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BA in Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practice

School

Bingu School of Culture and Heritage (BISCH)

Program Code

BA IKSP

Level

undergraduate

Duration

4 years

Offered as

Generic
BA in Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practice

Program Description

IKSP uniquely combines different disciplines that relate to human cultures. It provides students with opportunities to understand various aspects of the human condition, knowledge and skills on the way humans relate to one another, sustain and protect life, use and conserve the natural and spiritual worlds.
It is comprehensive and enriching as it draws inspiration from human cultures. Examples of applications of the programme are the development and production of ceramics ware (e.g. cups, tea-pots, plates, tiles, and decorative wares like vases and figurines); herbal drugs; paintings and designs; viewing of life styles, diets, architectural designs, and world from alternative perspectives; the protection of endangered knowledge and skills; appreciation of local reasoning and the ethical dimensions from the local perspectives.
The programme also provides a critical understanding of indigenous knowledge as applicable in real life. Students engage in theoretical debates and carry out practical projects.

Structure of the program

Sem
1

-Ethics & Morality
-Critical Thinking & Reasoning Skills I
-Language & Communication
-Ceramics I
-Introduction to Computer Application
-Concepts & Theories of Indigenous Knowledge I

Sem
2

-Ethics & Professionalism
-Critical Thinking & Reasoning Skills II
-Technical & Business Communication
-Ceramics II
-Concepts & Theories of Indigenous Knowledge II
-Indigenous Food

Sem
3

-Intellectual Property I
-Sculpture I
-Traditions in Contemporary World
-Drawing & Painting I
-Indigenous Architecture
-Ceramics III

Sem
4

-Intellectual Property II
-Sculpture II
-Ceramics IV
-Drawing & Painting II
-Indigenous Logic
-African Family Systems

Sem
5

-Herbal Medicine I
-Sculpture III
-Weaving I
-Drawing & Painting III
-Culture & Family Dynamics
-Indigenous Food & Health

Sem
6

-Herbal Medicine II
-Research Methods
-Weaving II
-Drawing & Painting IV
-Indigenous Information Systems
-Indigenous Attachment

Sem
7

-Sex & Sexuality in Contemporary Africa
-Entrepreneurship & Business Management
-Leadership, Gender & Advocacy
-Indigenous Religions
-Intangible Traditions
-Students Projects & Exhibitions

Sem
8

-Magic
-Witchcraft & Divination
-Indigenous Knowledge Management
-Funerary Systems
-Dietary Rituals in Religious & Secular Affairs
-Indigenous Environmental Studies
-Tangible Traditions

Malawians

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

SADC Citizen

Total Fees
450,000 USD per year

Non-SADC Citizen

Total Fees
500,000 USD per year

Eligibility

The programme shall have two entry points as follows:

Normal Entry
A candidate with six credits in MSCE or its equivalent including English, and a grade of no more than 4 in any three of the following subjects: Creative Arts, Social Studies, Life Skills, Bible Knowledge (Religious Studies), History, and Geography or B for IGSCE in all the above subjects shall join at year one. For A Level, the candidate must have a minimum grade of C in the following subjects: Arts & Design (Creative Arts), History, Bible Knowledge (Religious Studies) and Geography. Candidates will join in second year.

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 dependent on the nature of qualification.
A candidate shall have:
Diploma in Indigenous Knowledge or related qualification from a recognized institution;
MSCE/IGCSE with at least 4 credits including English and any other social science subjects; and
At least 2 years relevant on job experience