Bachelor of Arts 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.
Career Prospects
Graduates will attain knowledge, attitudes and skills that will lead to self-employment or employment in areas such as academia, e.g as researchers, publishers and teachers; government e.g as planners, researchers, managers, archivists, conservators; and as businesspersons e.g media specialists, music therapists, and performers.
DURATION
Four YearsSem
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
Malawian undergraduate students on generic intake pay K450,000 per academic year for tuition. However, the students also need K80,000 per annum for accommodation and an estimated K500,000 per annum for upkeep. Economic fee paying students pay K2,200,000 tuition fees per annum and K160,000 per annum for their accommodation. Foreign students from the SADC region pay US$3,000 tuition fees per annum while those from countries outside the SADC pay US$3,500 per academic year. Postgraduate students pay tuition fees of US$5,000 or Malawi Kwacha equivalent per academic year. Other costs include K40,000 per semester residence (depends on availability) fee; living expenses of approximately K250,000 per semester payable on prorate basis; research fee of US$500 or in Malawi Kwacha equivalent; dissertation/thesis binding fee of K25,000 and yet to be advised medical insurance fee. |
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