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