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BA in African Musicology

School

Bingu School of Culture and Heritage (BISCH)

Program Code

BA AM

Level

undergraduate

Duration

4 years

Offered as

Generic
BA in African Musicology

Program Description

African Musicology is a multidisciplinary programme that deals with the science and the art of music and their unique connections within the culture and heritage context. The programme aims at responding to the demand of highly qualified persons in the growing technological and competitive sectors of music and multimedia within the cultural industries in Malawi, and harnessing of innovation and entrepreneurship trends in music and multimedia.
It emphasizes the use of music for sustainable development, and the study of music from the scientific and humanistic approaches. Studies in applied comparative musicology (applied ethnomusicology) are intended for students interested in the African music for a better understanding and respect of various African cultures, especially Malawian cultures, and their application for sustainable development.
MUST wants the programme to contribute to Malawi national policy initiatives, especially the goal to widen access to higher education, realization of a strong cultural identity among African countries; attainment of education and skill development and tourism development, and eradication of poverty, among others.
It will play a major role in addressing the many needs of the Malawian society through providing rigorous music studies for meaningful engagement with issues in the realm of science, technology, multimedia, innovation, economics, and sustainable development. In addition, it will enhance personal and professional development through the promotion of lifelong learning.

Structure of the program

Sem
1

-Ethics & Morality
-Language & Communication
-Introduction to Computer Application
-Fundamentals of Music
-Choirology
-Essentials of Musical Sound & Electronics

Sem
2

-Ethics & Professionalism
-Technical & Business Communication
-Community Music
-African Drumming
-Performance: Levels 1 & 2
-Audio Recording

Sem
3

-Dance: The African Experience
-Organology
-Performance: Levels 3 & 4
-Songwriting I
-Jingle Writing
-Audio Production

Sem
4

-Music Journalism
-Sound Editing & Synthesis
-Performance: Levels 5 & 6
-Jazz Drum Fundamentals
-Songwriting II
-Multimedia Production

Sem
5

– Music & Medicine
-Malawian Music Industry
-Performance: Levels 7 & 8
-Sonic Ecology
-Lighting & Staging
-Composing for Voice

Sem
6

-Live Sound Reinforcement
-Performance: Levels 9 & 10
-Design & Construction of Musical Instruments
-Research Methods
-Applied Audio for Media
-Music & Ecstasy

Sem
7

-Attachment in Music
-Entrepreneurship & Business Management
-Performance: Levels 11 & 12
-Students Projects/ Dissertations

Sem
8

-Music & Political Power
-Sounds in and Out of Africa
-Audio Studio Portfolio

Malawians

Government Sponsored
650,000 MWK per year
Self Sponsored
1,250,000 MWK per year

SADC Citizen

Total Fees
4,500 USD per year

Non-SADC Citizen

Total Fees
5,000 USD per year

Eligibility

The programme shall have two entry points as follows:

Normal Entry
A candidate with six credits in MSCE and IGCSE (‘O’ level) or equivalent including English, and a combination of any two of the following subjects: Social Studies, Life Skills, Bible Knowledge, History, Performing Art, and Geography shall join at year one.

Mature Entry
A candidate with MSCE, IGCSE (‘O’ level) or equivalent, industrial experience and a qualification from a recognized institution, shall join the Programme at the beginning of year 1 or year 2 dependant on the nature of qualification. Audition applies.
A candidate shall have:
Diploma in music or related qualification from a recognized institution and
MSCE/IGCSE with at least 4 credits including English and any other social science subjects; and
At least 2 years relevant on job experience