The Department of Sociology and Population Studies is an entity formed after the merging of two former departments that existed in their own right in the Faculty of Social Sciences. This department now brings together expertise and academic programmes in sociological perspectives, gender studies, social work and population studies under one roof. In the new set-up, these programmes will constitute several distinguished academic sections that are also likely to grow into individual departments.

The Sociology section focuses on the study of interaction between people as individuals and as groups, and the way this interaction influences behaviour. In this section there is one undergraduate programme, Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and two postgraduate programmes namely MA in Sociology by research and PhD in Sociology by research.

The section on Social Work and Gender Studies was established with the aim of training specialists to respond to contemporary social problems in Malawi and the globe including: child abuse, homelessness, juvenile delinquency, gender-based violence, HIV and AIDS, problems associated with old age, disabilities and climate change that continue to have devastating effects on lives of many vulnerable groups of people.

The section offers two programmes at Bachelor’s degree level namely Bachelor of Social Sciences in Social Work and Bachelor of Social Sciences in Gender Studies. The aim of the Social Work programme is to equip students with relevant knowledge, skills, values, ethics and competencies in theories, principles and concepts that govern the social work profession. On the other hand, the aim of the Gender Studies programme is to increase capacity for rigorous gender analysis and to promote awareness of its relevance in economic, historic, political, social and scientific contexts.

The Population Studies section emphasizes on the development of innovative and creative population specialists and demographers to better meet the demographic and socio-economic needs of the real world, considering local and regional developmental challenges. The section focuses on comprehensively enabling the students to develop vital research skills and the solid academic background that they need to be successful researchers. The Population Studies section will not only cultivate and refine students’ interest in research skills, but also firmly equip them to deal with the challenges of further academic and professional advancement at postgraduate level and professional certifications as required by the industry.