Master of Science in Occupational Safety and Health (MSc OSH)

Master of Science in Occupational Safety and Health (MSc OSH)

Overview 

The Master of Science in Occupational Safety and Health (MSc OSH) is a multidisciplinary postgraduate programme aimed at advancing knowledge and professional practice in workplace health and safety. This programme supports Malawi’s national efforts to improve occupational safety and health (OSH) systems and meets global standards defined by the ILO and WHO.

Occupational Safety and Health is concerned with promoting the highest standards of physical, mental, and social well-being among workers. It plays a critical role in improving labour productivity, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and creating safer working environments, especially as Malawi experiences growth in construction, manufacturing, and other industrial sectors.

Aim of the Programme

The MSc OSH programme is designed to build capacity in the occupational safety, health, and welfare sector. It also aims to equip OHS professionals with knowledge and skills to design, implement, and evaluate OSH policies. It further promotes safer, healthier, and more productive work environments across sectors

Programme Structure

The MSc OSH is a two-year (four-semester) programme delivered in a modular format:

Year 1 (semester 1 & 2)

  • Ten compulsory modules (Five per semester)
  • Each module carries a specific number of credits contributing to the required 120 credits for coursework completion
  • Module include:
        • Occupational Safety
        • Occupational Health
        • Occupational Toxicology
        • Ergonomics
        • Risk Management
        • Epidemiology and Statistics
        • Workplace Health and Safety Regulations
        • Management for Occupational Safety and Health
        • Professional Practice in OSH 
        • Research Methodology

    • Semester 3: Submission of a research proposal
    • Semester 4: Completion and submission of a dissertation
    • Research may involve experimental work, surveys, case studies, programme development, or modelling in OSH-related areas

    To graduate with a Master’s degree, a student must earn:

    • 120 credits from coursework
    • 60 credits from the dissertation
    • A minimum pass mark of 50% is required for the dissertation. Students must meet all academic requirements to graduate.

    Programme Duration and Extension

    • Standard Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
    • Extension: Up to 2 additional semesters allowed upon application and payment of 50% of programme fees

    Programme Exit Options

    • Postgraduate Diploma in OSH: Awarded to students who complete at least 120 credits from coursework but do not proceed with the dissertation.
    • Master of Science in OSH: Awarded upon successful completion of 120 coursework credits and 60 dissertation credits.

    Minimum Entry Requirements

    • Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree in a discipline related to occupational safety and health such as Environmental Health, Environmental Engineering, Chemistry or any relevant subject area, with an average grade of at least 50%.

    Required Documents

      • Proof of payment of the application fee (A non-refundable application fee of MK20,000.00 for Malawian applicants and US$60.00 for international applicants) – Completed PG programmes application form [insert link].
      • Certified copy of academic transcript/ academic record.
      • Certified copies of relevant certificates.
      • Reference letters from two (2) traceable referees (at least one academic).
      • Recent curriculum vitae.

      How to Apply

      • Applicants should submit their applications via email to: applicationspostgraduate@mubas.ac.mw 

      • Important Notes:

        • Postgraduate candidates can apply at any time during the academic year.

        • The closing date for receiving applications for the September intake is 30 May the same year whereas closing date for receiving applications for the March intake is 30 November the previous year

      Fees Structure

      • Successful applicants shall be required to pay the Malawi Kwacha equivalent of US$3,250.00 per year for domicile and SADC students and US$3,750.00 per year for other international students to cater for tuition, research project supervision and dissertation examination.

      Non-Programme Specific – Support Services

      Accommodation Assistance
      • Postgraduate programmes are offered on a non-residential basis. However, the University through the Office of the Director of Students and Student Affairs (DoSA) and the Postgraduate Office supports (PG) both local and international postgraduate students in securing suitable accommodation.
      Mental Health and Wellness
      • The university prioritizes student well-being by offering free psychological counselling through DoSA and the MUBAS Clinic. These services cover issues such as stress, anxiety, and university adjustment. In its effort to promote awareness and mental wellness each year, the university holds an annual Mental Health Day.
       Medical Coverage
      • All registered students are automatically enrolled in the UNIMED medical scheme, providing them with access to essential healthcare services.
      Orientation and Integration Support (for International Students)

        • International students benefit from a well-structured orientation programme organized by the PG. The programme provides several issues including, guidance on academic life, cultural adaptation, transportation, banking, and local living. Through the programme students interact with university personnel and receive help with registration, course selection, and use of learning platforms.
      Administrative and Visa Support

      • Through the office international student support, the university ensure that international student receive continuous support for visa applications, educational permits, and registration. The office also offer advice on local regulations to ease students’ transition and ensure policy compliance.

       



      Master of Science in Environmental Health (Msc Eh)

      Master of Science in Environmental Health (Msc Eh)

      Overview

      The Master of Science (MSc) in Environmental Health is a professionally postgraduate programme tailor designed to equip students with the advanced knowledge and skills necessary to address current and emerging environmental health challenges in Sub Saharan Africa (SSA). Environmental health is the assessment and management of environmental influences (e.g., chemical, physical, biological, social, and psychosocial factors) on human health. It takes a preventive approach to tackling disease and ill health. Environmental Health is a diverse profession covering aspects of physical and social science producing a graduate with a holistic understanding of preventive health, community development and environmental protection. The programme, guided by the five pillars of environmental health (food safety, occupational health and safety, community health, built environment, and pollution control as agreed by the Africa Academy for Environmental Health), which responds to all these key environmental health priorities. As such, the programme remains relevant to environmental health training in Malawi, Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and indeed at global level. The programme follows a modular block release mode of delivery ideal for professionals wishing to specialize in the field of environmental health while remaining in their work places active in the workforce.

      Aim of the Programme

      The MSc in Environmental Health aims to produce highly skilled graduates capable of addressing environmental health challenges across various sectors. Aligned with the Ministry of Health’s goal of creating a healthy Malawi free from environmental risks, the programme focuses on national priorities such as food safety, disease prevention, water and sanitation, and occupational health. The five pillars of environmental health from the Africa Academy for Environmental Health, the programme provides relevant postgraduate training to strengthen not only Malawi’s environmental health workforce and beyond but also support sustainable health development through research and professional practice.

      Programme Structure

      Year 1: (Semester 1 & 2)

        • Ten (10) core modules each carrying 12 credit points (total 120 credits)
        • Each module is delivered over four weeks:
          • 1 week of face-to-face intensive learning
          • 3 weeks of independent learning, assessments, and workplace/industry engagement
        • Students must pass all ten modules to proceed to Year 2
        • Modules include:
              • Epidemiology and Biostatistics
              • Environmental Pollution Control
              • Food Safety and Hygiene
              • Occupational Health and Safety
              • Environmental Health Nutrition
              • Global Health
              • Health and Behaviour Change Communication
              • Health Project Management, Monitoring and Evaluation
              • Water, Sanitation and Hygiene
              • Geographic Information Systems

          Year 2 (Semester 3 & 4)

          • Students undertake research in a relevant Environmental Health area
          • Activities include:
            • Developing and submitting a research proposal
            • Ethics approval from relevant boards
            • Participating in compulsory research seminars
            • Completing a dissertation (120 credit points)

          Programme Duration and Extension

          Duration
              • Full-time: 2 years (4 semesters)
              • Part-time: 3 years
            Extension
              • Students may apply for an extension of up to 12 months with payment of half the programme fee, subject to approval by the postgraduate committee.

            Programme Exit Options

              • Postgraduate Diploma: Awarded to students who complete 120 credits from coursework but do not proceed to dissertation.
              • Master’s Degree: Awarded upon successful completion of 240 credits (120 coursework + 120 dissertation).

            Application Information

            Who Can Apply?
            • Professionals from fields such as:
              • Environmental health
              • Public health
              • Occupational health and safety
              • Environmental sciences
              • Other related disciplines

            Minimum Entry Requirements

            Applicants must meet the following criteria:

                • Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Health, Public Health, or a related field from a recognized higher education institution.
                • Have an average grade of at least 50%, based on final year grades.
                • For applicants assessed using GPA, a minimum GPA of 2.0 is required.
                • Applicants who previously exited the programme with a Postgraduate Diploma (for reasons other than academic withdrawal) are eligible to re-join the second year to complete their dissertation, provided this is within three years of exiting the programme.

              Required Documents

                  • Proof of payment of the application fee (A non-refundable application fee of MK20,000.00 for Malawian applicants and US$60.00 for international applicants)
                  • Completed PG programmes application form [insert link].
                  • Certified copy of academic transcript/ academic record.
                  • Certified copies of relevant certificates.
                  • Reference letters from two (2) traceable referees (at least one academic).
                  • Recent curriculum vitae.

                How to Apply

                  • Applicants should submit their applications via email to: applicationspostgraduate@mubas.ac.mw 
                  • Important Notes:
                    • Postgraduate candidates can apply at any time during the academic year.
                    • The closing date for receiving applications for the September intake is 30 May the same year whereas closing date for receiving applications for the March intake is 30 November the previous year

                Fees Structure

                Successful applicants shall be required to pay the Malawi Kwacha equivalent of US$3,250.00 per year for domicile and SADC students and US$3,750.00 per year for other international students to cater for tuition, research project supervision and dissertation examination.

                DAAD Scholarship 

                TheMalawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS), through its School of Science and Technology, floats call for applications for theMaster of Science in Environmental Health programme under the DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarships. The scholarship offers limited scholarship opportunities for both national and international applicants. Funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the scholarship supports postgraduate education primarily for university staff and public sector professionals.

                Key Details:

                    • Applicants must apply separately to both MUBAS and the DAAD portal
                    • DAAD application deadlines are usually in November
                    • Virtual info sessions are often held in October and November
                    • For latest calls and details, visit:

                    Scholarship Admission Requirements

                        • A Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Health, Public Health, or related field
                        • Above-average academic performance (Credit, Distinction or GPA ≥ 2.5)
                        • Degree obtained within the last 6 years
                        • Female and underprivileged applicants are encouraged to apply


                      Master of Science in Environmental Health

                      Master of Science in Environmental Health


                      Admission criteria


                      The following shall be eligible for admission into the Master of Science in Environmental programme:


                      The Master of Science in Environmental Health programme shall admit holders of a bachelor’s degree from any recognized institution of higher learning in Environmental Health, Public Health or in any other related field with a minimum average grade of 50%. The minimum average shall be computed based on final year grades. For applicants with grade point average (GPA) grades, the requirement shall be a holder of a bachelor’s degree from any recognized institution of higher learning in Environmental Health, Public Health or any other related field with a minimum GPA of 2.5 on 5.0 GPA scale and 2.25 on a 4.0 GPA scale.


                      Programme Structure


                      The programme is modular with each module being of 12-credit point value. Each credit represents 10 hours of student learning, endeavour and assessment. All modules are examinable and a student should pass all modules. Each student must complete ten compulsory modules, and must obtain at least a total of 120 credit points to fulfil the coursework requirements for the programme.The student must also attend compulsory research methods seminars to be organised by the department.


                      Preparation for the Dissertation


                      During the second semester of the first year, one of the modules is Research Methods in which students are required to undertake concept and proposal development. The concept culminates into a research proposal which is supposed to be defended before data collection and analysis. There are a number of workshops covering different areas such as research ethics, clarification of research methods, statistics, problem identification, concept writing and proposal development.


                      Programme exits


                      Postgraduate diploma


                      A student who has been credited with at least 120 credits at Postgraduate Level, and who cannot progress further on the programme, will be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Health.


                      Master’s Degree


                      A student, who has been credited with at least 240 credits at Postgraduate Level comprising 120 credits from coursework and 120 credits from dissertation, will be awarded a Master of Science Degree in Environmental Health



                      Master of Science in Occupational Safety and Health

                      Master of Science in Occupational Safety and Health


                      Admission criteria


                      The following shall be eligible for admission into the Master of Science in Occupational Safet and Health programme:


                      The Master of Science in Occupational Safety and Health programme shall admit holders of a bachelor’s degree from any recognized institution of higher learning in Occupational Safety and Health, Environmental Health, Public Health or in any other related field with a minimum average grade of 50%. The minimum average shall be computed based on final year grades. For applicants with grade point average (GPA) grades, the requirement shall be a holder of a bachelor’s degree from any recognized institution of higher learning in Occupational Safety and Health, Environmental Health, Public Health or any other related field with a minimum GPA of 2.5 on 5.0 GPA scale and 2.25 on a 4.0 GPA scale.


                      Programme Structure


                      The programme comprises ten compulsory modules. Five of these modules will be offered in semester 1, and the other five in semester 2. A dissertation will be conducted in semester 3 and 4.  A student must complete all the ten modules   and must obtain at least a total of 180 credit points to fulfill the requirements for the award of a Master of Science in Occupational Safety and Health degree. One credit point represents the amount of learning achieved through a notional 10 hours of learning time. Notional hours include everything a student must do to achieve the intended learning outcomes in a qualification.


                      In addition, students are required to submit a research proposal at the beginning of the third semester. A complete dissertation will be submitted at the end of the fourth semester. The research can take the form of experimental work, survey, case studies, programme development, and modeling in any OSH related area of interest.


                      Programme Exits


                      The programme has two exits: postgraduate diploma and MSc depending on completion of modules and dissertation. A student, who has been credited with at least 120 credits from course work and cannot progress further on the programme, will be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma. A student, who has been credited with at least 120 credits from course work and at least 60 credits from dissertation, will be awarded a Master’s Degree in OSH.


                      Support for Students and their Learning


                      The programme will make use of existing teaching and learning resources outlined below


                      • Lecture rooms, laboratories, library, and internet facilities. MUBAS Library subscribes to a number of online databases enabling the students of the programme to access to online or e-journals.


                      • Student Information Management System which will be used to manage the administrative and academic processes of the programme.


                      • In terms of social services, MUBAS and College of Medine are well positioned. It is within walking distance to social amenities e.g. manufacturing companies, shopping mall, dispensaries, banks, highway, and sports facilities.


                      • WASHTED, under the Institutional Capacity Grant from the National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST), has acquired some equipment which will be used for   practical teaching of some modules in this programme.


                      • Students shall be supported through consultations, tutorials and presentations.