University of Malawi undergraduate degrees are designed to intellectually stretch you theoretically and practically in order to be critical and creative thinkers. combination of modules from different
departments that together build up the degree programme
Four years or five?
All the single subject and the interdisciplinary degrees are for four years whereas the honours degrees are for five years. The programme content for the first two years is generally the same in both interdisciplinary/generic degrees
and specialized degrees. Actual specialization in the field of study starts in third year with
an extra research project in the final year. The honours degrees bring you to a professional
level such that you can be accredited by a professional body.
Which degree should you plan for?
It all depends on a number of factors such as your academic strengths and desires. The undergraduate
degrees at UNIMA are classified as follows:
- Single-subject (specialized) honours degrees (e.g. BSc Chemistry, Bachelor of Laws) where
the programme of study will be within a particular subject area for four/five years - Single subject (specialized) degrees (e.g. BA Economics, Bed Physics) where the programme of study will be within a particular subject area for four years
- An interdisciplinary degree (e.g. BA public administration, BSc) where you take a
Teaching and Learning Your study calendar Normally the academic
year starts in September and it is divided into two semesters
composed of at least 14 teaching weeks. Your degree programme will be
made up of individual modules. Each module carries a certain amount of points known as
credit hours.
You are expected to complete a minimum of 30 credit hours in each year. Additionally, you will
be expected to complete a minimum of 120 or 150 credit hours to successfully complete the
four year and five year degree programmes respectively. In all programmes, one of your
Light to Advance Humanity 4 UNIVERSITY OF MALAWI first-year compulsory modules will be Language and
Communication Skills. Please note that 4 credits equals 1 credit hour (4 credits = 1 credit hour).
Assessment, examination and classification of degrees
You will be officially assessed by the University of Malawi Senate at the end of each academic year on each module taken in that year. Throughout the year you will be continuously assessed through assignments, tests, essays, laboratory practicals, group work and any other means specified in your modules. Degrees awarded at UNIMA are classified as pass, credit and distinction for the four year programmes and first, second (upper and lower) and
third class for the five year (honours) degrees.
The UNIMA graduate
University of Malawi is renowned in Malawi and beyond for its academic excellence and provision of
diverse experts who play essential roles in solving global problems. Our graduates are leaders in all
sectors of Malawi’s economy as scientists, managers, administrators, teachers, politicians,
economists, analysts, lawyers, and many more.
Undergraduate learning through research Almost all programmes at UNIMA have a research component either in the final or penultimate year. Under the supervision of experienced academics, you will be joining
the exciting journey of pushing knowledge boundaries in solving global challenges.
Research skills you will develop throughout the studies and beyond graduation will include,
among others, identification of calls, proposal development, contract negotiation, managing
the research, communicating uptake of your research, monitoring and evaluation, time
management and leadership.
Getting ready for the working world Our degrees involve teaching by practicing professionals. This is a way of engaging with the industry to ensure market relevance of our programmes.
Some departments have established departmental-industrial links with the main aim of providing student industrial attachments/ internships, particularly during vacations when
opportunities arise.
Promoting academic excellence
UNIMA is committed to promoting academic excellence even at the learners’ level. At the end of
the first semester assessment, the best students are recognized on the Dean’s list and awarded
with a certificate. To qualify for the Dean’s list, you must be pursuing your undergraduate programme
and attain a GPA of 3.75 or higher and NO grade in any module below B- in your first semester
results. Having one’s name included on the Dean’s list is a source of pride and a motivating factor for
many students at the university.
University of Malawi (UNIMA) Prospectus