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department of public health

nature of the program

Public Health is the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting health through organized efforts of society, institutions, and individuals. It focuses on protecting and improving the health of communities rather than treating diseases in individuals. The discipline emphasizes prevention, health promotion, policy development, and health education to ensure populations live longer, healthier lives.


Historically, public health emerged as a response to infectious disease outbreaks and poor sanitation during the industrial revolution. Over time, its scope has expanded to include non-communicable diseases, maternal and child health, environmental health, mental health, and health systems strengthening.

Public health professionals work in diverse areas such as epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy and management, environmental health, and social and behavioral sciences. Their work involves disease surveillance, community health interventions, health research, and advocacy for health equity.


In Malawi (and similar contexts), public health plays a crucial role in addressing major health challenges such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malnutrition, and emerging non-communicable diseases. The focus has increasingly shifted towards community-based approaches, preventive care, and strengthening primary health care systems.

Career pathways
  1. Epidemiology and Disease Control
  2. Environmental and Occupational Health
  3. Biostatistics and Data Analysis
  4. Maternal and Child Health
  5. Health Promotion and Education


Admission requirements

  • The minimum requirements for admission are as follows:
  • A full Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) with at least six credit passes including English and any two of the following Science subjects: Mathematics and Physics, Chemistry and Biology,
  • An equivalent of MSCE with credit passes based on the assessment system used such as O’ Level or IGCSE with at least 6 credits including English and Science subjects such as Mathematics and Physics,Chemistry and Biology,
  • .Mature entry
  • A diploma in a relevant field with a pass of 55% or above or a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or above in the final year obtained from a recognized institution plus a full MSCE with six credits.
  • Those with a diploma, as in (a) above, will be exempted from the first two years and enter at third year.
  • Those with a certificate in a relevant field, plus a full MSCE will be exempted from the first year and enter at second year.