel in basic theoretical and applied research in the field of Computer Science. The programme covers a range of topics from theoretical studies of algorithms to practical problems of implementation of computational hardware and software. Among others, study and research areas include Artificial Intelligence, Data Structures, Data Science, Internet of Things, Network Design and Computation, Language Processing, Robotics, Health Informatics, Geospatial Computing, Cyber Security.

Duration of the Programme: The 3 years (full–time) and 5 years (part-time).

Mode of Delivery: Consists of mandatory coursework over an equivalent of a semester, participation in seminars, group work, and presentations and completion of at least 2 years of independent research that will lead to publications and a dissertation.

Special Entry Requirements: Applicants should have a Masters’ degree in any of the following disciplines: Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Systems or any related discipline from a recognized institution of higher learning.

Additional Entry Requirements: Applicants must also submit a statement of purpose (1-2 pages long), which should include the applicant’s background, goals, research, and reasons for applying to the University of Malawi

Preliminary Enquiries: Please contact Mr. Yamikani Phiri at: yphiri@unima.ac.mw, copy to compsci@unima.ac.mw . 

Fee Structure: MWK 5,940,000.00 per student for the programme.

  1. Doctor of Philosophy in Information Systems

Brief description of the programme: The aim of the PhD in Information Systems programme is to develop scholars and practitioners who can excel in theoretical and applied research, in the field of computing and information systems. The programme provides a platform for students to gain advanced theoretical and practical skills in research; management of systems development processes; understanding of organizational and societal contexts and need for information systems and system development. Students will also be exposed to critical perspectives in the application of information systems to enable development in contexts where there are multiple stakeholders with competing interests.

Duration of the programme: The 3 years (full–time) and 5 years (part-time).

Mode of Delivery: Consists of mandatory coursework over an equivalent of a semester, participation in seminars, group work, and presentations and completion of at least 2 years of independent research that will lead to publications and a dissertation.

Special Entry Requirements: Applicants should have a Masters’ degree in any of the following disciplines: Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Systems or any related discipline from a recognized institution of higher learning.

Additional Entry Requirements: Applicants must also submit a statement of purpose (1-2 pages long), which should include the applicant’s background, goals, research, and reasons for applying to the University of Malawi

Preliminary Enquiries: Please contact Mr. Yamikani Phiri at yphiri@unima.ac.mw, copy to compsci@unima.ac.mw.

Fee Structure: MWK 5,940,000.00 per student for the programme.

  1. DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES

(i) Name of Programme: 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 strong Bachelor’s degree (55% and above), majored in Statistics or Mathematics and any other related disciplines from a recognized university. Selected candidates with deficiency in some Mathematics/Statistics modules will be asked to attend bridging course prior to enrolment.

Fee Structure: MK4,500,000 for Malawian nationals and US$6,000 for international students for the entire 2 years period. Those attending bridging courses will be required to pay US $300 per module.

Contact for further details: The Coordinator, Patrick Sawerengera, on psawerengera@unima.ac.mw, copy to sec.maths@cc.ac.mw.

(ii) Name of Programme: Master of Science in Mathematical Sciences

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: MK2,250,000 for Malawian nationals and US$3,000 for international students for the entire duration of the programme (2 years).

One Year Scholarship: In collaboration with the University of Stavanger (UiS) in Norway, the Department has secured funding under NORPART project for some of the students to spend one year at UiS for course work before returning to Malawi at year 2 to write their thesis. Selection for scholarship will be through a competitive process per gender, giving equal opportunities to females and males. Females are particularly encouraged to apply.

Contact for further details: The Programme coordinator (Dr. Milliward Maliyoni) at: mmaliyoni@unima.ac.mw or mathsciences_unima@cc.ac.mw, copy to sec.maths@unima.ac.mw.

(iii) Name of Programme: Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematical Sciences 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 Chancellor College 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 Chancellor College. 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: MK2,000,000 for Malawian nationals or US$3,500.00 for international students per academic year.

Contact for further details: The Programme coordinator (Dr. Milliward Maliyoni) at: mmaliyoni@unima.ac.mwor mathsciences_unima@unima.ac.mw, copy to sec.maths@unima.ac.mw

  1. DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN ECOLOGY

(i) Name of Programme: Master of Science in Food Science

Duration of programme: 2 years (24 months) full time

Fees structure: K5, 000,000 or US$7500 for international students the entire two years.

Description of the programme: This is a full time Masters programme comprising course work in first year and research leading to 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: The admission requirement into the MSc in Food Science degree programme shall be: 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 recognized institution of higher learning

Contact person: Head, Human Ecology Department at: humanecology@unima.ac.mw

4. FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCE

(i) Name of Programme: Master of Arts in Development Studies

Duration: 2 years (full time)

Programme Description: The programme consists of a taught coursework component in the first academic year, followed by the preparation of an examinable thesis in the second year. The coursework will be undertaken in two semesters during which a total of 8 courses will be offered from the following list: Theories of Development; Research Methods for Development Studies; Rural Development; Development Economics; Political Economy of Development; African Economic History; Policy Analysis and Economic Management; Development Administration; Gender and Development; Environment and Sustainable Development.

Additional Entry Requirements: Applicants should have a minimum of a credit at Bachelor’s degree level in a Social Science or development related-field. Applicants with a strong pass degree and have some relevant working experience will be considered.

Fee Structure: K5,000,000.00 for Malawian Nationals (or K2,500,000 per year of study); and US$8,000.00 for foreign students for the entire period of study.

Contact for further details: The Programme Coordinator, Dr. Edister Jamu at ejamu@unima.ac.mw or pg_socialscience@unima.ac.mw

(ii) Name of Programme: 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

  1. DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS

  1. Name of Programme: Master of Arts Degree in Economics (Full time)

Programme Structure: The MA in Economics is offered jointly by the University of Malawi (www.economics.unima.ac.mw) and the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) (www.aercafrica.org), in two components. In the first component, students spend their first year doing coursework before embarking on thesis preparation under supervision of senior faculty in the second year. The first semester of coursework year is spent while in residence at Chancellor College in Zomba and the second semester takes students to the Joint Facility of Electives in Nairobi, Kenya. The facility draws students from leading universities in Anglophone Africa.

Additional Entry Requirements: Applicants should have a first degree majoring in Economics from an accredited institution. Those with a background in quantitative methods will have an added advantage.

Scholarships: Under the auspices of AERC, the Department of Economics offers a limited number of partial scholarships to outstanding candidates. Applicants are, however, encouraged to identify other sources of funding.

Fee Structure: MK3,240,000.00 per student per year for Malawian nationals and US$5,000.00 per student per year for international students.

Contact for further details: The MA (R) Economics Programme Coordinator at economics@unima.ac.mw or +265111951135.

  1. DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE STUDIES

  1. Name of Programme: Master of Public Administration and Management (MPAM)

Description of Programme: The programme consists of taught coursework component in the first year, followed by independent research and preparation of an examinable thesis in the second year.

Duration and Mode of Delivery: MPAM is a two-year block release programme of study and students are expected to attend classes for three consecutive weeks in every quarter of the first-year course work. In each quarter students will take two courses. All classes take place at Chancellor College in Zomba.

Additional Entry Requirements: Applicants should have either a minimum of a credit Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Human Resources Management or Business Administration offered by an accredited institution of higher learning and a minimum of two years work experience; or a minimum of a credit Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline but holding a managerial position in the public service having worked for at least two years. Applicants with a credit at Bachelors degree in the relevant disciplines with a strong pass (an average of 55% and above) will be considered if they have at least three years of work experience. The work experience requirement will be waived for those persons belonging to marginalised, disadvantaged or underrepresented social groups such as those with disabilities of any kind. Applicants should also submit a two-page typed brief of proposed research interests in the chosen discipline of study.

Fee Structure: MK4,725,000.00 for Malawian nationals and US$ 7,500 for international students for the entire two-year programme.

Scholarships: Partial or full scholarships will be offered to marginalised groups such as persons with disabilities and those with special needs. Partial scholarships will also be awarded through a competitive process to those interested in undertaking gender related research leading to the production of a master thesis.

Contact for further details:The Coordinator or Head of the Department of Political and Administrative Studies at: pastudies@unima.ac.mw, or call 0888 952 127 / 0993 007 186

  1. Name of Programme: Master of Arts in Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations (MA HRM&IR)

Description of Programme: The programme consists of taught coursework component in the first year, followed by independent research and preparation of an examinable thesis in the second year.

Duration: 2 years (Full time)

Mode of Delivery: Block release where students meet once every three months. The eight taught modules will cover ten weeks spread through four residential block release teaching sessions.

Additional Entry Requirements: Applicants should have a strong Bachelor’s degree with a credit or strong pass (an average of 55% and above) in human resource management, industrial relations, general management, public administration and business administration. Applicants who wrote a project at undergraduate level will have an added advantage. Those with Journalism, Humanities, and Social Science degrees will be admitted if their undergraduate programme had some human resource management or industrial relations courses and have a minimum of 2 years working experience in management. Applicants should also submit a two-page typed brief of proposed research interests in the chosen discipline of study.

Fee Structure: MK5,250,000.00 for Malawian nationals and US$ 8,500 for international students for the entire two-year programme.

Contact for further details: The Coordinator or Head of the Department of Political and Administrative Studies at: pastudies@unima.ac.mw, or call 0888 350 020 / 0993 007 186

  1. Name of Programme: Master of Arts in Political Science

Description of Programme: The programme consists of taught coursework component 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 (an average of 55% and above) 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: MK3,750,000.00 for Malawian nationals and US$ 6,500 for foreign students for the entire two-year programme.

Contact for further details: The Coordinator or Head of the Department of Political and Administrative Studies at: pastudies@unima.ac.mw, or call 0888 787 512 / 0993 007 186.

  1. DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY

  1. Name of Programme: Master of Arts in Sociology

Applications are invited from motivated social scientists to pursue a two-year research programme in the Sociology Department at the University of Malawi leading to the award of Mater of Arts Degree in Sociology.

Duration: This is a two-year programme and students are expected to develop a proposal, conduct field research under Department assigned mentors in the first year. During the second year, students are expected to develop a thesis.

Specific Entry Requirements: To qualify for admission, an applicant should have a good Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university majoring in Sociology/Social Anthropology/ Gender studies/ Social Work. The applicant must have covered Introductory Sociology and demonstrated competence in Sociological Theories and Social Research Methods with an average grade of 55 and above.

A complete application dossier must include the following: a one paged motivation letter, a concept note (maximum of two pages), three copies of completed application forms (University of Malawi PG1), updated curriculum vitae, two academic references, copies of diplomas and degrees and an academic transcript and deposit slip for application fee.

Fee Structure: K 1, 500, 000 per year for Malawian students and $2500 per year for international students

Application Fee: K10, 000 for Malawian applicants and $50 for Non-Malawian applicants

E-mail: sec.sociology@unima.ac.mw

  1. Name of Programme: PhD in Sociology (By Research)

Fee Structure: MK6,000,000.00 for the entire period of study for Malawian nationals and USD 3,000 per academic year for International students.

Duration of Programme: 3-5 years

Programme Description: Candidates will undergo a compulsory research methods course at prior to commencement of their research studies. Candidates will later be expected to work with allocated supervisors on their research topics during which they will make at least two presentations one on the proposal and the other on the findings. Each candidate is also expected to publish articles in scholarly journals before completion of the study.

Additional Entry Requirements: Prospective candidates must be capable of carrying out independent sociological research, use and exchange ideas with a view to improving and critically analysing societal phenomena and development interventions. Candidates should have a strong Master’s degree in Sociology, Development Studies and other social science fields from a recognised institution. Candidates from Development Studies and other social science fields will be considered if they have some background in Sociology at undergraduate or Master’s levels.

Contacts for further details: The Programme Coordinator, Dr Phillip Kapulula +265 0888836598.

  1. DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY

  1. Name of Programme: 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.

  1. FACULTY OF LAW

  1. Name of Programme: 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 or US$10,500.00 for international students.

Description of Programme: The LLM (Commercial Law) programme consists of coursework, supervised research and thesis. The course modules are delivered at the purpose-built Faculty of Law complex situated at Chancellor College in Zomba where they have access to the National Bank of Malawi Postgraduate Computer Lab, which includes free access to the Chancellor College 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.

Preliminary Enquiries: 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 Friday, 21st January, 2022. This includes Electronic Applications.

The Registrar

University of Malawi

P.O. Box 280, Zomba

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